| Founding Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority |
|---|
| Osceola Macarthy Adams |
| Florence Letcher Toms |
| Ethel Carr Watson |
| Wertie Blackwell Weaver |
| Winona Cargile Alexander |
| Marguerite Young Alexander |
| Ethel Cuff Black |
| Zephyr Chisom Carter |
| Myra Davis Hemmings |
| Olive C. Jones |
| Mamie Reddy Rose |
| Naomi Sewell Richardson |
| Vashti Turley Murphy |
| Madree Penn White |
| Bertha Pitts Campbell |
| Eliza Pearl Shippen |
| Frederica Chase Dodd |
| Edith Motte Young |
| Jessie McGuire Dent |
| Edna Brown Coleman |
| Jimmie Bugg Middleton |
| Pauline Oberdorfer Minor |
| Pauline Oberdorfer Minor | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1889 Charlottesville, Virginia, USA |
| Died | 1963 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Howard University |
| Occupation | Mezzo-soprano, composer |
| Known for | Co-founder of Delta Sigma Theta |
Pauline Oberdorfer Minor (c.1889–1963) was one of the founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.[1]
Pauline Oberdorfer was born around 1889 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Raised by an aunt and uncle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she did not know her parents nor her exact date of birth. In 1910, she graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. Through the financial assistance of her church, Oberdorfer was able to attend the Teachers College at Howard University.[1][2]
At Howard, Oberdorfer co-founded the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and served as the first treasurer of the Alpha Chapter. After graduating as valedictorian of the class of 1914, she pursued a teaching career in Pennsylvania, Alabama and South Carolina.[1]
Oberdorfer also embarked on a career as a mezzo-soprano recitalist and composer of spirituals. Her book, Soul Echoes featured forty of her compositions including "Get Off the Judgment Seat" and "My Lord Is a Refuge."[1]
She married a Mr. Minor and died in 1963, presumably in her mid-70s.[1]