For 78 of her 103 years, retired educator Marie Greenwood has belonged to Coterie, the oldest women’s literary group in Denver.
She joined this group of lifelong learners in 1937, 22 years after Coterie’s founding. Though she was granted emeritus membership several years ago, she still attends as many meetings as she is able.
One of them was the Centennial Celebration Luncheon where she and two other longtime members — Erma Bowie Ford and Carmel Johnson — received standing ovations after being introduced by mistress of ceremonies Heather Barry.
Johnson and Lucille Thomas chaired the Centennial Celebration; Charlette Fleming headed the program committee.
Fleming, a member since 2011, pointed out that “Coterie is much more than a book club. It is true we read books. However, we also study a plethora of interesting topics, perform extensive research, make interesting and informative presentations and take field trips to areas of interest. We have fun with our studies and share joy and laughter at our monthly meetings.”
Coterie’s founders, noted president Marilyn Richardson Lewis, “Simply refused to settle for mediocrity in their learning. Consequently, Coterie is not just a footnote in black history. Nor is it a passing reference in women’s history. Coterie is a continuing chapter in the illustrated history of humanity.”
Luncheon guests were treated to a recap of topics the members have focused on over the years; a showing of vintage fashions from a collection curated by member Clementine Pigford and remarks from Nora Robinson, who is descended from three of the 13 founding members: the late Leona Troutman Barbee, Geraldine Troutman Lightner and Addye V. Lightner.
The fashions, modeled by Sharyn Montgomery, Genevieve Montgomery, Mitzi Broadnax, Jasmine Crane and Niki Gill, included the gown member Jane Pigford had worn in 1988 when her daugher, Kaarin, was presented at the Owl Club debutante ball.
The luncheon menu also had a through-the-ages theme: apple-celery salad followed by scalloped chicken and peach cobbler.
State Reps. Rhonda Fields and Angela Williams were among those gathering at the Doubletree Hotel for the anniversary event. Also, Peaches Sellers, Glenda Barry, Faye Wilson Tate, Elenora Crichlow, Rosemarie Allen, Linda Bates Leali, Marcia Williams, Linda Bates Leali, Terry Nelson, Sandra Seale, Barbara Bonner, Carolyn Love, Vicki Tomlin, Carla Elam Floyd, Margaret Fomer, Kathryn Kaiser and Elizabeth Young.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314, jdavidson@denverpost.com or
