RALEIGH GRADUATE CHAPTER
SWING PHI SWING SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP INC.®
Invincible Sisters
“WHEREAS, the passing of our beloved Sisters is the will of God and there is a human tie that has been broken which bleeds the heart in agony and pain. We are encouraged and consoled in the words of Jesus who said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake them”.
Cheryl Kornegay
Chairwoman SISTER Kornegay succumbed to Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on May 2, 2017.
SISTER Kornegay was born on January 18, 1951, to the late Daniel and Eva Johnson in Queens, New York.
Chairwoman SISTER Kornegay is a 1975 graduate of Bennett College, in Greensboro, NC. She graduated with honors and received her Degree in Early Childhood Education in 1975.
Her leadership and organizational skills blossomed while at Bennett College.
During the turbulent ’60s, Chairwoman Cheryl sought an organization that represented her passion and commitment to community service. A new organization was born on April 4, 1969, and its missions and purposes appealed to her rebellious spirit. She pledged SWING in 1971 and threw herself, wholeheartedly, into the goals and purposes which are SWING.
In the 1980’s SISTER, Kornegay worked for the State of New York with special needs children and adults.
She received numerous honors and awards from the State of New York.
During the 90’s SISTER, Kornegay moved to Raleigh, NC, and continued her career with the Wake County Public School System.
She received numerous honors and awards from the Wake County Public School System and Bugg Elementary.
Being an educator by profession, over the years, SISTER Cheryl mentored hundreds of troubled youths. She taught special needs children for over thirty years at several schools. SISTER Kornegay taught at Bugg Elementary until she retired. SISTER Kornegay was a step master, a visionary, a dreamer, and a leader.
Chairwoman SISTER Cheryl Kornegay held numerous offices within the organization.
She was Past National President, Past National Vice President, Past Southwest Regional Administrator, National Dean of Pledgees, and Chairwoman of the 50th Anniversary Committee. The prestigious Cheryl Phipps Award was established in her honor. For years she was the Chairwoman of the Raleigh Graduate Chapter’s Mentoring Program, SWING SOCIETY.
She left to cherish her loving memory one SWING daughter Frenchy Evans, one son Terrance Phipps, a blood SWING SISTER Cynthia Johnson-Watson, three brothers Dean Johnson, Reginald Vel Johnson and Barry Johnson, two grandchildren, a host of family and friends,
the SISTERS of SWING PHI SWING SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP, INC. ® and the BROTHERS OF GROOVE PHI GROOVE SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP, INC. ®
Judith London
SISTER Judith London was born on January 11, 1958, in Greensboro, NC. She departed this earth on December 28, 2012. Judith London attended North Carolina A&T State University, where she was a popular foxy dancer. She pledged the Raleigh Graduate Chapter of SWING PHI SWING SFI. Judith enjoyed 17 years of employment with FedEx.
Gwendolyn Whitley Sills
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
It is with heartfelt sympathy that we inform you that our CHARTER SISTER Gwendolyn Whitley Sills, affectionately known as WATER, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019.
SISTER Gwen pledged at St. Augustine University
and was one of the FOUNDING Members of the Raleigh Graduate Chapter of SWING PHI SWING SFI.
Psalms 121, “I will look to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord.” May God Bless the family of SISTER CHAPTER FOUNDER GWENDOLYN WHITLEY SILLS and The SISTERS of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship, Inc. ®
MARCIA BROOKINS
December 9, 1947 - July 9, 2022 Time and tide has ebbed for our beloved SISTER Marcia Brookins. In life she lived and loved SWING PHI SWING SFI. There comes a time when the STARS that roam the earth must return to GOD's heaven to illuminate a path for others. We love you SIS. May GOD continue to keep you in his warm embrace.
Dr. Gwendolyn Keith Newsome
SISTER Dr. Gwendolyn Keith Newsome began life’s journey on January 20, 1951, in Raleigh, North Carolina. She earned and claimed her heavenly wings on August 12, 2023.
Dr. Gwen Keith Newsome’s journey of service and social connections led her to become a part of an African American organization, Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship Inc.® She was a part of the charter line for the AGGIE Chapter at North Carolina A&T State University. Her commitment to service was demonstrated by her lifelong pledge to this community service-based and culturally aware organization, and by her support of academic excellence and self-care. Dr. Newsome presented the importance of mental health care through countless webinars and presentations for organizations, such as the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Christian Faith Baptist Church, and many others. Her calming demeanor along with words of clarity and peace have settled many concerned hearts. Gwen was a woman of God whose testimony to His faithfulness was demonstrated by her dedication to the choir at Christian Faith Baptist Church, delivering Saturday Meals, and serving on the Missionary Ministry. Her willingness to volunteer and serve whenever and wherever she was needed speaks to her love of the Lord.