Nearly 57 years ago, Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated, established Area IV as its fourth administrative region. Since that time, the dedicated ladies of Area IV have volunteered their time, talents and finances to further the goals and programs of TLOD.

A vital part of TLOD's rich history, the Jackson Chapter- Jackson, Tennessee was the first chapter established outside of the state of Texas and the first in Area IV. The chapter was organized by Founder Willie Lee Glass on May 13, 1967, with Lady Edna Mitchell Cawthorn, a noted professor at Lane College, serving as its first president. The Knoxville Chapter in Knoxville TN quickly followed and was chartered on May 4, 1968, led by Lady Ruth Bern, President.

Area IV has grown to encompass over 31 active, vibrant chapters across the seven-state area of: South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama.  On July 15, 1984, the first international chapter of TLOD was chartered in Montego Bay, Jamaica and became a part of Area IV.

Area IV has been led through the years by thirteen dynamic women who served as National Area IV Directors.

Lady Ruth Alva Sharp Benn, of the Knoxville Chapter served the first National Area IV Director.  One of Lady Benn’s most notable achievements was the induction of Top Teens in the Knoxville Chapter, thus establishing it as the first functioning chapter in Area IV.

Lady Anna Marshall Mitchell, of the Miami Chapter, was the 2nd National Area IV Director.  She served from 1981-1982. 

Lady Bettye Hicks, of the Miami Chapter, was the 3rd National Area IV Director.  She served from 1982-1986. One of her major accomplishments was establishment of the first International TLOD Chapter in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Lady Rosa Stanback, of the Columbus, GA Chapter, was the 4th National Area IV Director and served from 1986-1991.  Lady Stanback was instrumental in reactivating the Jackson, TN chapter and inducted 11 new ladies. 

Lady Hattie Marie Morris, from the Pensacola, Chapter, was the 5th National Area IV Director and served from 1991-1995. Lady Morris focused on expansion and chartered 4 chapters.

Lady Ruth Adams Gadsden, from the Nashville Chapter, was the 6th National Area IV Director and served from 1995-1999.  Lady Gadsden chartered 4 chapters.

Lady Mary H. Lambert, of the Memphis Chapter, was the 7th National Area IV Director and served from 1999-2003. Under Lady Lambert’s tenure, 103 ladies were inducted into TLOD. Lady Lambert’s Theme was Moving into the Future and Claiming More in Area IV.

Lady Ernestine Kelly, of the Miami Chapter, was the 8th National Area IV Director and served from 2002-2007.  Lady Kelly started the Parade of Banners March and the Area IV Chapter Roll Call during Area conferences.

Lady Barbara Travis, of the Memphis Chapter, was the 9th National Area IV Director and served from 2007-2011.  Lady Travis’s Theme was Area IV Perpetuating the Legacy of Service. Her focus was on empowering youth and adults to provide exemplary service with passion and purpose.

Lady Eddie Lee Marsh, of the Savannah Chapter, was the 10th National Area IV Director and served from 2011-2015.  Lady Marsh focused on strengthening the infrastructure of Area IV.   Lady Marsh’s theme was Maximizing the impact of Area IV through service.  Lady Marsh is currently the National President and CEO of Top Ladies of Distinction, the first member from Area IV to ascend to this role.

Lady Crystal Pittman, of the Miami Chapter, was the 11th National Area IV Director and served from 2015-2019.  Lady Pittman chartered 6 chapters and was the first Area IV Director that is also a former Top Teen.  Lady Pittman’s Theme was Unifying TLOD and TTA Legacy Builders One Brick at a Time. She is currently the National Top Teens of America Director.

Lady Adrienne Boner, of the Effingham Chapter, was the 12th National Area IV Director.  She served from 2019-2023.  Lady Boner chartered 7 chapters, making Area IV the second largest in TLOD.  Her Theme was Moving Forward, Making a Difference, Honoring our Legacy and Shaping the Future.

Our current and 13th National Area IV Director is Lady Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson Organizer of the COLA City Chapter.  Lady Buckhanan Wilson formerly served TLOD in a number of national officers including First Vice President, Second Vice President, National Recording Secretary, Area III Director, and National Editor of the Crown.  As National Area IV Director, Lady Buckhanan Wilson’s goal is to continue to strengthen and expand the area through innovative programs and membership growth.  Her theme is Area IV SHINES-S-Synergize, H-Harmonize, I-Ignite, N-Nurture, E-Empower and S-Serves. She will serve for the 2023-2025 biennium.