National Offices

Broward County Chapter Sponsor - 1955

Frankie Drayton Thomas was born in West Palm Beach, Florida to Iola and Frank Drayton.  She attended public schools graduating in 1946 as an honor student from Industrial High School.  She attended Howard University in Washington DC, where she graduated in 1950.  Subsequent to that time, Frankie returned to West Palm Beach and became the first black college trained social worker hired by the department of public welfare.  She enjoyed a fruitful and productive career as a social worker having worked both in the State of Washington and Florida.

She was married to James Thomas, Sr.  This union produced two children, James Thomas Jr. and Attorney Iola (Thomas) Mosley.  She has 7 grandchildren.

Frankie was an energetic productive employee during which time she accomplished much.  She retired from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative services as director of Resource Development and Volunteer Services in 1995.

Frankie has been very involved in many political, social and family endeavors.  Some things to her credit are co-founder of the Charmettes Inc. that has 19 chapters both “nationally and internationally”.  During hr career she was responsible for many creative services and projects.  One of the projects that she initiated as a member of the Charmettes is the annual contribution to the Howard University Cancer Research Center.  This is the only black institution that is responsible for Research in Cancer.  From 1981 to present the Charmettes have contributed nearly $350,000 dollars to this effort.

Frankie Thomas was the founding president of the Northwest Democratic Club in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  She has served as an officer in numerous organizations, including the Charmettes, Inc. as National President and Executive Director; the Board of Directors of the Urban League; the Board of Directors of Southeast Hospice (and she was the first African-American Female in the country to head of a Hospice Board of Director and also on the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of America.  

Frankie is a member of Delta Sigma Theta and served as a past Parliamentarian of the Broward County Chapter.  She has organized and executed many political forums and helped to elect many candidates for office including Governor Bob Graham, Congressman Alcee Hastings and most of the Broward County Commissioners and school board members, Sheriff Ken Jenne, Attorney General Bob Butterworth, and President Bill Clinton.  She is well known for her political savvy.  These are some of the highlights of her career; however, she has accomplished many other achievements for which she is duly proud.

Gwendolyn Baker Rodgers was born to Portia and Oscar Baker in West Palm Beach, Florida. “Gwen” as she was affectionately called, spent most of her life in South Florida. She attended Palm Beach County Schools, graduating from Industrial High School in 1944. She attended Bennett College in North Carolina, later transferring to Howard University in Washington, D.C.

While attending Howard, she met and married Edward Rodgers. To this union, three children were born, Anthony “Tony”, Sandra “Cissie” and Edward “Eddie II”, Jr.

Gwen was a creative, loyal and dedicated person. Her tenacious spirit was evident in every task she undertook. She brought this “can do” spirit to The Charmettes. Gwen worked tirelessly to promote the growth and development of this organization. She was steadfast in her belief that Charmettes should play a vital role in the African American community. She embraced the national project and worked to promote The Charmettes as a champion for the eradication of cancer.

Not only was Gwen a dedicated Charmette, she was also an active and faithful member of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church. Gwen was a beloved wife, devoted mother and cherished grandmother. She was a inspirational friend to all who knew her.