The Montgomery County Chapter of Sophisticates, Inc. was founded in 2002 by Cherlyn (Cheri) Freeman Watkins, inspired by a legacy of sisterhood, joy, and connection. As the daughter of founding member Nancy Freeman of the Washington, DC Chapter, Cheri grew up witnessing firsthand the warmth, camaraderie, and fun-loving spirit that defined the Sophisticates experience. Determined to carry that tradition forward, she set out to recreate that same sense of friendship and shared joy in Montgomery County. After sharing her vision with close friends, the interest group Just Friends was formed, planting the seeds for what would soon become a vibrant and enduring chapter.

Sponsored by the Dayton Chapter, the Montgomery County Chapter was officially installed on April 24, 2004, becoming the 10th chapter of Sophisticates, Inc. The charter members were Kim Alfonso, Mary Barth, Lisa Bolden, Joyce Brayboy, Jaqee Cooke, Leslie Fields, Cheri Freeman-Watkins, Daphne Jarvis, and Debbi Jarvis.

Growth followed quickly. In 2005, six new members were installed: Sonya Ali, Hillary Baltimore, Kimmarie Jamison, Candice Mitchell, Carla Diggs Smith, and Robin Watkins. The Washington, DC Chapter participated in the installation, marking the occasion with celebration and fellowship.

In 2006, the chapter welcomed Kim Freeman, Stephanie Jones, Kim Manning, Pinkie Mayfield, Tammy McKnight, Charlotte Reid, and Tracey Trabue. That same year, Tracy Freeman, also the daughter of founding member Nancy Freeman, transferred from the Cleveland Chapter, further strengthening the family ties within the chapter.

The years that followed brought continued growth and connection. In 2008, Sherri Jackson and Sheila Pradia Williams joined the chapter. In 2012, Alona Phillips and Dawn Whitmore transferred from the New York and Columbus Chapters, respectively. That same year, Melissa Clarke Bruce and Kathy Hollinger were inducted.

In 2015, Lisa Bolden, who had previously resigned due to relocation to Atlanta and became a founding member of the Alpharetta Chapter, returned to the Washington, DC area and transferred back to Montgomery County. Candice Tobin transferred from the Columbia, South Carolina Chapter in 2018. That year also marked the induction of Nicole Blake, Kelly Darnell, and Dari Ruff.

In 2020, the chapter mourned the loss of beloved member Kimmarie Jamison, whose spirit and presence remain forever in our hearts. In 2023, Gabrielle Alfonso (daughter of Kim Alfonso), Michelle Rice, and Shawn Yancy were inducted. Andrea Williams joined the chapter in 2024.

Today, the Montgomery County Chapter proudly includes 27 members: Kim Alfonso, Sonya Ali, Gabrielle Alfonso, Mary Barth, Nicole Blake, Lisa Bolden, Joyce Brayboy, Melissa Clarke Bruce, Kelly Darnell, Jaqee Cooke Dean, Cheri Freeman-Watkins, Tracy Freeman, Sherri Jackson, Daphne Jarvis, Debbi Jarvis, Pinkie Mayfield, Tammy McKnight, Candice Mitchell, Sheila Pradia Williams, Charlotte Reid, Michelle Rice, Dari Ruff, Candace Tobin, Tracey Trabue, Robin Watkins, Andrea Williams-Kingslow, and Shawn Yancy.

Leadership and Service

The chapter has been guided by dedicated leadership over the years. Presidents of the Montgomery County Chapter have included Cheri Freeman-Watkins (2002 to 2004 as Interest Group President and 2004 to 2007 as Chapter President), Kim Alfonso (2007 to 2011), Tammy McKnight (2011 to 2015), Sherri Jackson (2015 to 2019), Sonya Ali (2019 to 2023), and Tracy Freeman (2023 to present).

Members of the chapter have also served at the national level. Kim Alfonso served as National Secretary. Cheri Freeman served as Vice President of the Executive Board and completed two terms as President of the Executive Board. Pinkie Mayfield served as National Treasurer for two years.

A Tradition of Fun and Friendship

With passion and enthusiasm, the Montgomery County Chapter is known for hosting creative, theme-oriented, and fun-filled monthly meetings. Members enthusiastically embrace annual meeting themes and are famous for dressing the part on Friday nights. From singing James Brown and dancing to Michael Jackson’s Thriller, to wearing coordinated long wigs with silver trench coats, dressing as angels escorted by devils, and donning flashing hats for Mardi Gras, this chapter knows how to put on a show. The chapter is also blessed with SophistiCats who share in the fun, joining their wives for picnics, sporting events, and dinner parties throughout the year.

Above all, the Montgomery County Chapter prides itself on putting friendship first, honoring the foundation on which the Sophisticates was started, "having fun their whole life through, and keeping friendship warm and ever-glowing..."