Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. was chartered in the state of Texas on September 8, 1964 as a non-profit educational, humanitarian organization.

Founders: Mrs. Franchell Boswell, Tyler, Texas; Mrs. Ina Bolton Brown, Houston, Texas; Mrs. Augusta R. Cash, Memphis, Tennessee; Major Ozell M. Dean, Washington, D.C.; Mrs. Willie Lee Glass, Tyler, Texas; Mrs. La Verne R. Madlock, Tyler, Texas; Mrs. Ruth Payne Smith, Navasota, Texas; and Mrs. Georgia B. Presswood Nelson, Dallas, Texas. The vision and service of these eight dedicated women created the TLOD Story.

These trailblazers contacted other persons to ascertain if enough concern, interest and strength could be generated among distinguished women to help alleviate the myriad of problems confronting youth in our respective communities.

Since its inception, the organization has expanded its objectives to include its focus on youth known as Top Teens of America, improving the status of women, service to senior citizens, community beautification and community partnerships. Chapters nationwide support the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Sickle Cell Disease Awareness, and the awarding of national scholarships to at least one in each of TLOD’s six geographic areas.