Black History Pioneers
Ralph
Saturday, February 1
Ralph Lee Sampson, Jr. (born July 7, 1960) is attended Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. A 7-foot-4 phenom, three-time College Player of the Year, and first selection in the 1983 NBA draft, Sampson brought heavy expectations with him to the National Basketball Association (NBA). The NBA Rookie of the Year, Sampson averaged 20.7 points and 10.9 rebounds for his first three seasons with the Houston Rockets before injuries began to take their toll. Three knee surgeries later he retired a four-time All-Star whose career highlight ended up being a buzzer-beating shot to dethrone the Los Angeles Lakers as Western Conference champions, derailing their hopes for coveted back-to-back NBA titles and sending the Rockets to their second NBA Finals in the team's history. He is the son of Sarah and Ralph Sampson Sr. On November 22, 2011, Sampson was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. In February 2012, Sampson was honored by Houston Rockets and fans as a member of the Decade Team of the 80s. On April 2, 2012, Sampson was named a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's induction class of 2012.
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Ralph Lee Sampson, Jr. (born July 7, 1960) is attended Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. A 7-foot-4 phenom, three-time College Player of the Year, and first selection in the 1983 NBA draft, Sampson brought heavy expectations with him to the National Basketball Association (NBA). The NBA Rookie of the Year, Sampson averaged 20.7 points and 10.9 rebounds for his first three seasons with the Houston Rockets before injuries began to take their toll. Three knee surgeries later he retired a four-time All-Star whose career highlight ended up being a buzzer-beating shot to dethrone the Los Angeles Lakers as Western Conference champions, derailing their hopes for coveted back-to-back NBA titles and sending the Rockets to their second NBA Finals in the team's history. He is the son of Sarah and Ralph Sampson Sr. On November 22, 2011, Sampson was inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. In February 2012, Sampson was honored by Houston Rockets and fans as a member of the Decade Team of the 80s. On April 2, 2012, Sampson was named a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's induction class of 2012.
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Joanne
Monday, February 2
Like the poetry she revels in, Joanne Gabbin radiates with the power to transform. Both of her pioneering the James Madison University Furious Flower Poetry conferences have advanced African-American poetry, celebrating beauty and achievement, and revealing pain and injustice. Hundreds of today's poet laureates, elders, middle voices and emerging stars made the pilgrimage to Madison to participate, while the video anthology of this living history has reached classrooms around the world. For this and other achievements, Gabbin has relied on teaching and poetry to do the hard work of consciousness-raising. Her teaching and leadership have transformed the hearts, minds and attitudes of generations of Madison students. Dr. Gabbin was the recipient of two faculty awards: the Provost’s Award for Distinguished Service and the JMU Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award. In the fall of 2016, the JMU Office of Sponsored Programs recognized her success with external funders with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In October 2005, Dr. Gabbin was inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. She resides in Harrisonburg.
Like the poetry she revels in, Joanne Gabbin radiates with the power to transform. Both of her pioneering the James Madison University Furious Flower Poetry conferences have advanced African-American poetry, celebrating beauty and achievement, and revealing pain and injustice. Hundreds of today's poet laureates, elders, middle voices and emerging stars made the pilgrimage to Madison to participate, while the video anthology of this living history has reached classrooms around the world. For this and other achievements, Gabbin has relied on teaching and poetry to do the hard work of consciousness-raising. Her teaching and leadership have transformed the hearts, minds and attitudes of generations of Madison students. Dr. Gabbin was the recipient of two faculty awards: the Provost’s Award for Distinguished Service and the JMU Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award. In the fall of 2016, the JMU Office of Sponsored Programs recognized her success with external funders with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In October 2005, Dr. Gabbin was inducted into the International Literary Hall of Fame for Writers of African Descent. She resides in Harrisonburg.
Roscoe
Tuesday, February 3
Roscoe Edward Burgess, Sr. (July 13, 1929 – May 23, 2013) of Bridgewater, Virginia. He served on the Bridgewater, Virginia, town council for 20 years, the west camp of the Gideons, Bridgewater food pantry, was a chaplain at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, a member of the NAACP, Habatit for Humanity, and a member of numerous choirs.
Roscoe Edward Burgess, Sr. (July 13, 1929 – May 23, 2013) of Bridgewater, Virginia. He served on the Bridgewater, Virginia, town council for 20 years, the west camp of the Gideons, Bridgewater food pantry, was a chaplain at Rockingham Memorial Hospital, a member of the NAACP, Habatit for Humanity, and a member of numerous choirs.
Rita
Wednesday, February 4
Rita Wilson (April 25, 1940- April 18, 2016) former Staunton City Councilwoman of Staunton starting in 1991 as the city's first black councilwoman, Wilson spent 16 years on council and served on multiple boards and committees.
Rita Wilson (April 25, 1940- April 18, 2016) former Staunton City Councilwoman of Staunton starting in 1991 as the city's first black councilwoman, Wilson spent 16 years on council and served on multiple boards and committees.
Carlyle
Thursday, February 5
Carlyle Whitelow was a pioneer in athletics not only at Bridgewater College, but in the Commonwealth of Virginia.Carlyle lettered two years in football, basketball and track at Bridgewater and was the first black athlete to participate in intercollegiate athletics at the college. He was also the first black athlete in the state to play at a school that was not a predominantly black college. Carlyle retired in 1997, but his service to the Bridgewater community continues. He has been named the Bridgewater Ruritan Club's Citizen of the Year and is a member of several civic and church organizations. For his many years of dedicated service to Bridgewater College and the Bridgewater community, Carlyle Whitelow resides in Bridgewater, Virginia.
Carlyle Whitelow was a pioneer in athletics not only at Bridgewater College, but in the Commonwealth of Virginia.Carlyle lettered two years in football, basketball and track at Bridgewater and was the first black athlete to participate in intercollegiate athletics at the college. He was also the first black athlete in the state to play at a school that was not a predominantly black college. Carlyle retired in 1997, but his service to the Bridgewater community continues. He has been named the Bridgewater Ruritan Club's Citizen of the Year and is a member of several civic and church organizations. For his many years of dedicated service to Bridgewater College and the Bridgewater community, Carlyle Whitelow resides in Bridgewater, Virginia.
Lucy
Wednesday, February 6
Lucy F. Simms
Lucy F. Simms (born 1855, died July 10, 1934) was a former slave who went on to become an influential teacher in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Lucy F. Simms was born a slave in 1855 on the Gray family estate “Hilltop” along Harrisonburg’s eastern edge. Miss Simms began teaching when she was just 17 or 18 years old and was able to attend Hampton Institute from 1874 to 1877. Upon graduation, “Miss Lucy” returned to the Valley and taught for a year at Zenda, a black community north of Harrisonburg. She then moved to Harrisonburg city schools, first teaching in a church room and then the new Effinger School. She taught there until the end of the 1933-34 school year and died on July 10, 1934. Lucy Simms’ career spanned 56 years, with only one half-day lost due to illness.
Lucy F. Simms
Lucy F. Simms (born 1855, died July 10, 1934) was a former slave who went on to become an influential teacher in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Lucy F. Simms was born a slave in 1855 on the Gray family estate “Hilltop” along Harrisonburg’s eastern edge. Miss Simms began teaching when she was just 17 or 18 years old and was able to attend Hampton Institute from 1874 to 1877. Upon graduation, “Miss Lucy” returned to the Valley and taught for a year at Zenda, a black community north of Harrisonburg. She then moved to Harrisonburg city schools, first teaching in a church room and then the new Effinger School. She taught there until the end of the 1933-34 school year and died on July 10, 1934. Lucy Simms’ career spanned 56 years, with only one half-day lost due to illness.
Elon
Thursday, February 7
Elon Rhodes (83 years old, died 2006) was a civil rights pioneer in the political arena. Rhodes was the city's first black school board and city council member. He served on the council from 1976 to 1992. Rhodes was a very active member at John Wesley United Methodist Church. Harrisonburg School board members voted to name a school the Elon Rhodes Pre-k learning center just east of existing Smithland Elementary. "He gave so much back to the city." Rhodes, who died in 2006, served on the Harrisonburg School Board, where he was chairman. He was also the first African-American city councilman, holding seats also on numerous other commissions and committees for the city.
Elon Rhodes (83 years old, died 2006) was a civil rights pioneer in the political arena. Rhodes was the city's first black school board and city council member. He served on the council from 1976 to 1992. Rhodes was a very active member at John Wesley United Methodist Church. Harrisonburg School board members voted to name a school the Elon Rhodes Pre-k learning center just east of existing Smithland Elementary. "He gave so much back to the city." Rhodes, who died in 2006, served on the Harrisonburg School Board, where he was chairman. He was also the first African-American city councilman, holding seats also on numerous other commissions and committees for the city.
Stephanie
Friday, February 8
Stephanie Howard women's basketball player was selected to the 1986 National Sports Festival East Squad in May 1, 1986 and competed in the U.S. Olympic sponsored event in Houston, Texas. It is a week-long competition considered to be the first step towards reaching the 1988 Olympics. She attended Harrisonburg High School and Radford University. On September 7, 1989 she became the first Radford student-athlete in its 15-year history to have their jersey (#10) retired.
Stephanie Howard women's basketball player was selected to the 1986 National Sports Festival East Squad in May 1, 1986 and competed in the U.S. Olympic sponsored event in Houston, Texas. It is a week-long competition considered to be the first step towards reaching the 1988 Olympics. She attended Harrisonburg High School and Radford University. On September 7, 1989 she became the first Radford student-athlete in its 15-year history to have their jersey (#10) retired.
Zach
Saturday, February 9
Zachairias Hilton Lewis (born March 7, 1922- December 17, 2010) He served during World War II in England, France and Germany and was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army in 1946, as a Technician Fifth Grade, in Company D, 377th Engineer Regiment.
Zach served apprenticeship at Kenneth Jones Funeral Home and Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, Virginia. In 1951 after passing the Virginia State Boards, he became a Licensed Funeral Director. He worked for Bland Funeral Home in Farmville, Virginia.
On March 2, 1957 he started Lewis Funeral Home in Waynesboro, Virginia. Over his 59 years of professional service, he was a member of the Western District Funeral Directors and Mortician Association, Shenandoah Valley Funeral Directors Association, Virginia Funeral Directors and Mortician Association and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. He was later selected as a board member of the Virginia Funeral Directors and Mortician Association.
Zachairias Hilton Lewis (born March 7, 1922- December 17, 2010) He served during World War II in England, France and Germany and was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army in 1946, as a Technician Fifth Grade, in Company D, 377th Engineer Regiment.
Zach served apprenticeship at Kenneth Jones Funeral Home and Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, Virginia. In 1951 after passing the Virginia State Boards, he became a Licensed Funeral Director. He worked for Bland Funeral Home in Farmville, Virginia.
On March 2, 1957 he started Lewis Funeral Home in Waynesboro, Virginia. Over his 59 years of professional service, he was a member of the Western District Funeral Directors and Mortician Association, Shenandoah Valley Funeral Directors Association, Virginia Funeral Directors and Mortician Association and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association. He was later selected as a board member of the Virginia Funeral Directors and Mortician Association.
Rev. Thelma
Sunday, February 10
Rev. Thelma Bryant Turner, know as "Sissy" was pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church in Crimora, Virginia, for 27 years , from 1972-1999. She was born in Elkton, Virginia in Rockingham County on May 22, 1922. Always devoted to serving others, Rev. Turner devoted her time to visiting hospitals, nursing homes, correctional centers and jails, and mental health facilities such as Staunton's Western State Hospital in Staunton, Virginia.
Rev. Thelma Bryant Turner, know as "Sissy" was pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church in Crimora, Virginia, for 27 years , from 1972-1999. She was born in Elkton, Virginia in Rockingham County on May 22, 1922. Always devoted to serving others, Rev. Turner devoted her time to visiting hospitals, nursing homes, correctional centers and jails, and mental health facilities such as Staunton's Western State Hospital in Staunton, Virginia.
Anthony
Monday, February 11
Harrisonburg, Virginia Lawyer Anthony Wayne Bailey, was appointed to become a juvenile and domestic relations judge by the General Assembly on Sept. 18 for the 26th Judicial District. The 26th District includes much of the Shenandoah Valley, including Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, and has one of the highest workloads per judge of any in the state, lawmakers say.
Harrisonburg, Virginia Lawyer Anthony Wayne Bailey, was appointed to become a juvenile and domestic relations judge by the General Assembly on Sept. 18 for the 26th Judicial District. The 26th District includes much of the Shenandoah Valley, including Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, and has one of the highest workloads per judge of any in the state, lawmakers say.
Diane
Tuesday, February 12
Diane Strawbridge began her James Madison University experience as an undergraduate. Today, she is James Madison University's director of student retention for the Centennial Scholars Program and has been a part of the Harrisonburg community for 35 years. During those years, she has dedicated herself to mentoring JMU students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Diane Strawbridge began her James Madison University experience as an undergraduate. Today, she is James Madison University's director of student retention for the Centennial Scholars Program and has been a part of the Harrisonburg community for 35 years. During those years, she has dedicated herself to mentoring JMU students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Howard
Wednesday, February 13
Howard Melvin Stevens Jr. (born February 9, 1950, in Harrisonburg, Virginia ) attended Harrisonburg High School and is a former NFL running back who played for the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Colts.[1] He was one of the smallest players to play in the NFL and was the smallest during his 5 years in the league.
Howard Melvin Stevens Jr. (born February 9, 1950, in Harrisonburg, Virginia ) attended Harrisonburg High School and is a former NFL running back who played for the New Orleans Saints and the Baltimore Colts.[1] He was one of the smallest players to play in the NFL and was the smallest during his 5 years in the league.
Kristi
Thursday, February 14
Kristi Renee Toliver (born January 27, 1987) attended Harrisonburg High School and Maryland University. Winning a NCAA Womens Basketball Championship and a WNBA Championship in 2016 is an American-Slovak professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Toliver was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States and possesses a dual American-Slovak citizenzhip. She is the daughter of former NBA referee, George Toliver and Peggy Toliver.
Kristi Renee Toliver (born January 27, 1987) attended Harrisonburg High School and Maryland University. Winning a NCAA Womens Basketball Championship and a WNBA Championship in 2016 is an American-Slovak professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Toliver was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States and possesses a dual American-Slovak citizenzhip. She is the daughter of former NBA referee, George Toliver and Peggy Toliver.
Arthur
Friday, February 15
Arthur Reid Ware Jr. (1912 – 2003) died at 91 years on Nov. 4, 2003 at his residence in Staunton, VA. Parents: Arthur R. Sr. and Reba Anderson Ware. He graduated from the former Booker T. Washington High School and received a bachelor of science degree from Virginia State College and a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York City; additional studies at Virginia State College, Hampton Institute, Cornell University, City College of New York and the University of Pennsylvania. He served in the US Army. He was a retired educator and the A.R. Ware Jr. Elementary School in Staunton was named in honor of him.”
Arthur Reid Ware Jr. (1912 – 2003) died at 91 years on Nov. 4, 2003 at his residence in Staunton, VA. Parents: Arthur R. Sr. and Reba Anderson Ware. He graduated from the former Booker T. Washington High School and received a bachelor of science degree from Virginia State College and a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York City; additional studies at Virginia State College, Hampton Institute, Cornell University, City College of New York and the University of Pennsylvania. He served in the US Army. He was a retired educator and the A.R. Ware Jr. Elementary School in Staunton was named in honor of him.”
Sheary
Saturday, February 16
Sheary D. Johnson was the first student to integrate within a white high school in Harrisonburg, VA in 1962. She graduated from Harrisonburg High School in 1966. She was the first of two Blacks to enter Madison College (now James Madison University) in 1966, and was the First Black person to graduate from Madison College (JMU) in 1970. Dr. Johnson earned Master’s Degree from Madison College (1974), earned Doctor Of Education Degree from the University of Virginia (1988) and was awarded Doctor of Christian Education Degree from Living Water Biblical Institute (2008). She is the daugther of the late Ann and Henry Darcus Sr.
Sheary D. Johnson was the first student to integrate within a white high school in Harrisonburg, VA in 1962. She graduated from Harrisonburg High School in 1966. She was the first of two Blacks to enter Madison College (now James Madison University) in 1966, and was the First Black person to graduate from Madison College (JMU) in 1970. Dr. Johnson earned Master’s Degree from Madison College (1974), earned Doctor Of Education Degree from the University of Virginia (1988) and was awarded Doctor of Christian Education Degree from Living Water Biblical Institute (2008). She is the daugther of the late Ann and Henry Darcus Sr.
Kenneth
Sunday, February 17
Kenneth L. Jones was owner and operator for 49 years of the Kenneth J. Jones Funeral Home. The business was founded on January 1, 1946. Orginally located at 14 Quarry Street, the business was moved to its present site on December 5, 1949. He served as a member of the Staunton City Council from 1968 to 1972. He was a member of the Staunton School Board from 1975 to 1979 and was the recipient of the Shenandoah Valley Hit newspaper 1992 Black History Month Male Business Person of the Year. He received the key to the city of Staunton, presented by the city council in February 1995. The Kenneth L. Jones Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 by Kenneth Jones’ niece and nephew. Kenneth Lee Jones departed this life December 1, 2004 at the age of 99.
Kenneth L. Jones was owner and operator for 49 years of the Kenneth J. Jones Funeral Home. The business was founded on January 1, 1946. Orginally located at 14 Quarry Street, the business was moved to its present site on December 5, 1949. He served as a member of the Staunton City Council from 1968 to 1972. He was a member of the Staunton School Board from 1975 to 1979 and was the recipient of the Shenandoah Valley Hit newspaper 1992 Black History Month Male Business Person of the Year. He received the key to the city of Staunton, presented by the city council in February 1995. The Kenneth L. Jones Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 by Kenneth Jones’ niece and nephew. Kenneth Lee Jones departed this life December 1, 2004 at the age of 99.
Margaret
Monday, February 18
Margaret P. Judkins, in the Augusta County area has done more in the field of educating people of all ages in the instrumental and choral music. She came to Staunton in 1956 to teach at Booker T. Washington High School. She also taught at all of the public of the public school music and instruments at the D. Webster Davis and T. C. Edmunds Schools. In addition she taught High School choir, the high school concert band, and the marching band at Booker T. Washington. Mrs. Judkins retired in 1988, but remains very active in her field, continuing to direct the Mt. Zion Baptist Church senior choir, the Ebenezer Baptist Church Sanctuary choir, and the United Voices, a choir composed of members of a number of area churches. She currently resides in Staunton, VA.
Margaret P. Judkins, in the Augusta County area has done more in the field of educating people of all ages in the instrumental and choral music. She came to Staunton in 1956 to teach at Booker T. Washington High School. She also taught at all of the public of the public school music and instruments at the D. Webster Davis and T. C. Edmunds Schools. In addition she taught High School choir, the high school concert band, and the marching band at Booker T. Washington. Mrs. Judkins retired in 1988, but remains very active in her field, continuing to direct the Mt. Zion Baptist Church senior choir, the Ebenezer Baptist Church Sanctuary choir, and the United Voices, a choir composed of members of a number of area churches. She currently resides in Staunton, VA.
Reggie
Tuesday, February 19
Reginald Allen Harris (born August 12, 1968 in Waynesboro, Virginia) is a former middle-relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was drafted in the first round (26th overall) in the 1987 MLB Draft he played in the MLB between 1990 and 1999 for the Oakland Athletics (1990–91), Boston Red Sox (1996), Philadelphia Phillies (1997), Houston Astros (1998) and Milwaukee Brewers (1999). Listed at 6' 1", 180 lb (82 kg), he batted and threw right-handed. In a six-season career, Harris posted a 2-3 record with a 4.91 earned run average in 86 appearances, including 95 strikeouts, 81 walks, 28 games finished, and 121.0 innings of work. He was not credited with a save.
In 2015, he was hired as pitching coach for the Sussex County Miners but left the team in early July.
Reginald Allen Harris (born August 12, 1968 in Waynesboro, Virginia) is a former middle-relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was drafted in the first round (26th overall) in the 1987 MLB Draft he played in the MLB between 1990 and 1999 for the Oakland Athletics (1990–91), Boston Red Sox (1996), Philadelphia Phillies (1997), Houston Astros (1998) and Milwaukee Brewers (1999). Listed at 6' 1", 180 lb (82 kg), he batted and threw right-handed. In a six-season career, Harris posted a 2-3 record with a 4.91 earned run average in 86 appearances, including 95 strikeouts, 81 walks, 28 games finished, and 121.0 innings of work. He was not credited with a save.
In 2015, he was hired as pitching coach for the Sussex County Miners but left the team in early July.
Joy
Wednesday, February 20
Joy Kingsley-Ibeh formerly of Harrisonburg, Virginia. attended Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and earned a B.A. degree in Communications at George Mason University. Set school records in volleyball and basketball at EMHS.
At George Mason Kingsley-Ibeh received the CAA Player of the Year and tournament MVP honors in 1996, as she concluded her career with a fourth-straight conference title. She was a three-time All-Region and All-CAA selection, and ranks third in career kills (1,704) and fifth in career digs (1,098) at Mason. Joy was honored in August 2009 as being among the CAA’s best athletes and in 2010, she was honored as a CAA Volleyball Silver Anniversary Team member as she still ranks in the top 25 best volleyball athletes. She is married to Azam Mirza and they live in Arlington, Virginia. Azam
Joy Kingsley-Ibeh formerly of Harrisonburg, Virginia. attended Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and earned a B.A. degree in Communications at George Mason University. Set school records in volleyball and basketball at EMHS.
At George Mason Kingsley-Ibeh received the CAA Player of the Year and tournament MVP honors in 1996, as she concluded her career with a fourth-straight conference title. She was a three-time All-Region and All-CAA selection, and ranks third in career kills (1,704) and fifth in career digs (1,098) at Mason. Joy was honored in August 2009 as being among the CAA’s best athletes and in 2010, she was honored as a CAA Volleyball Silver Anniversary Team member as she still ranks in the top 25 best volleyball athletes. She is married to Azam Mirza and they live in Arlington, Virginia. Azam
James
Thursday, February 21
James Steptoe worked at Steptoe's Barber Shop (Originally Modern Barber shop), Hair Salon in New Market, Virginia. The family owned business served New Market, Virginia and surrounding counties for 90 years.
He attended Lucy F. Simms School in Harrisonburg, VA.
He is married to Martha Steptoe and they currently live in New Market.
James Steptoe worked at Steptoe's Barber Shop (Originally Modern Barber shop), Hair Salon in New Market, Virginia. The family owned business served New Market, Virginia and surrounding counties for 90 years.
He attended Lucy F. Simms School in Harrisonburg, VA.
He is married to Martha Steptoe and they currently live in New Market.
Albunyer
Friday, February 22
Albunyer Lorine "Bunnie" Arrington, 84, of Harrisonburg VA, passed into eternal rest at Sentara Medical Center, Woodbridge VA, on Thursday, March 1, 2014. Born December 2nd, 1929, she was the eldest daughter of the late William Arthur and Jane Serena Smith Arrington. Bunnie completed her secondary education at Eastman High School in Enfield, NC, her undergraduate degree at North Carolina A& T State University and her graduate degree at Winston-Salem State University. Bunnie was a dedicated teacher and educator for over 36 years in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Schools at Lucy Sims School and Spotswood. A devoted member of John Wesley United Methodist Church and community worker, she served as a Sunday School teacher, church missionary leader, and in special community service. She was also an active member of the Valley Association of Retired Educators.
Albunyer Lorine "Bunnie" Arrington, 84, of Harrisonburg VA, passed into eternal rest at Sentara Medical Center, Woodbridge VA, on Thursday, March 1, 2014. Born December 2nd, 1929, she was the eldest daughter of the late William Arthur and Jane Serena Smith Arrington. Bunnie completed her secondary education at Eastman High School in Enfield, NC, her undergraduate degree at North Carolina A& T State University and her graduate degree at Winston-Salem State University. Bunnie was a dedicated teacher and educator for over 36 years in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Schools at Lucy Sims School and Spotswood. A devoted member of John Wesley United Methodist Church and community worker, she served as a Sunday School teacher, church missionary leader, and in special community service. She was also an active member of the Valley Association of Retired Educators.
Saturday, February 23
William W. Perry, son of John H. and Julia (Barbour) Perry, was born in Waynesboro, Virginia, and received his elementary and secondary education at Rosenwald School in Waynesboro. As an educator and civic leader, one of Mr. Perry’s finest accomplishments was his work for the integration of the city schools in Waynesboro, which occurred in 1965. He was honored by the naming of Waynesboro first new school in 20 years the William Perry Elementary School. The decision by the board to name the new school in honor of Mr. Perry was unanimous. Since retirement, he has remained active in Shiloh Baptist Church and its trustee Board, the American Legion Post 340, and in the Virginia Retired Teacher’s Association.
William W. Perry, son of John H. and Julia (Barbour) Perry, was born in Waynesboro, Virginia, and received his elementary and secondary education at Rosenwald School in Waynesboro. As an educator and civic leader, one of Mr. Perry’s finest accomplishments was his work for the integration of the city schools in Waynesboro, which occurred in 1965. He was honored by the naming of Waynesboro first new school in 20 years the William Perry Elementary School. The decision by the board to name the new school in honor of Mr. Perry was unanimous. Since retirement, he has remained active in Shiloh Baptist Church and its trustee Board, the American Legion Post 340, and in the Virginia Retired Teacher’s Association.