Bessie Crawford Zackery’s lifelong dedication to education and her community has made her a cherished figure in Sand Springs. Her journey from valedictorian to esteemed educator exemplifies her passion for teaching and her commitment to the betterment of others.
Bessie Crawford Zackery arrived in Sand Springs in the 1920s and graduated as valedictorian from Booker T. Washington School in 1934. She went on to earn a B.A. degree from Langston University in 1938. After graduation, Bessie returned to Sand Springs to teach Art and Elementary Education at Booker T. Washington School. To stay current with educational methodologies, she took graduate courses each summer at Colorado State Teachers College, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa, where she earned her Master of Teaching Arts degree in 1959.
After 28 years at Booker T. Washington School, Bessie transferred to Limestone Elementary School, where she continued to teach until her retirement in 1979. Her 40-year teaching career was marked by numerous honors, including being recognized by her church in 1977 for her unselfish contributions, acts of kindness, and role modeling. In 1978, she was named Teacher of the Year by the Sand Springs Education Association.
Bessie’s contributions were further acknowledged when she was selected as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Sand Springs Booker T. Washington Alumni Association in 1981 and as the Sand Springs Hometown Hero in 1996. She was also recognized as a Very Important Member (VIM) by the Sand Springs Retired Educators Association and the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association. In 1999, she received the Ageless Hero Award from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Oklahoma, celebrating her spirit and vitality as a senior citizen.
Bessie Crawford Zackery’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to education, her students, and her community, making her an enduring inspiration to all who knew her.