Bessie Skinner Gerst

Wee Wisdom Kindergarten Graduation
Photo courtesy: Jaqueline Bridgeforth Williams

Mrs. Bessie Skinner Gerst

Mrs. Bessie Gerst was born on February 13, 1909 and passed on August 4, 2012. The second daughter of Ellen E. and Lawrence L. Skinner, Mrs. Gerst lived in Williasmburg throughout her life. Mrs. Gerst graduated from the James City County Training School in 1927. She continued her education at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University) and pursued advanced studies, focused on Early Childhood Education, at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University). She married Mr. Lisbon Gerst and was blessed with four children, Wilbur, Lawrence, Jean, and Arden.

Mrs. Gerst opened a preschool and kindergarten in her home for children ages 3-5, beginning in 1950, that operated until 1975. For 25 years, Mrs. Gerst’s kindergarten served upwards of 50 children each year. Mrs. Gerst was tirelessly dedicated to her students. Throughout her time as a kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Gerst worked with her students on writing, reading, and music. She greatly enjoyed taking her students on field trips, hand-making graduation caps and gowns, and embracing the arts in her classroom. Her passion for education continued through her children, who followed in her footsteps in the teaching profession.

Wee Wisdom Kindergarten Graduation 1957

Front frow (from L): Lauren Lee, Peggy Clemens, Cynthia Orange, Bea Zeigler, Lynette Rawls, Orelia Rainey, Sharon Johnson, Crystal Epps, Mary Lassiter, Diane Patten, Iris Judkins

Back row (from L): Brenda Neal, Renee Randall, James Crump, Rex Ellis, Troy Roots, Rodney Washington, Pete Cooley, Jerome Clark, Jonathon Jackson, Kenneth Haywood

Photo courtesy: Troy Roots

Wee Wisdom Kindergarten Reunion, 2006

L to R: Troy Roots, Cynthia Orange Pugh (grey jacket), Iris Judkins, Orelia Rainey Dunningham, Kenneth Haywood, Pete Cooley; Sitting/kneeling: Mrs. Bessie Gerst and son Mr. Lawrence Gerst

Photo courtesy: Troy Roots

Mrs. Gerst was highly involved in the community. As a member of First Baptist Church, Mrs. Gerst participated in the Senior Choir for seventy years, served as Secretary for fifteen years, and was a member of the Missionary Society, the Women's Auxiliary and the History Committee. She also served as a Brownie Scout Troop leader and was a member of the NAACP, the Retired Teacher's Association, and the James City County Training School Alumni Association.

Source: Mrs. Bessie Gerst Oral History, April 6, 2006, Williamsburg Documentary Project; Mrs. Bessie Gerst obituary https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/vagazette/name/bessie-gerst-obituary?id=17727933

News of Williamsburg by Mrs. Bessie Gerst

Mrs. Bessie Gerst was an avid writer, frequently contributing news columns. She wrote a column, "News of Williamsburg," for the Norfolk Journal and Guide from 1942 to 1945.

The excerpt on the left is from Bessie Gerst's column on October 30, 1943 and includes details about the interracial group meeting at the First Baptist Church, in addition to other updates and current events around town.

The excerpts below offer a look at the range of topics covered by Mrs. Gerst in the News of Williamsburg, spanning from May 27, 1944 to March 25, 1944.

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