Jessie Thackrey

1913–2013

Dedicated to Falls Church City Public Schools

In 1948, with her husband, Franklin, led the community effort to establish Falls Church as an independent city and subsequently, in 1949, to establish the highly acclaimed Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS).

Served as Thomas Jefferson Elementary School PTA president.

Served two terms on the Falls Church City School Board (1962–1970) and as vice chairman during her second term.

During her tenure, FCCPS became the first system in the state to voluntarily integrate and the first to offer Kindergarten.

Served as a board member and chair of the Northern Virginia Community College from mid-1970s to early 1980s.

Active member of Citizens for a Better City and the Falls Church League of Women Voters.

First female senior warden of the Falls Church Episcopal Church.

In 1987, received the Carroll V. Shreve Award for meritorious humanitarian service from the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce.

In 1998, received the Mattie Gundry Award for outstanding women in the Falls Church community from the Falls Church Commission on Women.

In 2014, FCCPS’s newest school was named Jessie Thackrey Preschool in her honor.

Mother of six children.