Summer/Fall 2002 (Vol. 116 No. 1) (PDF) - Spelman College: Home

In MemoriamThe Undaunted SpiritOn February 16, 2002, we were overwhelmed by the passing of Dr. Jann Patrice Primus,C’81, Associate Professor and Vice-Chair of the Biology Department. Yet we rose above our griefto celebrate the life and legacy of this gifted scientist, educator and woman of great characterand principles. Testimonies from Spelman alumnae across this country spoke to how Dr.Primus’ brief but powerful life made a difference in the world and at Spelman College. They toldof how she prepared them to be the top students at the best graduate and medical schools in thiscountry. Current students and Spelman colleagues spoke of how her no-nonsense style as a scientistwas balanced by the openness with which she expressed her spiritual foundation. Because ofJann Patrice Primus the world will know capable and wise African American female microbiologists,molecular biologists and geneticists, among other scientists and physicians. And so, eventhough her earthly life has ceased, her calling will still be fulfilled through those touched by hergenius. This is the power of the undaunted spirit.1927 (High School)Nell Johnson HenryNell Johnson Henry contracted polioas a young child, but while experimentingwith her braces at the age offive, discovered that she could walk. Itwas a miracle that, unable to bendeither ankle, she was able to walkupright. Determined to pursue aneducation, she graduated valedictorianof the Spelman High SchoolClass of 1927. While a student atSpelman, she began attendingFriendship Baptist Church and sangin the choir. After hearing her sing,Dr. John Hope, then president ofAtlanta University, suggested that shehave further voice training. She wasthen directed to Dr. Adam ClaytonPowell of Abyssinian Baptist Churchin New York where she became amember of the choir. In New York shemet Hall Johnson, Conductor of theHall Johnson Negro Choir, whichsang Negro spirituals. After joininghis choir, she became a student ofSegei Radamsky, a noted Russianvoice teacher, who gave her lessonsfor no fee. She later returned toAtlanta, where she met and marriedthe late Thomas Henry, Jr., a lawyerand World War II veteran. In Atlanta,she taught piano and voice. As adevoted member of Berean SeventhdayAdventist Church, she was a choirsoloist, deaconness and SabbathSchool teacher. Mrs. Henry was 101years old at the time of her passing.Died: June 9, 2002Services: June 13, 2002Berean Seventh-day Adventist ChurchAtlanta, Georgia1935Ruby Nelson RileyMother, grandmother and greatgrandmother;domestic worker, homemakerand barber, her beautiful spiritand infectious smile earned her thetitle of “Peacock Lady”; faithful memberof Cosmopolitan AME Church,where she was a member of the TwelveWonders club; hobbies included makinghats, gardening and fishing.Died: May 11, 2002Services: May 16, 2002Cosmopolitan AME ChurchAtlanta, Georgia1937Jennie Morgan MarshallRetired from the Pittsburgh CityParks and Recreation Department;long time member of Bethesda PresbyterianChurch where she served aspresident of the Presbyterian Women;excellent seamstress.Died: May 16, 2002Services: May 21, 2002Gaines Funeral Home ChapelPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaPearl Taylor SandersMother, grandmother and greatgrandmother; primary and secondaryschool teacher for 40 years. Known as“Miss Sanders,” she influenced thelives of legions of students, many ofwhom she encountered whileemployed at Albany State College.Devoted member of Bethel AMEChurch for over 50 years where shewas on the Usher Board No. 2 andparticipated in the Lillie S. Page Serviceclub; member of Delta SigmaTheta Sorority, the Semper FidelisClub and the Spelman Club.Services: April 26, 2002Bethel AME ChurchAlbany, Georgia1941Harriett Robinson JohnsonWife, mother, grandmother; homemakerand teacher in the AtlantaPublic School System; devoted memberof Friendship Baptist churchwhere she served as Sunday Schoolteacher, Vacation Bible School worker,and Deaconess Board member.Died: February 7, 2002Services: February 15, 2002Friendship Baptist ChurchAtlanta, Georgia1943Mary Lee Hall BusseyMother, grandmother, great-grandmotherand sister; spent her entirecareer in education as a teacher inWaycross, Georgia and supervisor inMontgomery, Bryan-Evans andMuscogee counties in Georgia; thefirst black to serve as consultant in theMuscogee County School District;member of the Georgia Teachers EducationAssociation, which she servedas regional director and member ofthe State Board; known as initiator ofthe Muscogee County School District’sfirst Fine Arts Program and of the firststatewide spelling bee competition,which she coordinated for more than10 years; charter member of numerouscivic and social organizations; amember for more than 50 years ofFirst African Baptist Church, whereshe worked with missions, music, thetrustees and Christian education ministries;She served on boards for a hostof impressive national and local organizationsand held numerous lifememberships as well; honored oftenfor her public service, she was therecipient of such awards as DistinguishedEducator and Woman of theYear; In his memoirs, stage, film andtelevision star Ossie Davis credits Mrs.Bussey for much of his success; InJanuary 2000, she was honored asnumber four on a list of 100 Peopleto Remember in this Century.Died: March 19, 2002Services: March 23, 2002First African Baptist ChurchColumbus, Georgia32S P E L M A N M E S S E N G E R