Furgurson, Bessie

Date: October 28, 2010

Interview 213a : In this interview with Patsy Colbert, Bessie Fergurson reminisces about her school days in Diboll. A junior in high school during the first year of racial integration, Mrs. Fergurson does not remember any serious problems between the races or at school during this time. Although she didn't have many black friends, she doesn't recall feeling anything negative toward the process or any of the black students. Mrs. Russo lived for a time with her grandmother, Mrs. Bea Burkhalter, the principal of Diboll Elementary School during integration. She mentions Mr. Willy Massey, Mr. Pate, and Mr. Robert Ramsey. She also recalls a memorial service for a former student (Preston Russaw) who died in Vietnam.

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