Flora D. Crittenden facts for kids

Flora Lonette Davis Crittenden (born August 10, 1924 – died November 2, 2021) was an important American leader. She was a teacher and a guidance counselor for many years. Flora Crittenden was also a civil rights activist, working for equal rights for all people.

Later in her life, she became a politician in Virginia. She served on the Newport News City Council. Then, she was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, helping to make laws for the state. A middle school in Newport News is named after her.

Early Life and Education

Flora Lonette Davis was born in Brooklyn, New York on August 10, 1924. When she was young, she lived in Scarsdale, New York. Her parents worked there as caretakers at a large house.

At age eight, she faced unfair treatment because of her race. So, her family moved back to Brooklyn. During summers, Flora visited relatives in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

After finishing elementary school, she moved to Newport News, Virginia. She lived there with her grandmother and aunts. At that time, Newport News had separate areas for black and white communities.

Flora went to Huntington High School in Newport News. This was the only all-black high school in the area then. She graduated in 1941.

She then attended Virginia State University. In 1945, she earned a bachelor's degree in physical education. She had wanted to study math, but chose physical education instead.

Career in Education

After college, Flora Crittenden became a teacher. She taught physical education, English, and social studies. She worked at the new Carver High School in Warwick for seven years. Warwick later became part of Newport News.

In 1956, Flora and her husband moved to Indiana with their children. There, she continued her education. She earned a Master of Science degree from Indiana University in 1959. She studied physical education, health, and counseling.

In 1971, Flora Crittenden studied Advanced Guidance Theory. This helped her create a career counseling program at Carver High School. She worked in Newport News public schools for 32 years. She was a teacher and department head for 15 years. Then, she was a guidance counselor and director for 17 years.

Flora Crittenden was also very active in the NAACP. This group works to ensure equal rights for all people. She was even the president of her local NAACP chapter in 1981.

Political Career

Flora Crittenden's political journey began in 1986. She was elected to the Newport News City Council. She served on the council for four years, until 1990.

Later, a position opened in the Virginia House of Delegates. This is where state laws are made. Flora Crittenden ran for the position and won in January 1993. She represented Newport News in the state government.

She was re-elected several times. She won easily in 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001. Flora Crittenden chose not to run for re-election in 2003. Another Democrat, Mamye BaCote, took her place.

Personal Life

Flora Crittenden was married for 65 years to Raymond Celester Crittenden Jr. He was also known as "Coach" Crittenden. He was born in Richmond and also went to Virginia State University.

Coach Crittenden was a teacher, coach, and administrator in Newport News schools for 50 years. He passed away in 2010. Flora and Raymond had three children: Raymond III, Thursa, and Alonzo.

Later Life and Honors

From 2000, Flora Crittenden served as the chairperson of the board for Christopher Newport University. She was the first black woman to hold this important position. She retired from this role due to health reasons.

In 1995, the former George Washington Carver High School was renamed. It became the Flora D. Crittenden Middle School. Today, it is a special school for science and mathematics.

Flora Crittenden passed away on November 2, 2021, at the age of 97. She is remembered for her dedication to education, civil rights, and public service.