Myra Smith Kearse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Myra Smith Kearse
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Myra Lyle Smith, from the 1917 yearbook of Howard Academy.
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| Born |
Myra Lyle Smith
May 18, 1899 |
| Died | February 14, 1982 (aged 82) |
| Children | Amalya Lyle Kearse |
| Parent(s) | T. Parker Smith |
Myra Smith Kearse (born May 18, 1899 – died February 14, 1982) was an important American doctor and a leader in her community in New Jersey. She made history as the first African American woman doctor in Union County, New Jersey. She also worked to preserve the history of African Americans in her state.
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Early Life and Education
Myra Lyle Smith was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1899. Her parents were T. Parker Smith and Clara Alexander Smith. Her father was a teacher who started a business college.
Myra was a very dedicated student. She finished Howard Academy in 1917. Then, she earned her first college degree from Howard University in 1922. She continued her studies at the Howard University College of Medicine. In 1925, she was the only woman in her graduating class. Myra was also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Medical Career
In 1938, Myra Smith Kearse became the first African American woman doctor to practice medicine in Union County, New Jersey. This was a big step forward!
During World War II, she joined the medical staff at a hospital in Newark. Dr. Kearse was also an inventor. She held a special patent for a "pocket calendar device with punch means." This device helped people track their menstrual cycles. She stopped practicing medicine in 1966.
Community Leadership
Myra Smith Kearse was not only a doctor but also a strong community leader. In 1964, she and Vera Brantley McMillon started an important project. They collected stories from African Americans living in New Jersey. This was to celebrate the state's 300th anniversary. Their work led to a book called Negroes of New Jersey, 1715-1967: A Bibliography.
She also served on the main committee of the Union County Anti-Poverty Council. She worked there until 1970. Dr. Kearse was also one of the people who helped start the county's College Women's Club.
Personal Life and Legacy
Myra Lyle Smith married Robert Freeman Kearse. He was the postmaster in Vauxhall, New Jersey. They had two children: a son named Robert A. Kearse, and a daughter named Amalya Lyle Kearse. Amalya grew up to become a federal judge, which is a very important legal position.
Myra Smith Kearse passed away in 1982 at the age of 82. She died from a heart attack at her home in Vauxhall. To honor her memory and all her contributions, the Myra Smith Kearse Community Center in Union County was named after her. A scholarship fund was also created in her name, helping students with their education.
Images for kids
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Myra Lyle Smith, from the 1917 yearbook of Howard Academy.
