Fannie Fitzgerald has died.
Fitzgerald was 86 and is credited for her long service to Prince William County Public Schools. An elementary school in Dale City was named after her.
Here’s more from Prince William County Public Schools:
Fannie Wilkinson Fitzgerald of Woodbridge has died at age 86. As a young teacher, Mrs. Fitzgerald helped to pioneer the integration of Prince William County Public Schools in 1965 and continued to serve our students and community as educator, leader, and inspiration for decades.
Mrs. Fitzgerald started as a PWCS teacher in 1956. Nine years later, she moved from the Antioch-McCrae Elementary School that served African-American students in western Prince William County, to what was then the all-white Fred Lynn Elementary and Middle School. She was one of only four black teachers to make the courageous move that advanced integration and opened the door to today’s diverse and inclusive school system.
She retired from PWCS in 1988, and continued as an active school and community volunteer and leader for years.
The life and legacy of Mrs. Fitzgerald will be honored on Friday April 15. Visitation is at 10 a.m. at First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries Virginia. The home going service begins at 11. The Interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery at 1 p.m.
Fannie Fitzgerald Elementary School is located on Benita Fitzgerald Drive. The street is named after Fannie Fitzgerald’s Olympic Gold Medalist daughter, who graduated from Gar-Field Senior High School.
Another one of Fitzgerald’s daughters — Kim Fitzgerald Lennon — also teaches at thee elementary school.
