Trivia

Sister of Lois Pot.

In 1999, herself and the other members of the Little Rock Nine were awarded the nation's highest civilian award and a Congressional Gold Medal by former president and Arkansas governor Bill Clinton.

Earned a bachelor's degree at Southern Illinois University.

One of the nine African American students involved in the desegregation of the Little Rock Central High School in 1957. She would go on to graduate from the school in 1959.

She achieved a master's in guidance and counseling from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1970 and completed an administrative certificate in education from the University in 1972.

She received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville at its May 2016 commencement.

Dedicated her career to community outreach and education, working as a home economics teacher and guidance counselor for the East St. Louis school district until her retirement in 1994. Her classroom efforts earned the Outstanding Role Model Award from the East St. Louis Top Ladies of Distinction.

Worked as an Instructor of Survival Skills for Women at the American Red Cross Second Chance Shelter for the Homeless.

Attended Dunbar Junior High and Horace Mann High schools.

Had five siblings, three sisters and two brothers.

Has a son Scott and two grandchildren.

Daughter of Arlevia and Hosanna Claire Mothershed.

Worked at the St. Clair County Jail, Juvenile Detention Center in St. Clair County, Illinois.