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The Centennial Anniversary of Sigma Gamma Rho: A Historical Look at the Sorority and Butler University

Bessie May Downey

Item

Title
Bessie May Downey
Description
Bessie May Downey (Rhodes) (Martin) passed the normal training school examination in 1916. While studying for her teaching degree, Downey had also been caring for her ailing mother, who had worked hard to help pay for her daughter’s education. In 1918 Downey accepted a teaching position with IPS at William D. McCoy School (No. 24). Her mother lived to see her daughter’s career begin but she died shortly thereafter. Downey earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Butler in 1943 and died in May 1947, having been a teacher in the same school throughout her career.
Provenance
Butler University
Type
Image
Site pages
The Founders