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2012 hall of

FAme

2012 Hall of Fame

inspirational inductees

MR. LINCOLN BUTLER, SR.

MR. LINCOLN BUTLER, SR.

2012

Began his career as a high school social studies teacher at the school from which he had graduated in Brinkley, AR. From there he worked for the boards of education in Flint, MI, Bronx, NY, and finally Dallas, TX as a teacher and coordinator of special programs. After serving one year as assistant principal at B. F. Darrell, he was promoted to principal of W. W. Bushman. Additionally, he served as principal of T. W. Browne M. S., Adelle Turner, A. S. Johnston and Cedar Hill H. S. While principal at Johnston, the school was recognized by the Dallas Foundation and DISD (1996-2002) for School Improvement Performance. Butler's Reading Well was named in his honor at A. S. Johnston.

DR. KING DAVID DANIELS

DR. KING DAVID DANIELS

2012

Began his teaching career in 1939 as Head Teacher-in-Charge in Grand Prairie, TX and made significant contributions in the educational areas as well as the community. Served as Principal of Dalworth Elem. and Dalworth H. S. Played a pivotal role in the education of African Americans when the citizens of Grand Prairie were faced with desegregation and court-ordered busing. A street and public school were named in his memory.

MR. CHARLES L. FISHER

MR. CHARLES L. FISHER

2012

Began his teaching career in Terrell, TX, followed by Hitchcock, TX. Served in DISD as teacher and coach at Pinkston H.S., Assistant Principal at Pinkston H.S, and Skyline H.S., and Principal of Roosevelt H.S. and Pinkston H.S. His remarkable record is impeccable and his contributions to enhance the quality of education are unparalleled. He served as a mentor for boys at Harrell Budd Elementary.

DR. JESSE W. JONES

DR. JESSE W. JONES

2012

Pursued a long and distinguished career as a college professor beginning at Texas College (Tyler). Devoted more than 25 years to teaching and research at Bishop College and is a tenured Professor of Chemistry at Baylor University (Waco) since 1988. Served in various capacities in religious and related activities. Provided leadership in the Democratic Party for more than thirty years. Served seven two-year terms as State Representative. Principal House Sponsor of the Bill that established the University of North Texas at Dallas.

DR. VERSIA LINDSEY LACY

DR. VERSIA LINDSEY LACY

2012

Dedicated her life to excellence in education. She was the first African American to receive a Doctorate in Radiation Biology from Texas Woman's University (1979). Taught at Paul Quinn College, Tyler Jr. College, Bishop College and Texas Southern University prior to working in the DISD. She taught at the Science Engineering Magnet, became Science Coordinator for EOC Sub-District and taught Biology at the Science Engineering Magnet School. Served on numerous local and national boards and provided leadership, dedication, and service.

DR. PEARL WALKER MCNEIL

DR. PEARL WALKER MCNEIL

2012

Dedicated her life to Racial Justice, Education, Peace and Reconciliation. She served as a Social Worker, minister's wife, first Black elected President of Michigan's United Church women, author of the World Day of Prayer Service translated into 125 languages. Participated with President John F. Kennedy at the White House Conf. on Children and Youth prior to coming to Dallas. Became Dean and Professor at Bishop College and was engaged in all aspects of student life. Mentored and nurtured numerous students to serve the Christian community as ministers and ministers' wives.

MR. ROBERT L. PAYTON

MR. ROBERT L. PAYTON

2012

Began his teaching career in DISD at Madison High School as teacher/coach and served as Principal of O. M. Roberts and Harrell Budd elementary schools, T.C. Marsh Middle School, H. Grady Spruce H.S., Kimball H.S. and Skyline H. S. Became Assistant Supt. of Area I and Area 5, Assoc. Supt.- School Instructional Leadership and Operations, and Interim General Supt. in DISD. Worked with his successor, Dr. Mike Moses, to draft the commitments and assurances the DISD needed to end the decades long Desegregation Order.

MRS. OPAL JOHNSON SMITH

MRS. OPAL JOHNSON SMITH

2012

Began her career as a math teacher at Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, followed by Beaumont, Houston and Waller. Employed in Dallas ISD as Math teacher at the High School for Pregnant Students. Other assignments in DISD include South Oak Cliff H.S., Hillcrest H. S., Letot Academy, Student Services, Drug Abuse Prevention, Assistant Principal - Hillcrest H.S., Principal John Ireland Elem., and Director - Alternative Certification. She has provided extensive community service, especially her work with the Prairie View Alumni Assn. While serving as National President, she founded the PVAMU Scholarship Gala providing over a million dollars for PV Scholarships and as Co-Chair- PVU Capital Campaign, exceeded the $30M goal by $2.2M

MR. THEODORE WALLACE, SR.

MR. THEODORE WALLACE, SR.

2012

Began his teaching career in Dallas ISD as a math teacher at Booker T. Washington High School for 13 years. He became Assistant Principal at J. N. Ervin (DISD's first 12 grade school). Became Principal at T. C. Hassell Elementary for two years and returned to J. N. Ervin as Principal until his retirement in 1985. He returned to the DISD to work in the Alternative Certification Department. He was active in the YMCA, religious and fraternal groups and was the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for his work with the Scouting Program

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For more information, call Dr. Alfred L. Roberts, Sr. (214) 478-7228 or Ms. Gwendolyn Brantley at (972) 298-6980 or fill out the contact form below.