Mrs.. Bessie Birckhead, a member of the math faculty, served Albemarle students from the early 1960's to the 1980's. Throughout her life, Mrs. B. was dedicated to young people - as a teacher at AHS, as one of the biggest suipporters of UVA athletics and as a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Whether or not you knew Mrs. B, we encourage you to read her obituary below to see the impact she had on the people around her. 

Bessie Isabel Preddy Birckhead died early in the morning on Friday, October 30, 2015.She is survived by her son, L. Douglas Birckhead, Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Janet Birckhead; her daughter-in-law, Jackie Birckhead; grandson, Duffy Birckhead and his wife, Lauren Birckhead; grandsons, Kipps Birckhead, and Ryan Birckhead; and granddaughter, Susan Birckhead. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter, Gerren Birckhead; and great-grandson, Landon Birckhead. Bessie was proceeded in death by her husband, Landon Douglas Birckhead; and her son, Franklin Kipps Birckhead.

Bessie was born in 1925, in Charlottesville, and spent the majority of her life here. She graduated from Mary Washington College, and soon began her career as a teacher at Albemarle High School. She was a devoted teacher and loved each and every one of her students. While a very tough teacher, she was also one of the kindest and most likely to take her own time to help students that were struggling in her classroom. 

She met Landon when she first started teaching, and the two were married at The UVa Chapel. It was then that her life, and many others, changed. Landon introduced Bessie to UVa basketball. The story is well known throughout Charlottesville. They were one of the first season ticket holders, they went door to door to get the first sell out game, they dubbed U-Hall 'Ralph's House', and Bessie famously shook her umbrella at a referee in the middle of the game.

Bessie was a loyal, and active member of The Church of Our Savior serving in many capacities. She loved her church and spent most of her Sunday's at the early service held in the stone Chapel.Bessie was like a mother to any and everyone that she met. She welcomed everyone with open arms. Even though Bessie retired from teaching, she never really stopped. Bessie meant so much to so many people, especially young men and women who were still trying to find their path. She would feed, house, cheer, and rally behind anyone she believed in. 

Bessie loved people, and she loved dear ol' UVa. To quote Bessie from an article in the Daily Progress written by Whitey Reid back in January, 'I've loved Virginia all my life, since I could walk, and I'll never stop.' She never did. A private service will be held honoring her life.Condolences can be sent to P.O. Box 7625, Charlottesville, VA 22906.Teague Funeral Service is handling arrangements.