Bazoline E. Usher, who lived to the age of 106, was the first African-American Supervisor of Negro Schools in Atlanta.

In this capacity, historians say, she constantly fought to provide adequate resources for the African-American children under her watch.

Born in 1885 in Walton County, Ga., Usher paid her way through her alma mater, Atlanta University, by sewing clothes. Ms. Usher earned straight As in college and went on to attend The University of Chicago, where she began graduate work in education and mathematics.

Because of limited finances, Usher returned to Atlanta and completed the two Master's Degrees at Atlanta University. A passionate teacher, Usher began a career with the Atlanta Public Schools as an elementary teacher. She went on to serve as Assistant Principal of Booker T. Washington High School and, later, as Principal of David T. Howard High School.

Bazoline Usher was also an avid sports fan. She liked basketball, baseball, football, and tennis. In fact, she was Atlanta's Negro Tennis Champion.

Additionally, she was the Sunday School Superintendent and organist for Friendship Baptist Church, where she worshiped for over 69 years. Bazoline Usher led a rich, full life and died in 1991.

Usher school shares a name with Collier Heights Elementary School at the site of the former Usher Middle School, 631 Harwell Rd., Atlanta, Ga., 30318.