Alberta Harris Sistrunk

Alberta Harris graduated from Tuskegee Institute on May 25, 1959

The parade was at 4:30 pm. It was a day I will never forget. It rained before we marched and it was sprinkling rain when we received our bachelors of science degrees and etc. Yes, it was thundering and lightening when the commencement speaker, Dr. M.M. Horton, started her address. A point the class will forever remember is “You got it! Dog gone it! Keep it!” When President Foster made the closing remarks – The sun was shining, and our hearts beamed with joy. We were happy because our graduation was truly an unusual and successful one.

Bert “59”

Albert H. Sistrunk was born December 3, 1935 and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama by her grandmother Mrs. Winnie Harris Key. Upon graduation from High School, she was accepted for admission into the Tuskegee Institute, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. She graduated from Tuskegee Institute on May 25, 1959. After graduating from college Alberta received her first full time teaching position in San Francisco, California. After a few years she accepted another teaching position with the Winton School District in Winton, California. A beloved teacher for 37 years teaching grades kindergarten through the 3 rd grade, Alberta helped to shape the future of thousands of children. During her summer breaks Alberta served as a foster mother for many years. Her son Mike came to her as a newborn from the hospital. She fell in love with him and wanted to adopt him but was told he was promised to another family. She never forgot about him and two years later she was able to adopt Mike at the age of 2. As a single mom she raised him to be the fine man he is today.

Alberta retired from teaching and moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she and her brother, Willie James Pace cared for their mother, Lessie B. Pace Sims. Alberta and her brother Willie were deeply involved with the Second New Hope Baptist church. Willie served as a Deacon and Alberta served on the church’s Mother’s Board and was also the secretary of the board under Reverend Frank Young.

Mike and Kaprice facilitated Alberta’s move back to California in 2015. Due to her declining health, she resided in a care home close to Mike and Kaprice’s home in Carmichael. She loved having family and friends come visit her. Her best friend, Marian Cordiner (Mike’s mother-in- law), established a strong bond during her weekly visits with Alberta sharing stories and laughter. She and Alberta would call Willie every week to keep in touch. Alberta passed away on April 3, 2023, in Carmichael, California. Alberta is survived by her brother Willie James Pace, her son Mike and daughter-in-law Kaprice Sistrunk, and her grandson Dylan Sistrunk. All who were fortunate enough to get to know Alberta loved her deeply. She will be greatly missed.