Vera M. Workman

85, was born July 5, 1925 in Tucson, AZ to Wilma Anna Hunter and Cyrus Howard McCormick. She grew up on a farm, helping to raise chickens, goats, and rabbits. Mrs. Workman attended Sam Hughes Elementary and Mansfield Junior High. She graduated from Tucson High School in May 1943. She attended the University of Arizona, majored in Spanish and History, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education in 1947, and later obtained her Master's degree.Mrs. Workman began her career as an educator in Hayden, Arizona as a Spanish Teacher in January 1948. From there, she continued her teaching career in Glendale and Buckeye. In 1954 she accepted the position of Dean of Girls at North Phoenix High School and subsequently was promoted to Assistant Principal. While working at North High, she met her husband, Jack, whom she married July 5, 1973. In 1976, she transferred to Central High School as Assistant Principal. In 1979, she became Principal and retired eight years later in 1987. During her career, Mrs. Workman overcame many obstacles regarding segregation in schools and served as an inspiration to many. She was also an active member in the Rho chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and the Phoenix/Scottsdale School Retirees Association.

Mrs. Workman is survived by her husband Jack, daughter Kathy, sons John (Eileen) and Jerry (Mindy), and 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Her sister Fay also survives. Services will be held on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 beginning at 11 AM at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd., Phoenix, AZ, with a visitation preceding the service beginning at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Southlawn Cemetery in Tucson.