Remembering Elizabeth Apperson Ramsey (1924-2016)
Elizabeth Apperson Ramsey, former Associate Professor of Christian Education at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education (PSCE), now known as Union Presbyterian Seminary, died on December 14, 2016, at the age of 92.
“She was a devoted teacher both to her graduate students and to the preschoolers whom she oversaw,” said former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and former PSCE President Heath Rada (M.A.’70). “Her gentle nature endeared her to all who knew her, and her skills in working with children were envied by those who wished for those same gifts. Most of all, Liz loved completely. And if you were fortunate enough to be the beneficiary of that love, you felt blessed. I know because I was one of those fortunate folks. Her smile and sincerity of spirit, coupled with a very strong sense of faith, allowed her to lead others as Jesus did.”
Known as “Liz” to her friends and colleagues, she was one of 15 renowned Christian education faculty during her time at PSCE, 1974-1987. Ramsey also became the director of the Josephine Newbury Demonstration Kindergarten in 1974 when she succeeded the school’s founder, Josephine Newbury. In 1982, under Ramsey’s leadership, the school received the Sarah Hill Brown Early Childhood Education award from Richmond Area Presbyterians.
“Liz was the most lovely and gracious professional educator, ” said former Chesapeake Academy Librarian and PSCE alumna Pam Macaulay (M.A.’83). “Her passion and energy was to train the next generation to work with children in the church with godly teaching, creative fun, and gentle joy. It always seemed her privilege to be with the children at the Newbury School, and she was eager to pass that on. Whether in telling of Jesus in a heart capturing Bible story, or while finger painting, Liz “glowed” with her commitment to Christ, the children, and the church.“
Ramsey earned a Bachelor of Science in education from the University of South Alabama as well as a Master of Education in elementary education from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to coming to PSCE, Ramsey taught in Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia. In 1961, she was named the assistant principal of Maybeury Elementary School. Ramsey was certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia in early childhood education.
Ramsey was a member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, where she is remembered for her many years of leadership as an elder and as a Sunday school teacher. She spent her latter years at the Hermitage Retirement Home in the Northside of Richmond, Virginia. There, Ramsey was known as a caring presence and would often take new residents under her wing to help them become acclimated.
A memorial service will be held January, 14 at 10 a.m. in Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. Bobby Hulme-Lippert, pastor of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, and Carson Rhyne, general presbyter of the Presbytery of the James of the PC(USA), will co-officiate.
