Dr. Althea Anita Holmes Masterson

Althea Anita Holmes Masterson was the only child born to the union of Chesterfield Holmes and Almenia Horry on March 13, 1935 in Charlston, South Carolina. Almenia Horry preceded her in death at her delivery. Althea was lovingly raised and cared for by her father’s and mother’s family. She was remarkably close to her maternal grandmother Hester Horry Gibbs, and her two uncles, Rev. George B. Horry, and Ernest J. Horry, who all preceded her in death. Althea would begin her walk and devotion to Jesus Christ at an early age guided by her beloved Christian family. The remarkable South Carolina school system would be the place early in her life, that Althea demonstrated that she was an intelligent and bright student and advanced in her educational pursuits. In 1953, Althea graduated as the Valedictorian from the Avery Institute High School. Shortly after graduation she moved to New York City, where she was highly productive and culturally immersed in this exciting city. Within a couple of years, she returned to South Carolina to pursue her higher education. In 1955, Althea began her education at Allen University and this year would prove to be her breakout year and the beginning of numerous collegiate achievements. She’d gain the honor of scholarship and was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. It was also during this time that she became a member of her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and remained an active member until her passing. In 1957, Althea was nominated and named Miss Allen University, this would be the first of many accolades bestowed to her amazing talent and convivial spirit. In 1958, Althea graduated with a Bachelor of Education as well as made lifelong friends and personal connections. New London Connecticut would be her first placement in her illustrious career of educating children, where she would remain for several years. In true Althea fashion, she would be assigned as educator to the children of the NASA Apollo Space Expedition team. Althea would find herself making her way north, and landing in her second hometown of Detroit, Michigan, where strong family and professional roots would be planted. Althea would find her love in the heart of Marvin Masterson, Sr. Who as the story goes, “saw her” and went for what he knew would be his devoted wife, and he was correct! Marvin and Althea would remain married for 53 years until Marvin Sr’s passing in 2019. To this union three incredible sons were born, Marvin Holmes Masterson, Jr., who preceded her in death, Merton Horry Masterson, and Byron Ricardo Masterson. Merton expanded the family tree with a son, Levi Samuel Emmanuel Masterson in 1995. These honorable men would take care of and remained faithful to her care for the length of her life. Althea loved family and made it known in all her circles, that she was supportive, caring, and willing to be involved. Her beautiful face is in just about every picture scene with her family, students, friends, church, and community organizations. Dr. Althea Masterson has been honored throughout the country in publications both academic and societal, as a supreme historian and educator, visionary leader and organizer, whose innovation helped to found alternative schools that transformed the lives of those who attended. She was recognized in Essence Magazine for her involvement at the Charles H. Wright African American Museum in Detroit Michigan. Her professionalism, eloquence and tact were the cornerstones of her character. She was an intricate part of the Vetal Elementary School as Assistant Principal until 1987. She held the Principalship at Stewart Elementary from 1987-2000. During these years she obtained her Master of Education, as well as her Doctor of Education, both from the University of Michigan. It was here she earned the esteem to be forever called Dr. Althea Masterson. Wherever she was, she engaged in the community. In her immediate neighborhood with the Rosedale Park Association. Serving as President and Chaplin, for the Detroit Association of the University of Michigan Women, an active member of Phi Delta Kappa, and National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. Her church communities were an intricate part of who she was and how she practiced her faith to God, whether it was signing with the Madrigals, or ringing the bells, or serving in any capacity she gave it her commitment of excellence. Her devotion to Berea Lutheran Church in Detroit and Outer Drive Faith Lutheran Church of Detroit had her unwavering support for over 50 years. There was not anything that Althea Masterson could not do!!! She was a super talent, who graced the lives of all who knew her. Her sense of style, flair, decorating, and presentation were unmatched. If you were ever blessed by her engagement, you were honored by a loving, honest and authentic woman of faith and high standard. You could find her in the kitchen serving food that to this day make your mouth water. Hosting parties in her home, her incredible “Hoppin’ John” New Years feasts are etched in the history and hearts of all who sat around her table. Her unique, distinctive, and authoritarian voice will resound in hearts and souls forever. No one could say it like her! Dr. Althea Masterson we honor, celebrate, hope, and aspire to emulate the auspicious legacy of love, education, and family you have left us with in your 89 years. Althea leaves to honor her legacy her sons, Merton Masterson, Byron Masterson, and grandson Levi Masterson. Along with an incredible, loved, and cherished host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, loved ones and colleagues. Everyone felt like Althea was their best friend, as Althea kept up with everybody and everyone was a part of her family.

Dr. Althea Anita Holmes Masterson

March 13, 1935 - January 3, 2025