Educator played leading role in pivotal times for Cleveland School District
September 25, 1939 - October 11, 2023
Bert Laurelle Garrett was born September 25th, 1939, in Paris, Kentucky to Mae Finch Garrett and Benjamin F. Garrett. Following her graduation from Dunbar High School in Dunbar West Virginia, she entered West Virginia State University, where she would graduate with her bachelor’s degree in education. While an undergrad, she met the captain of the basketball team, George Earl Holt [“Jake”]. The two wed in 1962 and soon found themselves living abroad in Paris France, where George was assigned to the motorized unit of the US Army.
George and Bert had two children, Laurel Denee Holt (deceased) and George Benjamin Garrett Holt, now of Washington DC.
Bert began her teaching career while in France, working for the US Dependent School of Paris. Her talents were quickly noticed, and she rose to become a program director and lead educator for the school.
Upon returning stateside, the family relocated to Cleveland. and Bert began teaching elementary school in the city’s public schools. Bert soon found her niche teaching educating junior high students. Her impact was massive. One highlight of her storied career was leading thirty Cleveland junior high students overseas to visit five West African countries. A PBS documentary “African Odyssey” chronicled the trip. She quickly developed a passion for her students and her community and realized that her passion could be used to lift not only a community but an entire region.
Another career highlight was being named a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar for her exceptional pedagogical skills.
Bert’s influence during her 25-year career with the Cleveland school district was profound. When the school system was forced to desegregate in the mid-1970s, she helped organize training programs to smooth the transition to a more integrated system. This led to another vital part of the court ordered remedy, the creation of school partnerships with community organizations and local businesses. She became Director of University Business and Cultural Partnerships for the district, leading a vital part of the court-ordered remedy to desegregate the system. Bert made sure that every Cleveland school had a corporate and university partner. She worked to provide every student with cultural and educational experiences at cultural venues in University Circle and beyond. She was adept at cross-boundary inclusion, getting buy-in from xorporate CEOs, college presidents, labor leaders, civic organizations, and local, state, and federal officials in creation of numerous educational partnerships. Her program successes a=won national recognition, even garnering praise and support from the White House.
Bert’s biggest challenge professionally came in 1995 when she was asked to run the city’s newly created school voucher and tutoring program. The program was highly controversial, but Bert performed with zeal, seeing the program as a unique chance to create hope and opportunity for the urban poor.
Bert brought her able skill set to her community work as well. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Omega chapter, and served as president of the Links Inc. Western Reserve Chapter and as vice president of the local chapter of Jack and Jill of America. She was a life member of University School Board of Trustees, a charter trustee of the Cleveland Children’s Museum. She served on the boards of United Way of Greater Cleveland, Cleveland Botanical Gardens, and the Greater Cleveland Health Education and Service Council. Bert served as the first African American president of the Women’s Committee of the Cleveland Orchestra.
Bert’s passion for her work and for her community was tireless, but her love for her family was foremost. She was a guiding force in her son George’s education journey through University School, the University of Pennsylvania and his entry into an international banking career. He and his sister were showered with a mother’s love that is truly unmatched.
Bert is survived by her husband of over 60 years, George Earl Holt, her son George Benjamin Garrett Holt [Andrea Clark], three grandchildren, daughter-in-law Andrea Clark and a large community of family and friends.
A memorial service was held November 3, 2023 at Calhoun Funeral Home, 23000 Rockside Rd, Bedford Heights [44146], followed by interment at Highland Park Cemetery.
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