From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Sebree, Shirley Mae Gray
(born: May 4, 1937 - died: February 1, 2022)In Toledo, OH, Dr. Shirley M. G. Sebree was a teacher, musician, an author, and a leader. She was a music teacher at East Side Central School, and a choral music and language arts teacher at Rogers High School. She was very influential in furthering the music career of many of her students. Dr. Sebree was a teacher for 30 years. She was also the choir leader at St. Paul Baptist Church, and had served as choir director and pianist at Third Baptist Church. She was a guest speaker, and taught classes on women ministering in the church at Second Baptist Church.
Dr. Sebree was the author of Pele's tears: reclaiming the lost gems of Hawaiian Music in western music styles (1994); and The lost jewels of Grayhorse (2005). She is listed as the author of "I'm not your stepping stone" on the sound recording We rocked the world (1999). Dr. Sebree served on the Editorial Advisory Committee for the book Facing Africa, Toledo Museum of Art, African art exhibit for Hans Corey Collection (1999).
Among her many recognitions was the 1998 Outstanding Woman in Music History Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women; 1988 Outstanding Teacher Nominee from Phi Delta Kappa; and 1987 Who's Who in Education. Dr. Sebree was select three times by the Citizens Ambassador Program to be a delegate team member sent to Indonesia and China to study music and instruction in music education.
Dr. Sebree organized the Toledo Chapter of Kentucky State University Alumni Association. She was a member of the Kentucky State University National Alumni Association Executive Board, Vice President of Midwest Region. She was a member of several organizations including Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Lambda Theta, the Toledo Symphony League, and the Toledo Museum of Art.
Dr. Sebree's teaching career began in Hopkinsville, KY (1961-1965). She left Kentucky for the Toledo Public Schools (1965-1991). She was a graduate of Kentucky State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in music education (1961). She earned her master's degree at Bowling Green State University (1972), her education specialist degree from the University of Toledo (1976), and her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Toledo (1987).
Dr. Shirley Mae Gray Sebree was born in Princeton, KY, the daughter of Myrtle Rice and Sully Gray. She was the wife of James Sebree. Dr. Sebree died in Novi, MI. She is buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Toledo, OH.
Sources: A survey of gifted and talented academic and the fine arts (music) programs in the urban public school districts of ten north central states (1970-1986) by Shirley Mae Sebree, 1987 (dissertation); A study of training for the cambiatia voice in adolescent boys by Shirley Mae Sebree, 1972 (thesis); Zaborney, Mark. "Shirley M. Sebree (1937-2022)," The Blade, 02/11/2022 (online); "Second Baptist Church," The Akron Beacon Journal, 10/09/1993, p.12; "American Baptist Churches," Akron Beacon Journal, 10/16/1993, p.8; see Shirley Mae Gray Sebree at Find A Grave.
*This entry was suggested by Carolyn Hay Traum who also shared information from the Princeton, Caldwell County, History by Ann Kimmel.