Remembering Bertha Winingham Lue-Hing

Bertha Winingham Lue-Hing, a Webster alumna, pioneering educator and longtime supporter of Webster’s School of Education, died on May 30, 2024. She was 95 years old. 

“Dr. Bertha Winingham Lue-Hing was a leader with an impact that extended far beyond the classroom walls,” said Vincent C. Flewellen, associate vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at Webster University. “She was more than just an exceptional educator – Bertha was a force for equity and opportunity as she shattered barriers and reached new heights. Her story is nothing short of monumental and her example will be forever honored.” 

Born in 1928, Winingham Lue-Hing overcame significant racial and economic barriers to become one of the first African American teachers hired by the St. Louis City public school system in the 1950s. After graduating from Harris-Stowe Teacher’s College with a BA in Education, she went on to teach 3rd, 4th, 6th and 8th grades for over 25 years.  

Winingham Lue-Hing was awarded an educational fellowship to Washington University in the summer of 1965. After this, she attended Webster University to pursue her Master of Arts in Teaching. She graduated from Webster in 1968 as part of the third class to earn their degrees from Webster’s first graduate school program. She and her husband, Cecil Lue-Hing, D.Sc., PE, Dist. M.ASCE, NAE, later established three endowed scholarships at Webster University for students in the School of Education. 

In June 1982, Winingham Lue-Hing earned her PhD in educational psychology from Washington University in St. Louis. She was the fourth Black female to earn a PhD in education from Washington University and was the only Black person on the podium in her class. 

Throughout her career, Winingham Lue-Hing served as director of the St. Louis Public Schools In-Service Training Center, principal of Wilson School in Bellwood, Illinois, superintendent for School District 88 of Bellwood, Illinois and as an adjunct professor at National Louis University. Her dedication to her work was recognized with numerous honors, including the Distinguished Alumna Award awarded by Harris-Stowe State College in 1991. She was also initiated into Phi Delta Kappa. 

“Bertha was a trailblazer,” said Ryan Elliott, associate vice president of advancement at Webster University. “After a remarkable career committed to lifelong education, Bertha continues to pave the way for generations to come through the three endowed scholarships she established at Webster University for future educators.” 

The Lue-Hing endowed scholarships, awarded to students in Webster University’s School of Education, are a pillar of Bertha’s ongoing impact. They exemplify her legacy to the education she worked so hard to receive, serve as a beacon of inspiration to her children and grandchildren, several of whom have become professional educators, MBAs, CPAs, and attorneys, and provide a source of financial support for students at Webster University. 
  
"Bertha Winingham Lue-Hing's lifelong dedication to teaching and ensuring educational opportunities for all mirrors the very mission of Webster University," said Chancellor Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble. "Bertha's profound influence will leave a lasting impact at Webster through the scholarships she established to support aspiring educators on their academic journeys. Her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education will continue to open doors and change lives for generations to come." 
 
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 at Pilgrim Congregational UCC in St. Louis. Visitation services will take place from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14 at Granberry Mortuary Chapel in Jennings, MO.