Virginia Sasser
Born on December 14, 1941, in Altus, Oklahoma, Virginia Sasser grew up in Altus and Frederick. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher. After she enrolled in home economics at Altus High School, she discovered the profession that would become her life’s calling: home economics education.
Sasser graduated from Oklahoma State University with a home economics education degree in the spring of 1963. She served as a vocational home economics teacher and Future Homemakers of America adviser at Coyle one year (1963-64) and at Perkins (later to become Perkins-Tryon) for 24 years.
While teaching full time, Sasser advised an active Future Homemakers of America chapter and Young Homemakers of Oklahoma chapter, completed her master’s degree, was a cooperating teacher for student teachers from Oklahoma State University and earned numerous professional awards.
Among her awards were Perkins-Tryon Teacher of the Year (1981), Oklahoma Vocational Association (now OkACTE) Teacher of the Year — Home Economics Division (1985), American Vocational Association (now ACTE) Region IV Home Economics Outstanding Teacher Award (1986) and Oklahoma Home Economics Association Teacher of the Year (1988). Sasser is a life member of the OVA (now OkACTE) and the AVA (now ACTE).
Sasser became the state adviser of Future Homemakers of America, state adviser of Young Homemakers of Oklahoma and a staff member in the home economics education (family and consumer sciences) division at the Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education in 1988. She had the opportunity to coach and mentor state FHA and YHO officers.
She was responsible for planning and coordinating statewide events and conferences for the organizations while also serving on the family and consumer sciences staff. She established the FHA Sub-District Officer Leadership Training Camp (modeled after the state officer leadership training camp for all vocational student organization officers). She founded FHA (FCCLA) Alumni and Associates.
Sasser was later named the assistant program administrator for family and consumer sciences education. In 1996, she was presented the National Distinguished Service Award by National Future Homemakers of America.
After a 36 year career in family and consumer sciences and career and technology education, Sasser retired in 1999. Retirement marked the beginning of another chapter of service to her community. She is the volunteer manager of the family antique store in Perkins and serves on the Oklahoma Territorial Plaza Board. She actively worked with the Perkins Main Street Program, Perkins Community Chamber of Commerce and the Perkins Lions Club, serving as president.
She and her husband, Bill, were married 64 years and had a cattle operation and enjoyed life on their farm. Their children, David, Robert and Betty, and their families remain a very important part of Sasser’s life.
