Bessie L. Siler, NAACP Executive Administrative Assistant dies at 83

DAYTON — The Dayton Unit of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced the death of Bessie L. Siler., who was the Executive Administrative Assistant to the President.

A release from the NAACP stated Siler died unexpectedly Sunday morning at the age of 83.

Siler worked for Dayton Public Schools as an Instructional Assistant in Early Childhood Education and the Montessori Program, and the NAACP said “She enjoyed her work and was very dedicated to helping children learn.”

She also played an important role in starting the OAPSE Union #643 for Paraprofessionals.

After 34 years of work, Siler retired but wanted to stay busy, which is how she came to work at the Dayton Unit NAACP in 2004.

She then spent her time working under the leadership of Presidents Floyd Johnson, Dr. Robert E. Baines, Jr. and the current President Dr. Derrick L. Foward.

Siler served as the Executive Administrative Assistant to President Foward and was responsible for assisting the Unit Secretary with processing memberships.

She also served as the conduit between the local, state, regional, and national offices, where the NAACP described her as being very dedicated to its mission.

The NAACP said Siler’s death is an “immeasurable loss”.

Cox Media Group