Jessie M. Crumpton Scholarship Fund

On February 19, 2015, Jessie Mae Crumpton passed away at Delmar Gardens on the Green, with her husband, son and daughter by her side. Our mom’s life was similar to other's, she loved God and her family, and tried to give more to the community than she received.

Mom also loved New City School , and from 1975 to 1993 she devoted her life to kids, all kids.

She desperately wanted her own children to have a unique learning experience, one that would foster our curiosities, inspire a love of learning and give us an educational advantage in the St. Louis area. But in the '70s and '80s, our mom and dad could not afford a private school education, so Jessie decided to volunteer in the library at New City School to help reduce the tuition cost. The librarian-volunteer blossomed and eventually became the administrative assistant to Thomas Hoerr, Head of Schools at New City. Jessie was the comforter, healer and the “Baby it’s gonna be alright,” mom for us and all the children at New City School.

Just a little background about the magical school Jessie loved so much: New City School  is an independent private school that was founded in the Central West End of St. Louis, Missouri in 1969. This progressive school capitalizes on each child's individual strengths through an integrated Multiple Intelligences curriculum. New City prepares children, age three through grade six, to be confident, joyful learners who are successful academically, knowledgeable about themselves and others, and who value diversity.

In 1992, Jessie was stricken with Multiple Sclerosis and soon thereafter retired from the place she so loved.

Because of her love for children, we cannot think of a better way to ensure that her spirit lives, than passing the opportunity she gave us on to future generations.

In conjunction with New City School, Jessie's family, her friends and colleagues, we are starting a scholarship in our mom’s name. The scholarship will be aimed at helping children from economically underserved communities, ages Pre-K through 6th grade, with the goal to expand access to high-quality early childhood education.

Quite simply, we will look for deserving families in the St. Louis region who want to send their kids to New City School, but can't afford it. 

So if you believe in inspiring love, diversity and education in St. Louis, or want to contribute to the furthering of high-quality, early childhood education for economically underserved families, please contribute or share with your friends.

With our sincerest gratitude,


Karen and Robert