Civil Rights Pioneer Bernice V. Byrd Couch, Member of the Historic Claymont 12, Dies at 84

Bernice Victoria “Sandy” Byrd Couch — one of the 12 Black students who desegregated Claymont High School in 1952 — passed away on November 13, 2025, at age 84.

At just 11 years old, she took her place among the Claymont 12, who on September 4, 1952, entered Claymont High School — making it the first public high school in the 17 legally segregated states to integrate, two years before Brown v. Board of Education.

Their enrollment followed the Delaware case Gebhart v. Belton, the only one of the Brown companion cases in which state courts ordered immediate desegregation.

She graduated from Claymont High School and carried that legacy into a life of education, service, and justice.

In 1990, she earned a Master’s Degree in Human Services from Lincoln University at nearly 50 years old — a testament to her lifelong belief that purpose has no age limit.

She went on to become Director of Atlantic City Detox, where she helped countless people heal, recover, and rebuild their lives.

She also served her community through:
• The Atlantic City Board of Education
• The Atlantic City Board of Elections

Throughout her life, she remained active in civic engagement, faith, community empowerment, education, and public service.

She personally knew Joe Biden during his early political career and was later photographed with President Barack Obama, who recognized her role in school desegregation as a defining chapter in American civil rights history.

She leaves to cherish her memory:
• Her daughter, Desiree Davis (Wilmington, DE)
• Three grandchildren: Sandretta “Sandy” Couch, Curtis Nixon, and James Couch
• Twelve great-grandchildren
• Four great-great-grandchildren
• Her sister, Rosalie Suber

She will be remembered as:
• A civil rights trailblazer
• A lifelong learner
• A leader in human services
• A woman of strong faith
• A voice for healing and justice
• A fearless, joyful, brilliant spirit

Funeral arrangements, public tributes, and memorial announcements will follow.