Obituary of Wyoma I Best

Mrs. Best was born March 7, 1943 in Norfolk, VA. She is the daughter of the late Roy and the late Wyoma (Etheridge) Gaskins. Wyoma leaves a professional legacy in Rochester Seldom accomplished by others in her field. She was the first African American females to serve Rochester School Board; the first African American female TV reporter, new anchor and TV host; and the first African American Officer at the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce. Having received her Bachelor's Degree in English from Hampton University (formerly Hampton Institute), Best believed that education gives you choices in professional growth and development. As a lifetime learner, Best earned a fellowship from the University of California at Berkley to further her study in journalism. Wyoma Loved the arts. She enjoyed painting, creating custom designed cards and doll making. An avid collector of books and black memorabilia, Best studied a broad range of topics in history, culture and politics. Survivors include her husband Robert P. Best of Rochester, NY; two daughters, Talethea (Tamarra S.) Best of Buffalo, NY and Nicolle Best of Rochester, NY two grandsons, Travion Best Peters and Sebastian Smith of Rochester, NY. Two sisters Mignon (James W.) Waller of Apopka, Fla. And Shellie (Etienne L.) Leflore of Sacramento, CA, and one brother Anthony (Emelia) Gaskins of Brodnax, VA and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. A Memorial Service to Celebrate the life of Wyoma Best will be held at Genesee Baptist Church at 149 Brooks Avenue, Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 10:00 AM. PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE. The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Rochester Association of Black Journalists Wyoma Best Scholarship Fund.