Rev. Eula R. Alexander of Springfield, died November 7, 2006 at Memorial Hospital. She was 72 years old. Rev. Alexander was born February 2, 1934 in Henning, TN, the daughter of Charles M. and Frances Lynk Bates. She was raised on a farm along with nine brothers and sisters, where she learned skills and wisdom that enhanced her career. She married Curtis P. Alexander, Sr. in 1959, in San Francisco.
She earned a bachelor's degree with a major in speech and, drama and a minor in English from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. She stayed home for several years to raise her family before pursuing a teaching career. She began as a sixth grade teacher at Thomas Edison Middle School where she taught English and Social Science, and was the head of the drama department. In 1977, she earned a Master's Degree in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield (formerly Sangamon State University). After eight years of teaching in the Springfield public schools, she became a student relations specialist. In that capacity, she served diligently as an elementary school counselor and a trusted advisor for principals and teachers. She also founded the Beta Club honor society at Feitshans Elementary School. She had a reputation for being a tough disciplinarian as well as being a compassionate and caring individual. She tirelessly advocated for children wherever she went and was always excited to hear about the accomplishments of her former students. She retired from Springfield District 186 in 1998 after 28 years of service.
Rev. Alexander was a member of St. John A.M.E. church for more than thirty years. She taught Sunday school and was the Sunday school superintendent for many years. She was also a member of the Mary Louise Brown Missionary Society before becoming an ordained Itinerate Elder by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in September of 1991. She was a woman of great faith and compassion and freely gave to everyone who was in need. As a minister, she was an assistant to the pastor, taught Wednesday afternoon Bible study and led the Intercessory Prayer ministry. She also headed many committees and served in various other capacities. She enjoyed studying the Bible, travel, and collecting art, and crystal, and visits with her grandchildren. She was also a charter member of the Kappa Sigma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority.
Rev. Alexander was deeply loved and cherished by her family, former colleagues and students. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Curtis P. Alexander, Sr.
She is survived by two sons: Curtis (Janet) Alexander, Jr. and Dwight (Claire) Alexander, Sr. both of San Francisco, CA; two daughters: Tanya (David) McFadden of Hazel Crest, IL and Kimberley Alexander of Springfield, IL; five grandchildren: David McFadden, Jr., Dwight Alexander, Jr., Josiah McFadden, Céline Alexander and Daniel Alexander; three brothers: Eddie Bates (Vertie) and Andrew Bates both of Milwaukee, WI. and Willie T. Bates of Stockton, CA; three sisters: Mary L. Bates of Henning, TN, Mattie V. Bates of Vallejo, CA. and Phyllis Barlow of Covington, TN; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services at St. John's AME Church, Springfield, with Pastor Charles Jackson officiating. Burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
She earned a bachelor's degree with a major in speech and, drama and a minor in English from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. She stayed home for several years to raise her family before pursuing a teaching career. She began as a sixth grade teacher at Thomas Edison Middle School where she taught English and Social Science, and was the head of the drama department. In 1977, she earned a Master's Degree in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield (formerly Sangamon State University). After eight years of teaching in the Springfield public schools, she became a student relations specialist. In that capacity, she served diligently as an elementary school counselor and a trusted advisor for principals and teachers. She also founded the Beta Club honor society at Feitshans Elementary School. She had a reputation for being a tough disciplinarian as well as being a compassionate and caring individual. She tirelessly advocated for children wherever she went and was always excited to hear about the accomplishments of her former students. She retired from Springfield District 186 in 1998 after 28 years of service.
Rev. Alexander was a member of St. John A.M.E. church for more than thirty years. She taught Sunday school and was the Sunday school superintendent for many years. She was also a member of the Mary Louise Brown Missionary Society before becoming an ordained Itinerate Elder by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in September of 1991. She was a woman of great faith and compassion and freely gave to everyone who was in need. As a minister, she was an assistant to the pastor, taught Wednesday afternoon Bible study and led the Intercessory Prayer ministry. She also headed many committees and served in various other capacities. She enjoyed studying the Bible, travel, and collecting art, and crystal, and visits with her grandchildren. She was also a charter member of the Kappa Sigma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority.
Rev. Alexander was deeply loved and cherished by her family, former colleagues and students. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Curtis P. Alexander, Sr.
She is survived by two sons: Curtis (Janet) Alexander, Jr. and Dwight (Claire) Alexander, Sr. both of San Francisco, CA; two daughters: Tanya (David) McFadden of Hazel Crest, IL and Kimberley Alexander of Springfield, IL; five grandchildren: David McFadden, Jr., Dwight Alexander, Jr., Josiah McFadden, Céline Alexander and Daniel Alexander; three brothers: Eddie Bates (Vertie) and Andrew Bates both of Milwaukee, WI. and Willie T. Bates of Stockton, CA; three sisters: Mary L. Bates of Henning, TN, Mattie V. Bates of Vallejo, CA. and Phyllis Barlow of Covington, TN; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services at St. John's AME Church, Springfield, with Pastor Charles Jackson officiating. Burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Rev. Eula R. Alexander of Springfield, died November 7, 2006 at Memorial Hospital. She was 72 years old. Rev. Alexander was born February 2, 1934 in Henning, TN, the daughter of Charles M. and Frances Lynk Bates. She was raised on a farm along with nine brothers and sisters, where she learned skills and wisdom that enhanced her career. She married Curtis P. Alexander, Sr. in 1959, in San Francisco.
She earned a bachelor's degree with a major in speech and, drama and a minor in English from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. She stayed home for several years to raise her family before pursuing a teaching career. She began as a sixth grade teacher at Thomas Edison Middle School where she taught English and Social Science, and was the head of the drama department. In 1977, she earned a Master's Degree in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield (formerly Sangamon State University). After eight years of teaching in the Springfield public schools, she became a student relations specialist. In that capacity, she served diligently as an elementary school counselor and a trusted advisor for principals and teachers. She also founded the Beta Club honor society at Feitshans Elementary School. She had a reputation for being a tough disciplinarian as well as being a compassionate and caring individual. She tirelessly advocated for children wherever she went and was always excited to hear about the accomplishments of her former students. She retired from Springfield District 186 in 1998 after 28 years of service.
Rev. Alexander was a member of St. John A.M.E. church for more than thirty years. She taught Sunday school and was the Sunday school superintendent for many years. She was also a member of the Mary Louise Brown Missionary Society before becoming an ordained Itinerate Elder by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in September of 1991. She was a woman of great faith and compassion and freely gave to everyone who was in need. As a minister, she was an assistant to the pastor, taught Wednesday afternoon Bible study and led the Intercessory Prayer ministry. She also headed many committees and served in various other capacities. She enjoyed studying the Bible, travel, and collecting art, and crystal, and visits with her grandchildren. She was also a charter member of the Kappa Sigma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority.
Rev. Alexander was deeply loved and cherished by her family, former colleagues and students. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Curtis P. Alexander, Sr.
She is survived by two sons: Curtis (Janet) Alexander, Jr. and Dwight (Claire) Alexander, Sr. both of San Francisco, CA; two daughters: Tanya (David) McFadden of Hazel Crest, IL and Kimberley Alexander of Springfield, IL; five grandchildren: David McFadden, Jr., Dwight Alexander, Jr., Josiah McFadden, Céline Alexander and Daniel Alexander; three brothers: Eddie Bates (Vertie) and Andrew Bates both of Milwaukee, WI. and Willie T. Bates of Stockton, CA; three sisters: Mary L. Bates of Henning, TN, Mattie V. Bates of Vallejo, CA. and Phyllis Barlow of Covington, TN; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services at St. John's AME Church, Springfield, with Pastor Charles Jackson officiating. Burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
She earned a bachelor's degree with a major in speech and, drama and a minor in English from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. She stayed home for several years to raise her family before pursuing a teaching career. She began as a sixth grade teacher at Thomas Edison Middle School where she taught English and Social Science, and was the head of the drama department. In 1977, she earned a Master's Degree in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois at Springfield (formerly Sangamon State University). After eight years of teaching in the Springfield public schools, she became a student relations specialist. In that capacity, she served diligently as an elementary school counselor and a trusted advisor for principals and teachers. She also founded the Beta Club honor society at Feitshans Elementary School. She had a reputation for being a tough disciplinarian as well as being a compassionate and caring individual. She tirelessly advocated for children wherever she went and was always excited to hear about the accomplishments of her former students. She retired from Springfield District 186 in 1998 after 28 years of service.
Rev. Alexander was a member of St. John A.M.E. church for more than thirty years. She taught Sunday school and was the Sunday school superintendent for many years. She was also a member of the Mary Louise Brown Missionary Society before becoming an ordained Itinerate Elder by the African Methodist Episcopal Church in September of 1991. She was a woman of great faith and compassion and freely gave to everyone who was in need. As a minister, she was an assistant to the pastor, taught Wednesday afternoon Bible study and led the Intercessory Prayer ministry. She also headed many committees and served in various other capacities. She enjoyed studying the Bible, travel, and collecting art, and crystal, and visits with her grandchildren. She was also a charter member of the Kappa Sigma Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta sorority.
Rev. Alexander was deeply loved and cherished by her family, former colleagues and students. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Curtis P. Alexander, Sr.
She is survived by two sons: Curtis (Janet) Alexander, Jr. and Dwight (Claire) Alexander, Sr. both of San Francisco, CA; two daughters: Tanya (David) McFadden of Hazel Crest, IL and Kimberley Alexander of Springfield, IL; five grandchildren: David McFadden, Jr., Dwight Alexander, Jr., Josiah McFadden, Céline Alexander and Daniel Alexander; three brothers: Eddie Bates (Vertie) and Andrew Bates both of Milwaukee, WI. and Willie T. Bates of Stockton, CA; three sisters: Mary L. Bates of Henning, TN, Mattie V. Bates of Vallejo, CA. and Phyllis Barlow of Covington, TN; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services at St. John's AME Church, Springfield, with Pastor Charles Jackson officiating. Burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
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