LETTERS: MARGARET REED: TEACHER AND FRIEND

To the editor:

"A teacher affects eternity" -- a quotation that certainly describes the lasting influence of Miss Margaret Reed on this community.

A master elementary teacher for almost 50 years, Miss Reed died Sunday, Jan. 4, but she will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew her as their teacher, their professional colleague, their sister, their aunt, their friend.

A few months ago I was introducing Margaret to a friend of mine and described Miss Reed as the teacher of hundreds of children. I was quickly corrected by that teacher who said, "Thousands of students would be more like it." No trip to the grocery store could ever be a quick one for Margaret because former students and colleagues were always stopping her in the aisles, and she would delight in being brought up to date on their lives or hearing a good joke that she could then pass on at the bridge table.

Her teaching career began with a three-year assignment in Gideon, Mo. Then she taught for two years in Desloge, Mo. before she assumed her duties in the Cape Girardeau public school system in 1929. She taught at Franklin School until 1966 and moved to Hawthorn (now Clippard) in 1966 where she taught until her retirement in 1970. Then for a number of years after retirement she was a valued substitute teacher.

Miss Reed remained an active participant in so many of her students' lives by attending their recitals, graduation ceremonies, weddings, anniversary celebrations and baby showers as well as participating in their children's Grandparent Day activities at school when their own grandparents weren't available. Long after they left her classroom, Miss Reed's students felt her influence and support through notes of encouragement and praise or phone calls of interest and concern.

Though small in size, truly at the eye level of those she taught, she exerted a mighty influence on the lives of her students.

This fall your newspaper gave an example of Miss Reed's special influence on former students in the feature on Carol Reimann, the current Missouri Teacher of the Year. Pictured with her former teacher in that article, Carol attributed her love of teaching and knowledge of the art of teaching to Miss Reed.

An essay by Richard Evans on "The Total Effect of a Teacher" describes the reason for the influence of someone like Margaret Reed. "The fact is a teacher not only teaches her subject but also teaches herself by which we mean that what she is inside herself is inevitably mixed with the subject matter and carries over to the student in some measure. Most fortunate are those who have found a few good, effective teachers whose spirit and values touch and transform lives."Though never fortunate enough to be a student in Miss Reed's classroom, I too have had my life forever touched by that master teacher. An ever present influence on me at First Presbyterian Church, Margaret has shown me the way, just as she has guided so many others in their journey of faith. A mentor and role model first as a choir member, then as a Bible study leader and church officer, Margaret, by her actions and words, has taught so many of us the importance of devoted and joyful service to oneschurch family and Lord.

For those who knew her, may this letter bring to mind your favorite Margaret Reed memories. Together, lets remember that twinkle in her eye and voice and celebrate her life. Together, lets rejoice in our good fortune to have been inspired by her to be a curious, eager learner and an active participant in life for the good of others.

NANCY A. BRAY

Cape Girardeau