One sign of change is the loss of those we hold as icons. With the recent losses of Southwestern Life CEO William H. Seay ’36, former Mayor and Cullum Co. President Jack Evans ’41, and Judge Mike Schwille ’54, we realize that even the greatest among us will not live forever. The only measure of immortality we have in our common bond in Woodrow.
Another icon integral to that institution, Wilhelmina Blevins, who taught at Woodrow for 28 years, has also left us. She taught geometry, and I was privileged to be among her students.
She taught me an important lesson when she caught me doing something uncharacteristic – allowing someone to look at my answers on a test. I was embarrassed and ashamed, but more than that, I felt I had let Mrs. Blevins down. I think the best teachers impart information and inspire loyalty. Anyway, I have never done that again.
Mrs. Blevins retired in 1981. But she remained a fixture at school events and began tutoring.
She wrote me this note in March 1996:
“Dear Kyle:
“The Advocate story about your father was wonderful! Such a nice tribute to him and your whole family. I’m sure all who read it agree. He must have been very pleased.”
He was. Mrs. Blevins died April 17, 1997. That was one year to the day after the death of my father.
I miss him and Mrs. Blevins.
