Dr. Delores Gardner, “Educator and World Traveler”, was born Eva Delores Gardner on June 28,1929 and passed away on April 5, 2018. Delores was a woman ahead of her time. Leaving the safety and security of her East Dallas family home she traveled on mission trips to South America and off to university to achieve advanced degrees. She used these experiences as a stepping-stone for living and working around the globe. A lifelong collector, her home was filled with trinkets and treasures from her many life experiences. Upon her retirement she was her mother’s main caregiver until her mother’s passing. Delores received her BA (’50) from Baylor University, her MA (’53) and PHD (’65) in Education from North Texas State University. She has held positions as head of high school English in Carrizozo, NM; elementary school teacher in Mesquite, TX; teacher and administrator for the Department of Defense School System in Asia, Europe and Africa; associate professor at Wisconsin State University and associate professor at Texas Women’s University from 1967 until her retirement in 1995. She was president of the Texas Association for Childhood Education, 1972-74. Mrs. Nixon honored her at the White House as a top 100 Outstanding Educator. She received gubernatorial appointments to both the State Commission for Professional Competencies and the Committee on Early Childhood Development. She had more than 70 articles and learning activities for children published, as well as devotional and life skill articles. She was a member of First Baptist Church Denton. She is survived by her sisters Janelle Monico and Evelyn Yarbrough, nieces Angela Hickman and husband David, Lisa Beck and husband Mikey, nephews Mark Yarbrough and wife Carrie, Eric Yarbrough and wife Linda and Kim Monico and wife Lori and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. A special loving thanks to Angela and David who cared for Delores in their home for the past year and a half, as well as to the many Visiting Angels who have assisted in her care. Visitation will be April 8th from 4 to 6pm and the Funeral Service will be April 9th at 2pm at Grove Hill Funeral Home.
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