Found this in a yearbook. Her legacy lives on.

I am sad to learn of Evalina's passing, but her "lessons" will live through those she taught.I will never forget going in her office (really her "office" was 1/4 of an old Stokes classroom that she shared with her secretary and front office workers- 3/4) and seeing 3-4 students sitting around a kitchen table in her portion of the room. I asked her about the busy students sitting there. Were they in trouble? Were they finishing up an assignment?"Oh darling, no" she said. "I was unable to find a great teacher for them--so I had this table brought in and will teach them myself until I find the right person for the assignment."Years later I was principal of J.T. Moore and I had a teaching position in early August open and needed to find a great teacher for students who had great needs. I reviewed resume after resume and I was distressed over the pool of applicants. No one was certified in special education and all would need a waiver to teacher my needy students.Channeling my inner "Evalina" I decided, I'll just get a kitchen table and put in my office! I have a degree in special education.It wasn't 24 hours later, when HR called and said they just found an "application" in a chair (I did not make that up!) of Bennetta Goode and she might be just what I was looking for at Moore. And she was more than I had hoped for in an applicant.The lesson I learned from Evalina was ----don't settle. Improvise if you need to-but never, ever turn students over to someone else unless you have the right fit! Thank you Evalina for this powerful lesson.

Ms. Cheadle was Sylvan Park Paideia's Principal when my son went there (2004-2007), and I still think of her often.  Favorite memory is an assembly where she entered the stage executing some graceful dance steps across the platform instead of just walking.  To be around her was always uplifting.

In my experience, Evalina DeBow Casey Cheadle, my friend, colleague, mentor and son's Principal, never faced a situation she could not handle with poise and aplomb, as I observed while teaching at Stokes, 1989-1998. Whatever it was, she'd wrestle it "down to fightin' size", as she would say. I think she thrived on the energy and resourcefulness middle school life requires and inspires. Her style was natural, people-oriented and positive. Evalina's leadership modeled impeachable character and behavior for all of us, no matter who we were or where we sat or stood. She loved living life. Thinking about her always makes me chuckle and smile. I'll bet St. Peter has never tasted such a heavenly margherita.

Mrs.Cheadle Was my son's principal at Stokes, I feel she was a great inspiration in his life. She encouraged  him to travel avenues that he would not have attempted (soccer and band). he was very standoffish and this year was a good year for him. He began applying himself in class and was on honor roll from there. Heaven was missing an angel and sent for her.

Mrs. Cheadle was a great, calming influence in my son's chaotic life, and I will always love her for that.

Evalina was my friend.  She will be missed.

This wonderful, amazing, beautiful woman will live on in all the many people she inspired. I felt so lucky to have known her.

Oh the joys at Walter Stokes. I'm sure you remembered the name Sharonda Blackman ( thank you for working with me). An amazing lady. May GOD continue to bless & comfort the family of the beloved Mrs. Cheadle

Evalina Cheadle was my granddaughter's principal at Sylvan Park.  My granddaughter loved Mrs. Cheadle and did not want her to retire, even at age 82. I am twice-blessed in that I also had the privilege of knowing Evalina as a DKG Alpha Nu sister.  Her passing has left a void in our chapter.  She is missed by all.

For Miss Vanderbilt from The Batchelor of Ugliness. Life has been a blessing.

She was one of my favorite elementary school teachers. I had her at both Burton and Stokes. She is missed.

To the family of Evalina Cheadle, I'm sorry that I was not able to attend the visitation hour.  I don't drive very well in bad weather.  Evelina was a beautiful lady...she was my friend.  There was never a cross word between the two of us.  We had some enjoyable work days at Stokes School.  Peace and comfort to you.

Evalina was my daughter's well loved principal at Stokes, and even FURTHER back she walked alongside my dad, Bill Wade, as he was Bachelor of Ugliness and she was Miss Vanderbilt! I have tried to post a pic, hopefully it comes through!  Prayers of peace and comfort over the Cheadle family and friends, from the Wade family!

A respected educator and citizen! May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mrs. Cheadle was the principal at Sylvan Park when my children attended. It was her intuition and thoughtful listening to each child's needs that made made her leadership stand out. She believed in all her teachers and worked to create the best fit for each student. It worked! Everyone was happy and felt supported and understood. She was a wonderful gift to any child and family she touched! She will be missed.

I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Cheadle for 5 years. I was Sylvan Park's gifted teacher two days a week. She was so loved by her staff and students and parents.  We  would have wonderful conversations about children/education/life. She was instrumental in my buying a convertible. We both had the same make and color.  She will be missed by not only her family but the Nashville community.

I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Cheadle at Sylvan Park for 5 years. I worked with the gifted students 2 days a week. Many times Mrs. Cheadle and I would have wonderful conversations about children/education. She was so loved by her staff and students. She was instrumental in my buying my convertible. We both had the same one, same color. I am so sorry for your loss.

Mrs. Cheadle was a treasure.  I will be forever thankful that my family had the opportunity to know her.  I so enjoyed serving on the PTO Board at Sylvan Park while she was Principal.  Fond memories!

Ms Cheadle had a quality you don't see often enough in people. Sure, she was kind, funny, caring. But she had GRACE. I am so glad that I got to interact with her while my son attended Sylvan Park. She touched our lives and she is missed.

Mrs. Cheadle was a great person she was a great leader and not scared to tell you want was on her mind. One of my all time favorite saying from her was "just playing started every fight I've ever had to break up". Which I still use. Many thoughts and prayers to your family.

I knew her as Miss Cheadle-the principal at Sylvan Park. She was a gracious, dynamic lady. She was also an educator from the heart. She will be missed by all of us who knew her.
Laura Dolph (LaVergne, TN)

Evalina Cheadle will always be one of our heroes.  She made decisions from her heart; she was not afraid to take risks; and she put children first.  Our family will forever be grateful for knowing her.  We will miss her presence on this earth. We will try to live like she did.

Evalina was a unique Nashville original - there is and will be no one else like her.

She was lucky and knew it: Evalina was blessed with a wonderful family, friends, and her long career as a school leader. 

Evalina was such a happy person that she was a joy to be with. I will always miss her.

Mrs. Cheadle was never afraid to do what she thought was right. Didn't blink an eye.  She showed our girls what standing for what you believe in meant. She was one of the bravest women I have ever met.  God be with your family and know she changed lives!

Honored to know Evalina Cheadle from when I first began with Metro Nashville Public Schools. Many fond memories.  She will be dearly missed.

Evalina always made me happy when I saw her.
She was an excellent educator and person.
I will miss her.

Nashville has lost the Matriarch of one of its finest oldest families. A true lady in every sense of the word. I had the privilege of practicing law just up the street from the Cheadles on Second Avenue for many years. Mrs. Cheadle was always so nice to me.

David Young Parker, Attorney

I feel so privileged to have known Evalina through Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Nu chapter. Her wit made her a delight to be around. She will be greatly missed.

Mrs. Cheadle was an amazing women. She was a great teacher and principal.  So many middle school memories at Walter Stokes. Praying for you and your family.  She will be missed.

Evalina never lost the pure enjoyment of being around children and truly found the best in everyone.  What a wonderful lady!

Proud to have known Mrs. Cheadle and completed my student teaching under her. She was a great educator and friend!

What an incredible blessing to the Nashville community. She touched the lives of countless students and teachers and was a wonderful example for all, both inside and outside the classroom. The Cassel family will always remember Mrs. Cheadle with respect, admiration, and fondness. Prayers to all her family and friends.

Evalina was one of the finest persons I have had the pleasure of knowing.  She was an excellent mother, a truly gifted teacher, and the ability to communicate well with everyone. She will be missed by her fine family and all who had the good fortune to know her.  I was most fortunate to have been able to have dinner with her on my Nashville visit in June never thinking this would be the last time I would have the enjoyment of her company.  God bless you, Evalina, for all you have given to your family, friends, and community.

RIP! Thank you for making a positive difference in the lives if my grandson's, Paxton and Bryant. You will always be remembered as the best of the best educators and leaders. It is your legacy that you loved your "children" and they loved you!

Love and hugs to your beautiful family ..I know you are watching over them all, never forget you. What a spirit!!!!

Such a wonderful woman who cared about the children at her school very much. The Reid family misses her so much.

Truly one of the greatest women I have ever known.   My kids and I owe so much to her.  We will miss her so much.   Our hearts go out to her family.

We will miss you Mrs.Cheadle! Our deepest sympathy to family and friends.

I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful woman and a life well lived! I am lucky to have worked with Mrs. Cheadle in her first years at Sylvan Park (as her PTO President and a parent) and my children were so fortunate to have her as a principal. We all have special memories of her time at Sylvan Park and that was just one part of her amazing life and the thousands of lives she touched. She was a bright light in the world and I will miss her and always smile when I think of her! My thoughts are with your family as you pay tribute to her.
Sincerely, Eileen Hopkins

What a treasure we have lost. I was blessed to have known her over the years, as a parent , teacher, and friend. She touched the hearts of so many, young and old. God blessed me when He introduced Evalina Cheadle into my life. She will be missed!
Margie Doty

She was strong, well grounded, and real. Her respect for all people of all ages was clear. I feel so fortunate to have known her and wish her family lots of happy moments as they celebrate the amazing life of this wonderful woman.

What a great lady. She was always engaging and interested. I will miss seeing her.

Rest in peace Mrs.Cheadle,she was a great person,teacher,she kept me in line i was her pet peeve at Burton.Gone but never forgotten.

We will miss your powerful presence, Evalina.  The life you chose to live made a difference for for thousands of families.
Heartfelt condolences to all of the Cheadles from the O'Shea family.

I have such great memories of her contagious smile when we would meet at Principals' meetings.  She was really kind to my granddaughter who attended her school.  I'm so sorry for your loss!!

May God bless you all in this time of sorrow. Mrs. Cheadle was totally awesome, and I am glad that I got to know her as I served as PTSO President at West End. She was instrumental in staying involved with the children that came to us from Sylvan Park.

May God Rest your soul.
you definitely made a impact in my life. The true definition of what education  should be today.

OBITUARY

Evalina Casey Cheadle

August 22, 1930 – February 18, 2015

Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home

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