Tributes

Dr. Willa Drue Everhardt Narkon, age 66 of Mooresville NC, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 in the comfort of her Mother, sister, brother and her daughter. She was born on January 17, 1952 to Nell Branch Everhardt and the late Dwain G. Everhardt. Drue attended Mooresville Senior High School class of 1970 and then went on to Greensboro College where she obtained her B.A in Special Education specializing in the mentally handicapped. In 1978 she graduated from University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill with her Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) specializing in Curriculum in Learning Disabilities. The greatest accomplishment Drue was most proud of was then obtaining her Doctorate degree (Ph.D) from the University of Hawaii in August of 2007 specializing in Exceptionalities. Drue was an outstanding educator and served our education community well. She spent 41 years as an educator in the special education field ranging from Special Education Teacher, Educational Diagnostician, Executive Director/Principal of Variety Club School, Hawaii; College Lecturer then retired in 2016 as Associate Professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Not only has she served as mentor and educator to many, she has researched and is published in her name in many respected education journals. In addition to all these accomplishments, Drue was awarded one of the most prestige honors, the “Francis Davis Teaching Award-Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching “at University of Hawaii - Manoa, 2002.” Complimenting her love for education, Drue was also a most loving, caring, gentle and humble soul. She was a dedicated mother, one who sacrificed everything to provide for her two children, Elizabeth and Andrew. Her bond with her daughter was strong…not a day went by where they did not converse regardless of the distance in between. Later that sacrifice and love passed onto her dear grandchildren, especially her buddy “MJ”, oldest grandson from her daughter, Elizabeth. She spent most of her life in Honolulu, Hawaii and just recently moved back to North Carolina to care for her Mother, Nell Branch Everhardt. Drue was always caring and loving, and quite humorous although she made you think before you finally “got it”. Her laidback demeanor was calming and effective. She taught her children how to live humbly, simple and to always strive to accomplish their dreams. Drue’s work ethic did not go unnoticed. She worked hard until she retired and was ready to enjoy retirement. She was well respected by many and has left a legacy of hard work and commitment not only in education but also with her family and friends. Drue is survived by her mother, Nell Branch Everhardt (Mooresville, NC), daughter, Elizabeth Narkon Vito (Matt Vito)- Phoenix, Arizona, son, Andrew Narkon (Tara Mapston Narkon) LeMars- Iowa, sister, Decie Everhardt – Cave Creek, AZ, brother Keye Everhardt (Ann Everhardt) – Birmingham, AL, 4 grandchildren, Maile Narkon (Andrew and Tara), MJ, Mamalu, and Malachi Vito (Liz and Matt) and a number of other loving relatives, very close friends and colleagues. Services will be held in Drue’s birthplace of Mooresville, North Carolina, at the Cavin-Cook Funeral Home on November 1, 2018, 2:00pm. An intimate burial with family will follow. A Repass will follow (4:30p.m.) at Drue’s Mother’s house. The family wishes to thank all those who cared and prayed for our beloved Drue these last several months, and those who loved her as much as did her dear family. Psalm 17:1 (Drue’s birthdate psalm) was among her favorite scriptures, “Hear me, Lord, my plea is just; listen to my cry. Hear my prayer—it does not raise from deceitful lips”. (NIV)

Tributes

Dr. Willa Drue Narkon

January 17, 1952 - September 26, 2018