Just as CMNEA was celebrating our historic win for our association to represent teachers at the bargaining table, we received word that a long time supporter and MNEA member passed away from her long fight with cancer.
Barb Dozier was a member of the Rockwood NEA and served as board of directors for MNEA. She also served on several MNEA state wide committees, with her love being the Human Rights committee. She served on the Heritage Board in the St. Louis area as well. I first met Barb when I was attending an MNEA RA for the first time. I was new to the scene. I was the ONLY one from Columbia, and I knew no one. I felt like the new kid at school. I had stepped outside of Tan-Tar-A to find which "cabin" was my room, when I saw a group of women walking up the steep hillside leading to the main building. (Later, I would come to know each woman in the group, and they have become great friends and wonderful supporters of Columbia and G.D. 6). From that group though, came a woman who walked right up to me and in a loud, cheery voice announced, "Hi! My name is Barbara Dozier and I represent you on the board of directors. Here is my card!" She whipped out a white business card, thrust it into my hands and with a flurry, was off, talking loudly the entire time. I looked at the card and saw that she was the Minority-at-Large representative on the MNEA Board.
After that tornado of a meeting, Barb watched out for me. She introduced me to other members from across the state and taught me how to network within the association. During my terms as the CMNEA local president, she would call me from time to time to let me know about certain grants I should apply for to help my local, encourage me to join this committee or that meeting, and helped me to laugh at the ridiculous. When I began to attend the National RAs, she again took my broken wing and helped me to fly through the maze of endless meetings, NBIs and protocol of the Representative Assemblies. At night we prowled the streets and had much fun. But what happens during the nights of the RA, STAY with the RA!
When we all went to Chicago last year for the RA, Barb did not attend. We asked and were told that she had a family reunion that conflicted with the RA. Not thinking anything of it, I shot her an email to say how much she was missed and that I would see her again at the MNEA Fall RA. I did think it was strange that she did not email back, but then again-weren't we all busy? At the MNEA Fall RA, I learned that she had a serious illness and she was taking time to heal. Again I sent another email. Again, nothing. Time went on. I learned through the MNEA grapevine that Barb had cancer but was responding well to treatment. Because of her many doctor appointments, she retired early. Ah, the answer as to why I was not getting emails from her. The email I had for her was her school email and she was no longer in the system. Through mutual friends I sent my words of encouragement. In my mind, I knew my friend was getting better. At the Spring RA last year, I heard that she was indeed better. In fact, she was in remission! I told myself that before the holidays, I would make arrangements to see my friend again and catch up with her.
So, as we all cheered, cried and celebrated the historic win Thursday night, I began to text and email anyone and everyone I knew. On my list... Barb Dozier! I would get in touch and share the news. Then I received THE NEWS. President Chris Guinther pulled me a side and told me that Barb and passed away Thursday afternoon.
I've told myself since then that CMNEA had a special angel helping us that day. Only Barb could pull those strings! Lover of children, dogs, good times, laughter, and joy, I will always remember Barb. CMNEA and G.D. 6, although Barb lived in St. Louis, she always thought of us in the Mid-West part of the state. Oh, she would make fun of our "country" ways, but she knew the importance of the association and representing ALL teachers. On one of those days when you see a bright rainbow reaching across the sky and a loud chatter of birds coming from the tree tops, think of Barb and raise a glass. She would laugh loudly and enjoy.
If you knew of Barb and can attend the funeral, here is the information:
Services will be Tuesday, Oct. 16th - Wake/Visitation 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Funeral services at 12 Noon
Holy Metropolitan Baptist Church
1212 Academy Ave.
St. Louis, MO
Repast will be at Crave Church - across the street from Barb's house
The Human Rights Committee is making a contribution to the MNEA HOPE Fund in Barb's memory, and will accept additional donations for that fund at the Fall RA.
In the meantime, I will look for a photo of Barb and place it on the blog page soon.
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