An open letter to the family of Dora Jean Bumgarner and the community of Marietta
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I had the pleasure of knowing Dora Jean for over 40 years. She was a grand lady who worked tirelessly to improve the education system and community of Marietta. I worked for five different school superintendents. In my view, she was the best. Dora Jean advocated for honor classes and academic excellence. She attended more extra curricular events than any other Superintendent I worked for. She had a work ethic that no one I know can top. In my opinion, we have lost a giant in servant leadership. Dora Jean could work with anyone. She had empathy for everyone. Her commitments were real. She was kind and gentle. However, if you were not pulling your weight; she found a way to communicate her disappointment. Dora Jean was goal oriented. She was a leader who was willing to work with others for compromise. A skill that seems rare these days. Dora Jean was the epitome of tenacity. She was determined to get a bond and operating levy passed. The voters rejected these tax levies six times. Dora Jean worked just as hard on the seventh try as she did the first. I never saw her happier than on the day the taxpayers approved both levies. She was always more interested in finding progress than having her way.
Dora Jean was also devoted to her family and church. First Baptist Church was the first experience I had with Dora Jean. She was Sunday School Superintendent. I quickly found out that she was an integral force in that church. Very soon she had talked me into teaching vacation bible school. When the church added Wednesday dinner and family activities, Dora Jean tapped me again for youth activities. In other words, Dora Jean had a way of getting people to try and work as hard as she did. It was never to benefit herself; she challenged you by her example. If there were more Dora Jean's in this world, we would have far fewer problems. Her types keep you so busy solving problems, you do not have time to whine about your own. In fact, you would be so tired you wouldn't have the energy to realize you had any problems. To quote Dora Jean, "Idle hands do the devil's work".
I truly miss my friend and colleague. But I know she suffered much over the last several years. As we sing her praises, I hope we can find a way to be as dynamic and caring as she. Marietta is truly blessed to have had a person of this caliber who served the community in so many ways. Dora Jean didn't do things for credit or money.
She worked hard to seek excellence in all things. She had high expectations for herself.
Therefore, she sought your best. Leaders matter. Last week we lost one of the best.
Let us all celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dora Jean. She impacted the education of more than 100,000 students and faculty during her career. Well done, my friend! Well done!
With Love, Barb Jenkins
Columbus, Ohio
Teacher at Marietta High School for 27 years.