Feb 28, 2023

Kathryn Dowler Teagarden, noted teacher, died peacefully on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 2 p.m.

Born in Glen Dale, W.Va., on June 15, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Donn and Lois Dowler.

An honor student at Moundsville High School, Kathryn continued her education at West Virginia University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees. More education followed.

It was at WVU she met her future husband, Brian, with whom she built a life of professional work, domestic and foreign travel, civic involvement, and fun. Their son, Matthew, completed the circle in 1976.

Early years were lived on her family’s farm, where Kathryn watched foreign exchange students come and go, igniting in her a fire to experience other places and cultures. She took to heart her family’s admonition to seriously employ her gifts to the betterment of life for others.

Learning and teaching ran deep, and she engaged in both with abandon. She is remembered by her students for her knowledge, her wit, and her insistence that they excel. She loved the energy of the classroom and sharing what she loved-even on the tough days. The times that the classroom expanded to Mexico, Europe and New York City made it all better.

She taught at Clarksburg Liberty High School, Avella High School and Bethlehem-Center High School. Named a University of Pittsburgh All-Star Educator in 1996, Kathryn was also honored by Zonta for her contribution to education in Washington County.

Always a believer in the glory of words, she left behind, in granite, a few words on a statue in front of Bethlehem-Center High School-words that extol the power of reading great books.

She was a lifelong Presbyterian and served in many positions, from teacher to elder, giving special effort to mission, even a week of service in the Navajo Nation in Chinle, Arizona. Over the years, she volunteered with her son’s Boy Scout troop, parent-teacher organizations, township planning, and most recently, with the education committee of the Bradford House Historical Association. Her professional affiliations were numerous.

The arrival of two granddaughters brought incomparable joy; they captured her heart.

Surviving are her husband of 48 years, Brian H. Teagarden; son, Matthew W. Teagarden and wife, Casey; granddaughters, Julia Elizabeth and Paige Katherine Teagarden; two brothers, David B. Dowler and wife, Lois, of Meadville, and Roger E. Dowler and wife, Gail, of Rochester, N.Y.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 9:30 a.m. until Noon, the hour of the memorial service, Saturday, March 4, 2023, in the Church of the Covenant, 267 E. Beau Street, Washington, with Reverend Billy Younger officiating. All other services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Church of the Covenant.

Condolences may be expressed online at piattandbarnhillfh.com.

Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors, Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner / supervisor and Andrew C. Piatt, director.