Black Woman Celebrates Having Been a Teacher For Almost 70 Years

Nationwide — Meet Everlene Davis, a remarkable educator from Columbus County, North Carolina, who has dedicated nearly seven decades of her life to teaching. What’s more, she has no plans of retiring yet.Davis, who is currently a teacher of Family and Consumer Sciences at South Columbus High School in Tabor City, started her teaching journey way back in 1956. And she hasn’t stopped since.

“I have touched the lives of many many students,” Davis told WWAYTV3.

Throughout the years, Davis has taught a diverse range of students in ever-changing circumstances. What’s impressive is that she’s spent her entire teaching career in Tabor City, where she often finds herself teaching multiple generations of families.

“I’m familiar most of the time with the parents, their grandparents, and sometimes the great-grandparents,” she said.

Davis began her teaching career at Douglass High School during the era of segregation. When schools integrated, she continued her passion at Tabor City High School and now at South Columbus High School. She has always felt fulfilled in nurturing young minds to help them become successful adults.

“I am so happy to know that I taught something in my class, you learned something in my class, that has contributed to the success of your job. That means a lot to me. Very much so, very much so,” she said.

Davis is known for setting high standards, reminding her students that hard work is the key to success. While age may have added up, her ability to command a classroom hasn’t faded a bit.

“I am using the phrase that I am a very seasoned senior citizen in education as well as other areas,” she said.

As long as her health permits, Davis intends to continue living her passion for teaching. Her dedication has earned her hundreds of awards, and she’s recognized as one of the longest-serving educators in the state.