BY MIKE ELLIS

KNOXVILLE, TENN - "I still believe that a hug and a little pat on the back is the best tool to teaching." those were the words of Hazel Cline Elkins who passed away at the age of 87 at Baptist West Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee last week. following a lingering illness.

Elkins who was a former educator with the Mingo County School System for over fifty years was best known to her students as Mrs. Hazel. She began her teaching career in a one room school at Leatherwood near Gilbert in 1937.

Elkens one of three siblings born to the late Howard and Maude Justice Hatfield. She was also preceded in death by her first husband; Raymond Cline her second husband; Leonard Elkins, one brother Frank V. Hatfield and one sister Faye Perry both of whom were teachers with the Mingo County Schools.

Survivors include son, Jerry Raymond (Glenda) Cline of Baisden, daughters, Greta (Big Jim Hatfield) Owens of Gilbert, and Brenda (Chuck) Hutzler of Knoxville, Tennessee, 7 grandchildren; David (Dana), Glenetta and Robin Owens, Raymond (Sarah), Terry Lynn and Matthew Hutzler, Angie Cline (Bryan) McComis, 5 great grandchildren; Jerome, Daniel and Taylor Owens, Nathan and Holly McComis.

Funeral services for Elkins were held at Mounts Funeral Home with burial following at the Highland Memory Gardens, at Godby Heights with Rev. Jim Nagy and Mason Perry officiating. Active pallbearers were David, Daniel and Jerome Owens, Raymond and Matthew Hutzler, Nathan McComis, Greg and Randy Surber, Honorary pallbearers were James H. "Buck" Harless, Jerry Thompson, Amos and Big Jim Hatfield, Clayton and Harry J. Cline.

When Elkins was one year old her mother passed away from complications of influenza, leaving her father to raise three children. "Dade made sure that all three of us were educated, we all became school teachers." Elkins said during the interview.

Elkins began her college education at Concord College located in Athens W.VA., later transferring to West Virginia University for extension classes. After which, she attended Marshall College now known as Marshall University where she was one of the first graduates from the new university.

Elkins taught for thirty-five years before retiring in 1972. However that was not then end of her teaching career. After her retirement, Elkens began filling in as a substitute teacher for the next twenty years.

During an interview in the mid ninety’s, Elkins described her career as one of her most rewarding experience.

"I enjoyed being with the kids and playing volleyball with them during recess. I wasn't just their teacher, I was their mother and friend, I miss working with the kids." (The words of Elkins during the interview).

After graduating from college, Elkins began teaching at a one room school called Leatherwood School. The school was located across the mountain from Spice Creek near the Logan County line.

Elkins recalled how she would drive to Spice Creek and to the end of the road, and then walk over the mountain to the school.

Upon leaving Leatherwood School, Elkins went on to teach at a school known as the old Mose Cline School, located near the foot of Isaban Mountain. This time she was teaching first through third grades in the two room school.

Elkins recalled having only one student in her third grade class, "his name was Wilford cline," she said. "He was very intelligent, every time I would turn around, he was at my desk saying, Mrs Hazel, I'm finished, what do you want me to do now."

Former students say she hardly ever forgot a face or a name. As for this former Gilbert Times and Daily News reporter and former student of Mrs. Hazels, "when I went to her nearly twenty years after being one of her students, I was welcomed by name. Not only did she know who I was, she remembered teaching my mother in the second grade as well".

Current teacher and former student, Margo Mounts considered Elkins an inspiration as well as a friend.

"She was one of the best teachers I ever had, she was an inspiration to many students as well as myself. I was honored to have had Mrs Hazel as a teacher and friend. I wish there was more teachers like her today, I don’t think she ever forgets the name or face of any of her students," said former student and now teacher Margo Mounts of Baisden.

During her days of teaching at the Cline Grade, Elkins was credited with saving the live of two of her students. Noticing that the students weren't feeling well she notified the parents and ask them to take the students to the doctor. After arriving at the doctor's office, they were diagnosed one with Hepatitis and the other with a blood poising.

Former students of Elkins' say that the one thing they will remember most about their former teacher, is the way she made them feel comfortable and the way she could tell a story.

"I think the one thing that I will always remember is they way she would tell the story of Black Mammy," said Muriel Ellis of Baisden who was a second grade student of Elkins.

"She put so much feeling into her story telling. She made us feel like we were part of the stories the way she told them."

Elkins believed that you didn't have to paddle the students unless absolutely necessary. Before the paddle was taken out of the schools, Elkins stated that the students respected the teachers. "If teachers could use the paddle now the students would be a lot more respectful of the teachers and would do better in school." said Elkins.

Years after Elkins was forced to leave the school system due to her health, she continued to tudor students in need of help. Elkins said she had so many former students calling her requesting help for their children.

"I found it very rewarding to know I had touched my students to the point that they wanted me to help with their kids although I was no longer teaching." Elkins said.

Elkins will be remembered as an inspiration, wonderful teacher and a wonderful friend by those who had the opportunity to know and consider her a friend..