Karon Elaine Yeager

Karon Elaine Yeager, 77, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Karon was the oldest daughter born to Elizabeth Bowser Yeager and Harold Edward Yeager on September 22, 1946 in Kalamazoo, MI. She was preceded in death by both her parents.

Karon is survived by her 2 younger siblings, Cheri Lynn Yeager of Boquete, Panama and Elise Annette Andrews (Arthur) of Okemos, MI., a host of cousins, friends and caring neighbors.

A consummate learner, Karon began her journey as an educator in Kalamazoo Public School system. She graduated from Loy Norris High School in 1964, and began her journey of higher learning, attending Western Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education with a Major in English and a Minor in Political Science in 1968. Karon moved forward on her educational path at Western Michigan University, working toward her Master of Arts Degree in Teaching the Educationally and Economically Disadvantaged. She graduated with academic honors receiving her Master of Arts Degree in 1972 while working as a teacher at what was then called Hillside Junior High School as a English and Social Studies Teacher. As she continued to prioritize her goal of gaining knowledge to educate others, Karon's professional path led her to a variety of educational positions within the Kalamazoo Public School system.

She was an Instructional Specialist at Hillside and Northeastern Junior High Schools, a Program Developer, a Coordinator of Instructional Development for the school system, a Coordinator of Compensatory Education, Bilingual, Migrant and Indian

Education Programs, a Strategic Planning Facilitator for Seven Schools in the Kalamazoo Public School System and Coordinator of Title I and School Improvement.

With all the accomplishments in her professional life, Karon still found time to give to her community and professional affiliations. She shared her time, talent and educational expertise by serving in multiple organizations. Karon served on the Black Educators' Committee of Kalamazoo Public Schools as Treasurer, YMCA Board of Directors, the American Association of School Administrators, Salvation Army Tutorial Program Advisory Council, Michigan Association of Bilingual Education Administrators (MABEA), Kalamazoo "Push for Learning" Coordinator Committee Program Co-Chair, Northside Association for Educational Advancement (NAEA) Corresponding Secretary and Board Member, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers, Office and Professional Workers Local 2150 (UAW) Executive Board Member, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Board of Trustee Member and Education Committee Chair

Person, Western Michigan University School of Social Work Advisory Committee for W. K. Kellogg Foundation Initiative Grant, Kalamazoo Foundation Scholarship Board, Duane Young Scholarship and Athletic Fund Scholarship Board Member, and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Member.

Karon has a host of award and honors to exemplify her dedication and life long commitment to youth, community and the educational system. Only a few of these can be listed ... Paula Blanchard Michigan 150 First Lady Award, Recipient of Kalamazoo Area Excellence in Education Incentive Grant Award, Recipient of Delta Sigma Theta Mary McLeod Bethune Award and UAW Local 2150 Kalamazoo Public School Administrators 2001 Administrator of the Year.

In accordance with Karon's wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral will be held. A celebration of life may be scheduled at a later date. Those desiring to make memorial contributions in Karon's name may direct them to the Emporia State University Foundation-Paul J. Terry Memorial Scholarship in care of the Emporia State Bank, 801 Merchant Street, Emporia, KS 66801; Northside Association for Educational Advancement (NAEA), P.O. Box 19697, Kalamazoo, MI

49019; Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, 2300 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001. Condolences may be forwarded to the family of Karon Yeager @ eliseannette777@gmail.com.