Jane McAllister Dart, associate professor of the art department at EMU, from 1942 until she retired in 1978, died Feb. 11. She was 95.
Dart was an artist, educator and musician. She received a certificate in industrial design from Pratt Institute in New York, a bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1939, followed by a master's of fine arts degree in watercolor in 1940, both from Ohio State University.
After a brief teaching fellowship at the University of Arkansas, she was hired to teach at Michigan State Normal College in 1942. Dart was present in 1956 when the institution was renamed Eastern Michigan College and, in 1959, when it was renamed again, this time Eastern Michigan University.
"She was one of only three art faculty members at EMU during World War II," said a 1979 press release about her retirement.
"When I first came here, the art department was located in what is now Boone Hall...The Willow Run Bomber Plant was in full swing and there were only 500 students on campus. There was even talk of closing the school," Dart said in the press release.
Dart was known for her artwork. She had an exhibit of watercolors at the Rachham Gallery in Ann Arbor. Her glass and ceramic mural of the Good Shepherd is currently installed in the Garth at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Ypsilanti. Her last major piece was an altarpiece painting, inspired by Renaissance altarpieces. It is installed in the Gardam Chapel at St. Luke's. Dart also served as the church's organist.
She is survived by her husband, Gawaine, and her daughter, Claudia Dart Collyer.
Charles J. Wright, a former EMU bus driver from 1967-78, died Feb. 5. He was 89.
Prior to working for EMU, Wright drove for Lincoln Consolidated Schools for 23 years. He was a life-long farmer and had a passion for traveling. He visited Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska and was a passenger on several cruises.
He deeply enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Anna Neumann Gapsky; two daughters, Gloria Thompson, Elayne Ellis; one son, Larry Wright; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Contributions in his memory should be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 201 N. River St. Ypsilanti; or the American Heart Association. Sign his guest book at www.starkfuneral.com
R. Deming (Pete) Mayo, an instructor and supervisor of student teachers at EMU rom 1970-74, died Feb. 4. He was 77.
Mayo received his bachelor's degree from Albion College in 1953 and his master's degree from Michigan State University in 1962.
After serving as a teacher, administrative assistant and assistant to the superintendent in Jackson Public Schools, he became the principal of a middle school in Ohio before starting at EMU in 1970. In 1974, he left EMU to be a middle school teacher in Marlette. He retired in 1989 after being a principal at Hampton Elementary School in Bay City.
Mayo loved sports, especially when he could cheer on his grandchildren. He was very active at First Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon and an Elder.
He is survived by three daughters, Meredy Shima, of Saline, Shari Mueller, of Ann Arbor, and Jana Lown, of Milan; one son, Russell Mayo, of Carrboro, N.C.; eight grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church Youth Education Ministry, the Booster Club at Bay City Central High School or a charity of the donor's choice.
Barbara B. Odell, a transfer credit tabulation clerk at EMU's records and registration office from 1954-74, died Feb. 4. She was 92.
Odell grew up in Ypsilanti and graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1933. She received her bachelor's of science degree from Simmons College in Boston.
She was a member of the Unitarian-Universalist Association and the Simmons College Alumni Association. She enjoyed reading, attending Elderhostels, playing bridge and traveling. At the time of her death, she resided in Ypsilanti and Colony Cove in Florida.
Survivors include two sons, Peter Graham, of Richland, and Michael Graham, of Schoolcraft; three grandsons, five great-grandchildren, a stepdaughter and two stepchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to Laurels of Galesburg Residents' Activity Fund.
