Dr. Charleen Mitchell DeRidder

Charleen Mitchell DeRidder, 83, of Knoxville, passed away on November 19, 2013, following an extended illness. Charleen was born January 7, 1930 in Sweetwater, Texas to Charles and Eloise Mitchell. Her family later moved to Grandville, Michigan where she graduated valedictorian of her high school class of 1947. She attended Grand Rapids Community College, and later the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in 1951. Charleen began her career in education as high school teacher in Hudson, Michigan in 1951, but then took a 12-year hiatus to start a family. She married Lawrence M. DeRidder in 1952, and moved to Chicago where Lawrence taught at the University of Illinois. Following the birth to their first child, the DeRidders moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where her husband became a professor at the University of Tennessee. Charleen gave birth to four more children before resuming her own career in 1964, working for the Knox County School system. Charleen taught mathematics and science at Bonny Kate and White Elementary Schools from 1964-67, and at Doyle High School from 1967-72, where she also chaired the Math/Sciences Department. Enrolled in evening courses at the University of Tennessee, Charleen earned a Master of Science in Mathematics Education in 1969, and later, a Ph.D. in the same field. Following the birth of her 6th child in 1972, Charleen was promoted to Head Mathematics Supervisor (K-12) for the Knox County Schools, where she devoted the next 27 years to advancing mathematics education in East Tennessee. Charleen was a gifted teacher and a dynamic, visionary administrator. As a teacher, Charleen endeared herself to her students, who often remarked on her unique ability to relate complex mathematical concepts in progressive, easy to understand terms. As Head Mathematics Supervisor, Charleen developed both new teaching methods and new curriculum for Knox County Schools that were credited with significantly raising standardized math scores throughout Knox County—approaches that were recognized by the Office of the Governor and subsequently replicated elsewhere in the State of Tennessee. She is highly regarded nationally as a leader in mathematics education. She is listed in Who’s Who in American Education, and is a recipient of the Golden Key National Honor Society Award and the University of Tennessee Women of Achievement Award. She received numerous research grants, published many articles, served in several leadership positions in professional associations, made extensive international, national and regional presentations in mathematics education, and served as adjunct assistant professor of mathematics education at the University of Tennessee. Charleen was an avid cook and talented musician, and enjoyed camping and fishing with her family. In later years Charleen travel widely with her youngest son Jason and with close friends. She was a devoted member of John XXIII Church in Knoxville, where she enjoyed many close friendships. Charleen is predeceased by her son Jason Abram DeRidder, and survived by her children, Mitchell Lee DeRidder of Kingston, Washington, Dan Albee DeRidder of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jody Lynn DeRidder of Northport, Alabama, Kim Joseph DeRidder of Jakarta, Indonesia, and Tamara Lise DeRidder of Portland, Oregon. She is also survived by grandchildren Riah Kegan Sorn-ampai of Walla Walla, Washington, and Haley Jaisyn Sorn-ampai, of Jakarta, Indonesia; and siblings Nancy Mitchell Poltrock and James Albee Mitchell, both of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 noon, officiated by Father Charles Donahue of John XXIII University Parish. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to University of Tennessee’s “Charleen M. DeRidder NTCM Membership Awards” administered by the Department of Mathematics for students of mathematics education. Kindly write out the checks to the UT-Foundation and include “Mathematics Enrichment Fund-De Ridder” in the memo line. Address: College of Arts and Sciences, 2524 Dunford Hall, 915 Volunteer Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37996

Tributes

Dr. Charleen Mitchell DeRidder

January 7, 1930 - November 19, 2013