Evelyn Crowder was a woman who dreamed big and greatly valued Education. She was born in Birmingham, AL, and held onto her southern charm throughout her life. A quiet, private and modest woman, she wanted to make a difference in the communities she served. When she was left as an orphan at a young age, she assumed the role of mother for her younger brother during her teenage years, and eventually earned a scholarship through the University of Illinois.

Ms. Crowder’s dream of becoming a school teacher took her to California, where she began her career as an educator. In the Golden State, she lived in Stockton, about an hour outside of the state capitol. Ms. Crowder would teach high school during the day, and music night school at the University of the Pacific. Ms. Crowder wanted her students to become employable, so she would work long and hard hours to be a great teacher and ensure her students success.

In an effort to advance her career, she went on to earn a Master’s degree in Education through Columbia University, after learning it was one of the best institutions in the country for this route. She wanted to educate the next generation of students to go after their dreams. Each summer, she would drive from California to New York City to earn her Master’s degree.

One day, she arrived in Hailey, ID, part of the Wood River Valley, to teach during the midst of World War II. Ms. Crowder was a brilliant teacher who challenged her students to be and become the best version of themselves. She valued good grammar, well-behaved students, and French. She also coached the girls basketball team because she enjoyed giving back to the community and creating memorable experiences for high school students.

Eventually, Ms. Crowder purchased an acreage of land on the rim of Jerome Canyon. Her entrepreneur husband supported her achievements. In 1978, she returned to this land to build a home and settle in her new environment. Books that focused on “how to do” were helpful for her. As a result of reading through these resources, she was able to contribute to the design and development of her home. Some of this contribution included adding her own electrical wiring to the building. At the age of 80, she acquired a real estate license for Idaho and California. She made a lot of money as a broker and learned how to invest the value.

Ms. Crowder loved to travel, so she visited many places to enhance her educational experiences and learn about different cultures. She lived a frugal life, interested in applying the monetary value she gained to the enrichment of the next generation of student professionals.

About six months before she died, Ms. Crowder met with Jerome attorney Rob Williams to establish a will. She left half of her income to the school and half of her income to the city library.

Thanks to this woman’s remarkable and dedicated journey, Jerome High School now has a school library for you to study in and be a part of. Her story is a Cinderella story, while the legacy left behind is one about determination, the value of Education and a desire to succeed through all levels of adversity. By being educated, Ms. Crowder has taught Jerome and all of her students about unlimited possibilities and what it means to achieve big dreams. While Ms. Crowder never had children of her own, the kids she taught in schools were her children, and she took care of them by leaving behind a library legacy.