She became a beacon of light, truth, and beauty for many.
“Mrs. Mott had true compassion for her students, co-workers, friends, and family. She dedicated herself to excellence and expected nothing less of others. She had a well-defined, purpose driven life and exercised her right to live her life
Eudeen Hamer Mott
was born on December 3, 1947, in Winona, Mississippi. She was the 8th of 10 children born to Willie and Classie Louise (Whitehead) Hamer.
Eudeen grew up in Gary, Indiana. She graduated from Gary Roosevelt High School in 1965. Throughout her childhood, Eudeen demonstrated the characteristics that helped everyone around her know that she was destined to do great works. The mere uniqueness of her name complimented the innate knowledge, skills and abilities that would mold her to become a great success – EUDEEN (Emotionally intelligent; Unwavering supporter; Dedicated to excellence; Eager to make a difference; Empowering; and “No” was never the right answer).
Eudeen began working early in life. It was important for her to help provide financial support to her family. She worked a variety of jobs here and there, but after about five years of working as a secretary at United States Steel –Gary Works, Eudeen left that “good-paying” job at the steel mill to go to college, as she had a sound idea that she was to become a TEACHER. (No doubt, Eudeen was probably the oldest college freshman on the campus of Purdue University! No matter, she was a proud and persevering Boilermaker, determined to live out her dream). Eudeen continued her studies at Indiana University where she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (1974) and a Master of Science in Elementary Education (1978).
Eudeen began working as a professional teacher in 1974. Her first assignment was at Edison Middle School in Gary, Indiana (1974 to 1978). She later relocated to Florida and worked in the Broward County Public Schools system (1981 – 1990), and the Orange County Public Schools system (1990-2010). For her exemplary dedication and professionalism, she was saluted as “Teacher of the Year” at Banyan Elementary School (1983-84); “Teacher of the Year” at Windermere Elementary School (1992-93); and while at Lakeville Elementary School, she was one of the recipients of Disney’s Teacherrific Award, first in 1993 and then again in 2000, sharing this top title along with several other phenomenal educators, for their spotlighted railroad museum. After more than 26 years of molding and mending young minds, Eudeen retired while serving at Wolf Lake Elementary School in Apopka.
Eudeen met her husband Clarence while she was on vacation in the Bahamas in the mid-1970’s and they married soon after in 1976. They lived in Fort Lauderdale for many years, often traveling back & forth to the Bahamas during this time, cementing her love of the people, the food, and the music. They later moved to Central Florida and built their lives around each other, their family, friends, and beloved dogs. Mrs. Mott, who was a long-time resident of Apopka, Fl, passed away at age 66 on August 8, 2014, at Florida Hospital Orlando.
E.H. MOTT LEARNING CENTER 
I was just talking to my 8 yo about my favorite teacher and decided to google Mrs. Mott. She was my 4th grade teacher at Banyan Elementary in 1983-1984. I am so sorry to read of her passing. I’m 43 yo now and can still say she was my favorite teacher. I remember presenting my book report in her class an how much I adored her. She’s always in my heart.
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