Dale Quin

Miss Dale Elizabeth Quin, beloved daughter, sister, friend, and teacher, passed away on Thursday, August 30, 2012, after bravely battling an extended illness. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Sunday afternoon, September 30, 2012, at 2:00 PM, at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama. Miss Quin was born on May 7, 1955, in Birmingham, Alabama, where she spent her entire life. Always a scholar, Miss Quin completed distinguished academic careers at West End High School and at Samford University. She earned both the Bachelor of Arts dgree in English, Math, and History in 1977 at Samford as well as a Master's Degree in English in 1982. At Samford University, Miss Quin was one of the first women to be inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa. All who knew her acknowledged that Dale Quin practiced the Christian faith which she believed in so strongly by living a life of service. She gave unselfishly of herself to Vestavia Hills High School, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, her many friends, and the community at large. Upon graduation from Samford University, Miss Quin began a thirty-one year teaching career at Vestavia Hills High School where she devoted herself to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and to the education of the hearts and minds of her many students. Miss Quin's commitment to her students and her high standards brought her numerous teaching awards as well as the admiration of her students who enjoyed successful lives and careers thanks to her guidance and inspiration. Her dedication to her students included her active role in extracurricular activities such as her sponsorship of the yearbook, the Hope Service Club, many VHHS Senior Classes, and the National Honor Scoiety as well as her contributions as costume coordinator for many of the school's plays. In all of her roles, both in the classroom and as sponsor, she educated her students about the needs of the world and the joy of serving others. Her career as a teacher is best reflected by Chaucer's words, "And gladly would [she] learn, and gladly teach." Miss Quin was a long-time member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church where she taught English as a second language, Vacation Bible School, and an adult singles Sunday School Class, whose members will serve as Honorary Pall Bearers. Besides enjoying the satisfaction of following her students as they matured into caring citizens and leaders, Miss Quin found pleasure in travel with close friends, often sharing her wit and knowledge. Her many friends were aware of her generosity and kindness when she frequently showered them with gifts, food, cards, notes, and love. She will be remembered as a determined, intelligent, and disciplined woman whose heart was large and giving and whose compassion touched many lives. Miss Quin is survived by her brother, Michael Quin; sister-in-law, Zhaohui Du Quin; step-nephew, Peng Du; dozens of friends; and hundreds of grateful students. She was predeceased by her parents, High and Florence Quin. Memorial gifts may be made to Samaritan's Purse (P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000), the Arendall Children's Wing of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church (1114 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL 35209), or the Alzheimer's Association of Central Alabama (300 Office Park Drive, Mountain Brook, AL 35223).