In Memoriam – Eva Price

Eva Price is pictured with her husband David and their three children. An ECU instructor in the Kinesiology Department, Price lost her battle with cancer Jan. 1. (Photo by Elaine Hughes, Department of Kinesiology)

East Carolina University physical education pedagogy instructor Eva Price died Jan. 1 at the age of 34, following a battle with a rare form of lymphoma.

A native of Cary, Price began teaching full time in 2005 in ECU’s Department of Kinesiology in the College of Health and Human Performance. She designed and implemented the home school physical education program operated by the department.

“Eva was an exceptional person and mother,” said Dr. Glen Gilbert, dean of the College of Health and Human Performance.  “In her short time with us she made a profound impact on students and colleagues…. If you knew her even briefly you would understand why her loss is felt so deeply by many in the HHP family,” he said.

Dr. Stacey Altman, chair of the Department of Kinesiology, said that Price easily developed productive relationships with others. She was “always willing to take on the duties asked of her and did so pleasantly and with plenty of enthusiasm,” Altman said.

A former student, Hannah Priest, remembered Price for her “way of making others feel calm and comfortable, even in stressful situations.

“Eva is one of the most special human beings I have ever known,” she said. “I was awed by her patience, compassion, and kind disposition.”

Academic advisor Jennifer Abbott agreed, noting Price’s “unique ability to see the best in people.”

“She was patient and incredibly giving of her time, her heart and her wisdom.  I very much enjoyed working with her and felt her a true partner working for students’ success,” Abbott said.

Price is survived by husband David, ECU assistant track and field coach, and three children – Lily, Willow and Rivers.

Colleagues are raising funds to offset medical care expenses and support the children’s college fund. Donations for medical expenses may be made through Jan. 15 at http://www.giveforward.com/theevavengers. Donations for the college fund may be made at http://evaprice.tumblr.com/college-fund.

For additional information, visit https://www.facebook.com/OurSuperheroEva or https://www.facebook.com/TheEvAvengersACommunitySupportingItsSuperhero.

— By Kathy Muse, Health and Human Performance