A Teacher Asked for School Supplies Instead of Flowers at Her Funeral and the Response Was Amazing
A Teacher Asked for School Supplies Instead of Flowers at Her Funeral and the Response Was Amazing
Tammy Waddell is a shining example of the difference good teachers can and do make every day. She was one of those special teachers who went above and beyond for their students.
So much so, that she was still thinking of others right up until the very end, requesting backpacks full of school supplies in lieu of flowers at her funeral.
After dedicating thirty years to teaching and improving the lives of her students, Tammy recently passed away at the age of 58 after battling cancer.
Her final wishes were fitting with the way she had lived her life, and have since moved even those who’d never met her. The response at her service, which was captured by her cousin Dr Brad Johnson, was overwhelming.
My cousin’s final request at her funeral was Backpacks full of supplies for needy students instead of flowers. A teacher to the end. @TeachersNet @edutopia @EdWeekTeacher pic.twitter.com/eGig25tYwH
— Dr. Brad Johnson (@DrBradJohnson) June 19, 2018
Dr. Johnson also tweeted an emotional picture of some of the 100 honorary pallbearers attending the service with backpacks at their feet.
They’d all been teachers who’d worked alongside Tammy during her worthy career.
She had about 100 teachers as honorary pallbearers who carried the backpacks out and back to their schools. It was heartwarming.
— Dr. Brad Johnson (@DrBradJohnson) June 19, 2018
Honorary pallbearers… Teachers who had taught with her through the years… pic.twitter.com/CyB2pBbBNy
— Dr. Brad Johnson (@DrBradJohnson) June 19, 2018
Dr Johnson also shared the contents of some of the backpacks:
What some of the back packs were filled with… pic.twitter.com/rUWpheecEk
— Dr. Brad Johnson (@DrBradJohnson) June 26, 2018
He added that while donations would be lovely, it would be better for people to give them to their own local schools as all schools could benefit from a little extra kindness.
Many have asked how to donate, but really we would like people to donate to the schools in their area. Many in our family are educators and we know the struggles of all districts. Spread the love locally!
— Dr. Brad Johnson (@DrBradJohnson) June 26, 2018
— Dr. Brad Johnson (@DrBradJohnson) June 27, 2018
Her online obituary describes Tammy as someone who had a “passion for literacy and believed that every child deserved an opportunity to learn”.
“Those around her recognised Tammy by her generosity, selflessness and unconditional love.
“Though her achievements and accolades are numerous, none are greater than the many lives that she changed over the course of her three decades in education.”
It is heartening to see that even after her tragic passing, Tammy is still touching many lives with her kindness and passion for learning.
Our sincerest condolences got out to her family.
Source: Twitter/Dr Brad Johnson
Jill Slater
Jill is a busy wife and mother of four young children. She loves nothing more than making people giggle, and loves to settle in with a glass of wine (or four) and wander about the internet. Feel free to follow her to see all the cool stuff she finds!
