The funeral that was lined with backpacks instead of flowers

This teacher's last wish was granted at her funeral service.

Diagnosed with cancer, Tammy Waddell, who passed away recently at age 58, requested that instead of flowers her funeral be decorated with backpacks filled with supplies for students in need. The response to her final request was fulfilled so well that nearly 100 people were required to carry all the backpacks out after the funeral.

Her cousin said the Georgia elementary school teacher was “a teacher to the end.”

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@EdWeekTeacherpic.twitter.com/eGig25tYwH

— 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 (@DrBradJohnson) June 19, 2018

“She had about 100 teachers as honorary pallbearers, who carried the backpacks out and back to their schools,” he said.

Her students and colleagues paid tribute as well, saying, “She made such an impact on me and taught me everything. I loved to see her welcome us to class and always bring a smile,” and, “I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and friend.”

Honorary pallbearers… Teachers who had taught with her through the years… pic.twitter.com/CyB2pBbBNy

— 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧 (@DrBradJohnson) June 19, 2018

Tammy devoted her life to her students, right up to her very last request, and her passion clearly shone through her into the lives of those around her.

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