Tammy Waddell spent over thirty years working as a devoted teacher at a school in Forsyth, Georgia. During her time working their, she was extremely popular with her students, and was even once voted “Teacher of the Year.”

Sadly, Tammy passed away on June 9 after a long battle with cancer. Before her death, she made one request that has since gone viral. When making her funeral arrangements, Tammy asked that instead of bringing flowers, guests bring backpacks filled with school supplies.

“She always felt a bond to students in need, whether they need supplies or a hug,” saidTammy’s cousin, Dr. Brad Johnson. “She thought they needed backpacks more than she needed flowers.”

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

Tammy’s community came together to honor her request. On the day of the funeral, hundreds of teachers showed up to be pallbearers, and after the service ended, they lined the walkway to the hearse with the backpacks. The backpacks are going to be handed out by Project Connect, a local charity that provides donated school supplies to students in need.

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

— Dr. Brad Johnson (@DrBradJohnson) June 19, 2018

“She inspired in her teaching, and her final lesson has literally inspired the world,” Brad said.

Tammy’s obituary read:

“She had a passion for literacy and believed that every child deserved an opportunity to learn.  She was a National Board Certified Teacher and in 2003 was recognized as the Forsyth County Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year.  She left a legacy in the hallways of Sawnee Elementary & Primary Schools, Cumming Elementary School and Haw Creek Elementary School.  Those around her recognized 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.”

Tammy leaves behind her beloved husband of thirty years, Mike, as well as two children and their spouses, and four grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all!

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