Teacher Asks For Backpacks Full Of School Supplies Instead Of Flowers At Funeral

With schools regularly being underfunded and caring for students becoming a sometimes very difficult task, teachers are often never thanked enough for all they do. Yet, so many teachers keep giving as much as they can until the very end.

One teacher was determined to continue to provide for her students even after she had passed away . This touching story is enough to make anyone feel moved by the dedication of this loving educator.

One teacher wanted to care for her students long after she was gone.

As Good Morning America reported, Tammy Waddell was an educator in Georgia who was teaching at the elementary level at Forsyth County Schools, all while battling stomach cancer. After working as an educator for 30 years, she sadly lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 58 in 2018.

But Waddell wanted to make sure that her students never lost their faith in themselves.

She made funeral arrangements that would pay homage to her students.

Waddell planned her own funeral and arranged for the aisles to be lined with backpacks filled with school supplies instead of flowers.

She wanted to give her students one last gift to help them pursue their hopes and dreams.

Her life inspired many people.

Even before her passing, Waddell was inspiring others. Her son and cousin became educators after seeing the impact she had on her students and others in the community.

"She was very inspirational in me achieving all that I have," Her cousin, Brad Johnson told GMA. "She was as quick to give a hug as she was quick to give supplies to students who needed it."

For her funeral, she also requested that the teachers who she taught with be honorary pallbearers. It was symbol of both love and sadness as they said goodbye to any amazing educator and friend.

Johnson tweeted about his cousin's final request, and it quickly went viral, touching the hearts of thousands.

Thousands of users liked the post and many commented to express just how touched they were by Waddell's life, selflessness, and her continuance to be exemplary educator, even after she'd passed. Nothing can compare to the strength and resilience of this teacher.

Let us know what you think of this story in the comments and if it pulled at your heartstrings as it did ours.

h/t: Good Morning America