Northside High Community Mourning Unexpected Death Of Beloved Teacher

SAMANTHA, AL — The Northside High School community and many across Tuscaloosa County are mourning the unexpected death of longtime NHS science teacher Jennifer Bible.

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Bible taught Human Anatomy and Physiology; Earth and Space Science; and Environmental Science at Northside High. According to a Facebook post from her sister Jessica Childers, Bible even taught class on Wednesday and had otherwise been in good health.

She was 48 years old.

"A teacher selflessly touches so many lives, pouring love and knowledge in equal measure to ensure her students feel accepted, welcome, and wanted," Northside Principal Lindsey Thompson said on Thursday. "No one exemplified this ideal more than Jennifer Bible, who always had a kind word and a listening ear to anyone who needed it. Her students loved her and looked forward to her class every day."

Bible's sister mentioned that the beloved teacher had a blood clot in the main artery of her heart that shattered during a seemingly routine cardiac catheterization procedure Wednesday. She also said Bible's death was "completely unexpected."

"She was not only exceptional at her job; she was also an exceptional mother and wife and friend," Thompson said. "She and her family have made our community better and stronger, and we will greatly miss her presence in the halls of our school. Our Northside family loves the Bible family. As we honor her memory, please join in with us in praying for and supporting her family as well. And please tell those close to you that you love them today."

Here's what some former students had to say about Bible:

- One of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She had so much patience with everything it was unreal. Love that woman.

- As soon as I saw the picture I could remember her sweet voice as clear as day. To live your life that so many remember you in such a positive light is life well lived.

- She was one of my favorite teachers.

- She taught me some wonderful things in anatomy class that have stayed with me all these years. She’ll be missed!

Tuscaloosa County School System Public Information Officer Terri Brewer told Tuscaloosa Patch that the district support team — which responds any time there is a loss or situation affecting students and faculty — has been at the high school since Thursday morning

"Jennifer was the glue that held Kelly and I together," Childers said of her sister. "She loved Jamey and her kids with passion. She was a fierce advocate for her children. God be with them now. Please pray for Jamey, Abbey, and Ethan. Please pray for them by name. Please pray for my parents. No parent should have to bury a child."

Arrangements for Bible have not been announced at this time.

Tuscaloosa Patch will have more information on memorial services for Bible when it comes available.

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