Forsyth Teacher's Final Wish Is A Lesson For All Of Us

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA – Instead of flowers at her funeral, Forsyth County teacher Tammy Waddell asked that family, friends and community members bring backpacks full of school supplies for students in need. Waddell passed away from cancer in early June and her cousin calls her "a teacher to the end."

Her cousin, Dr. Brad Johnson tweeted, "My cousin's final request at her funeral was backpacks full of supplies for needy students instead of flowers. A teacher to the end."

Tweeted photos of backpacks lining the aisles went viral and has been viewed all over the world, by more than 1 million people.

"She was a servant leader that loved children. The generous backpack/supplies donations in her memory is a touching tribute," said Forsyth School System spokesperson Jennifer Caracciolo in an email to Patch. "Project Connect is an annual event where teachers visit the homes of their students to deliver backpacks."

Waddell had worked for the school district since 1987, was a National Board Certified Teacher and in 2003 was recognized as the Forsyth County Schools Elementary Teacher of the Year. She worked at Sawnee Elementary, Cumming Elementary and Haw Creek Elementary, and recently retired from the district.

Here is the teacher's obituary, courtesy of McDonald and Son Funeral Home and Crematory.

Tammy Layne Waddell, age 58, passed away peacefully at Northside Forsyth surrounded by family on June 9, 2018. Tammy was born November 17, 1959 to GE and Barbara Meadows in Duluth. She devoted the past four decades of her life to being the loving wife of Mike; the proud mother of BJ and Kevin; the compassionate mother-in-law to Lori and Jackie; and most notable, the adoring "Nana" to Caroline,

Ansley, Lily Kate and Ryder. Tammy served the children and community of Forsyth County for thirty years as a paraprofessional and elementary teacher in Forsyth County Schools. 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.Additionally, Tammy was a member of the Rainbow Girls, a division of the Masons, and a member of the Forsyth County Volunteer Fire Department Station Four Ladies Auxiliary.Tammy loved to read, visit the Great Smokey Mountains and spend time with her grandchildren. Tammy was adored by both her students and colleagues; however, she was loved by none more than her friends and family.

She will be missed dearly. Tammy is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Mike; two sons, BJ (Lori) and Kevin (Jackie); grandchildren, Caroline & Lily Kate, Ansley & Ryder; mother, Barbara Meadows; brother, Joey (Teenna) Meadows; honorary son, Adam Norrell; father-in-law, Robert Waddell; brothers-in-law, Rickey (Jean) Waddell, Billy (Melissa) Waddell; sister-in-law, Patsy (Frankie) Dodd; nephews, Michael (Chelsea) Meadows, Caleb Waddell, Jason Dodd, Randy Dodd; nieces, Kristina (Mark) Esposito, April (Kevin) Rogers, Brandy Meadows, Robin Waddell, Hannah Waddell, Kasey (Dalton) Keys, Emily Waddell; and several great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please bring backpacks filled with school supplies to honor Tammy's passion for children in need or make a donation in memory of Tammy Waddell toProject Connectc/o Forsyth Central High School131 Almon C. Hill DriveCumming, GA 30040Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.

McDonald and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at forsythnews.com.

Photo courtesy Forsyth County School System