Hundreds Of People Bring Backpacks Instead Of Flowers To Woman's Funeral

June 25, 2018

A teacher's final request is inspiring people across the world.

teachers bring backpacks to funeral tammy waddell
Tammy Waddell

Tammy Waddell, 58, served the children and community of Forsyth County, Georgia, for thirty years as a paraprofessional and elementary teacher.

She passed away earlier this month after battling cancer.

Instead of flowers, the elementary school teacher's friends, family and work colleagues brought backpacks filled with school supplies for students in need.

teachers bring backpacks to funeral tammy waddell
@DrBradJohnson / Twitter

"My cousin's final request at her funeral was Backpacks full of supplies for needy students instead of flowers. A teacher to the end," Dr. Brad Johnson captioned his photo on Twitter.

Nearly 100 teachers served as honorary pallbearers, carrying the backpacks out of the chapel and back to their schools, according to Johnson.

"It was heart-warming," he said.

teachers bring backpacks to funeral tammy waddell
@DrBradJohnson / Twitter