A caring and committed educator from Georgia showed the world what kind of person she was during her dying days. In the face of death, Tammy Waddell made an uncommon final request that has the internet ablaze with inspiration. 
Tammy had been a teacher in Georgia for over twenty-five years. Through her passion for helping students, she garnered awards like “Teacher of the Year”.
She fought a long and hard battle with colon cancer before ultimately losing the fight on June 9th. Her final wish: that attendees of her funeral bring backpacks filled with school supplies instead of traditional flowers.
The funeral ceremony was packed with approximately one hundred teachers that had an occupational relationship with Tammy. As the ceremony closed, the teachers lined the walkway between the hearse and the coffin with the school supplies.
Tammy’s relative,Brad Johnson, said, “She always felt a bond to students in need, whether they need supplies or a hug”. He continued, “She thought they needed backpacks more than she needed flowers”.
Her final wish was transmitted to the community. They obliged.
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
Honorary pallbearers… Teachers who had taught with her through the years… pic.twitter.com/CyB2pBbBNy
— Dr. Brad Johnson (@DrBradJohnson) June 19, 2018
The backpacks will be donated to the proper children through a local charity called Project Connect.
“She inspired in her teaching, and her final lesson has literally inspired the world,” According to Brad.
A piece from her obituary:
“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.”
Rest in peace, Tammy!