Teacher who died of cancer did not want flowers for funeral — her last wish touched little hearts

Some people try to help others even through their legacy. A teacher did just that when she asked for something special for her funeral instead of flowers. The woman was suffering from cancer and had a special request for anyone attending her funeral. Her request reflected that she was a teacher always thinking of her students, per a post shared by her cousin, Brad Johnson, who goes by @DrBradJohnson on X. Johnson used that moment to highlight what teachers do for their students and society.

"I have been reflecting on my sweet cousin (a teacher) who passed away a year ago. She wanted backpacks in lieu of flowers at her funeral, for kids who need them," Johnson shared. "Teachers, remember, you don't just teach, but you leave a Legacy that lives on in the lives you touch & sometimes the world." The man shared a photo of a church lined up with backpacks full of school supplies, brought in as per the teacher's request for her funeral. "I post this to share Tammy's wonderful memory and life of service and also to encourage every teacher that you may not feel like it at times, but you make a difference," he further shared. "For some students, you make all the difference, changing the course of their lives. You're the difference maker."

The woman, Tammy Waddell, worked at Sawnee Elementary in Cumming, Georgia, according to ABC 3340 News. In another post, Johnson shared how the teachers who had taught with his cousin were the honorary pallbearers. A long line of teachers stood outside the church with backpacks to honor Waddell's memory. "Honorary pallbearers... Teachers who had taught with her through the years..." the caption read. People shared their thoughts on the teacher's final request and appreciated her legacy in the comments section of the thread.

@BugsnFlowers wrote, "I didn’t know her. But I was very moved by your post. She’s left an AMAZING LEGACY in her community. She was a 'teacher’s teacher', leaving lessons for all of us, even after she’d gone; I’m sure her memory will live on for generations. Amazing story. Thank you for sharing!" @hands_unique commented, "Excellent! A teacher long after death. May her students and helpers be blessed. May the receiving students go on in fulfilling her wish of generosity, helpfulness and a sound education for and to all... even the less fortunate. Long live EDUCATORS." @mjr2_2 pointed out, "I'm an educator by trade as well and would like to contribute to Ms. Waddell's request with my daughters."

@carolina_g_ruiz remarked, "As a future educator, this has touched my heart. What a beautiful thing to contribute to students in need. What a great teacher till the end. God now has an amazing angel with him." @mzz_hernandez shared, "If you want to know how people truly are, pay attention to what comes from their heart. May she Rest In Peace, well knowing, she did good for all of those surrounded by her love in her community." @tcobb4_yvo expressed, "Caring, thoughtful, respectful and unselfish. Dying wish that those less fortunate will have needed items that they can’t afford. Truly amazing in a world of so much uncaring. Thank you."