Earth Felt The Wound

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Alexandra Chitwood, 47

Died November 5, 2020.

Manheim Township Middle School, Lancaster, PA

Counselor

Obituary:

Alexandra “Sandy” “Alex” Chitwood, 47, passed away November 5, 2020, in her Lancaster residence.

She was the loving wife of Kenneth D. “Euro” Chitwood; they were married on April 23, 2011. They met in Italy through People to People traveling with separate youth groups over a three week stint. Their shared interests, especially their love of children, immediately brought them together.

Born in Queens, she was the daughter of J. Alberto and Sandra Cobian, Spring Twp.

She was a graduate of Wilson High School in 1990, Alvernia University with a bachelor degree in drug and alcohol and women’s studies, and earned her master’s degree from West Chester University in school counseling.

Alexandra began her professional career at Caron Treatment Center, later she spent tireless hours working for the Children’s Home of Reading, and for the last 18 years was a school counselor at Manheim Township School District at the middle school, the high school and again back at the middle school.

She was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, Reading and Victory Church, Greenfield, Lancaster. Alexandra loved to travel, cook, eat, and scrapbook. She had a tremendous love for her family and a passion for the growth and development for all children.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is survived by her step-sons, Derrick (Karen) Chitwood, and their children, Wellington Kai Chitwood and Quinn Chitwood, Columbus, IN, and Jordan Chitwood, at home. She had three siblings: A.J. Cobian (Lindsay) and their child Julian, Ephrata; Alfredo (Bere) Gomez, Miami, FL; and Marcus Gomez, Miami, FL. Many cousins also survive her. She loved that Wellington and Quinn called her G-Ma.

Natalie Sabrena Reveles

Died November 6, 2020.

Parkland High School, El Paso, TX

English

Local news:

Parkland High School is also mourning the loss of longtime beloved English teacher Natalie Sabrena Reveles. She contracted COVID in late October and passed away Friday. Condolences and memories of Reveles began pouring in on social media Saturday from current and former students, along with colleagues.

“She was such a kind and beautiful soul. She was one of those teachers that the students clung to and couldn’t wait to go to her class. They loved her so much. One of the best. When she talked to you, she always made you feel special because she genuinely cared to hear how you were feeling and doing. She was a ray of light in what sometimes felt like a dark and stressful work environment. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her,” said Alejandra Villanueva on Facebook.

“Mrs. Reveles was such a lovely teacher. She genuinely cared for all of her students. In a time of great despair, it is disappointing to lose her. I will always remember her for being a great teacher that strived for our success,” Erick Sanchez said on a GoFundMe post.

KTSM 9 News spoke with Reveles’s friend and colleague Maribel Sifuentes-Perez. Perez said she knew Reveles had COVID-19 and was checking on her regularly but on Friday she didn’t receive a text back.

“Even on Friday when she passed away she sent me a text in the morning and I responded but she never saw it,” said Maribel Sifuentes-Perez

Perez heartbroken by the loss of Reveles, saying she was a kind person, who listened and respected all people. One thing she say’s she’ll never forget is Reveles’s sense of style.

“I would look at her and be like man I wish I could dress like that. It was like every day I wonder what she’s wearing today that’s going to make an impact. And on her second year there at Parkland she got a whole spread in the yearbook because of her fashion.”

Her colleagues set up a GoFundMe to assist Reveles’ family with funeral expenses.

Brown and Reveles each had strong ties to the Eastwood High School community, each of them had several children — all of whom attended Eastwood or the Eastwood feeder pattern schools.

Iris Meda, 70

Died November 14, 2020.

Collin College, McKinney, TX

Nursing

Obituary:

Iris Dean Meda, or Deanie as she was affectionately called, of Melissa, Texas, age 70, passed away on November 14, 2020 due to complications associated with Covid-19. She was born January 12, 1950 in Charleston, South Carolina to Elizabeth White and Clarence Singleton. Iris received a High School Equivalency Diploma from the University of the State of New York Education Department in 1976. She received an Associate Degree from Bronx Community College, and in 1984 received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The City College City University of New York. She married John Meda in 1970. Iris is survived by her husband, John; sisters, Laura Coston, Lisa Campbell and Michelle Singleton; brothers, James Campbell, Vernon Campbell, Clarence Singleton and Phillip Singleton; daughter, Selene Meda-Schlamel; grandchildren, Ty Bui, Mai-An Bui, Elizabeth Schlamel and Tommy Schlamel. She was preceded in death by brother Kenneth Campbell and her beloved daughter Tanya Bui.

In her 35-year career as a registered nurse, Iris worked in hospitals, correctional facilities and nursing homes in New York and Texas. She retired in January 2020 from North Texas Job Corps Center. She returned to the workforce in August as a professor at Collin College, working with high school students enrolled in dual credit courses at Anna High School and Allen High School. She was passionate about education and equipping students with proper nursing skills to keep their future patients safe. She felt called to teaching and delighted in encouraging her students. Trained in service at an early as the oldest of 5 siblings, whom she cared for almost like a mother. Iris fondly recalled getting them ready and taking them to school when she was still in elementary school. Iris enjoyed connecting with people. Whether it was work, church or even the grocery store, Iris made friends everywhere she went. She had a servant heart and always responded when called upon by friends. Her passion was her family. She was dedicated wife, sister, mother and grandmother, and gave her very best to her family until the end.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations by mail to Carver PTA at Carver Elementary School 2200 Wynn Joyce Rd, Garland, TX 75043. Please reference Tanya Bui Kindergarten Fund on the check.

Michael Padron, 38

Died November 19, 2020.

Summit Academy, Machesney Park, IL

Language Arts

Obituary:

Gentle, selfless, kind, humble, empathetic, unique, lover of music.

Michael Angelo Padron, 38, of Rockford, Ill., was welcomed into Heaven from his home on Thursday, November 19, 2020. Born April 19, 1982, in Rockford, the son of Angelo and Beverly (Giorgi) Padron. He married his true love, Nikki Mioni and they recently celebrated their 5th anniversary in love. Mike had a gentle soul but was a fierce trivia competitor, engaging in competition every Wednesday night. He was an educator to our most delicate students and held them to their highest standard. He championed their progress. Mike’s joy lived in music – attending Pearl Jam concerts with his brother and dad, buying CDs and introducing his family and friends to his favorite albums. Mike loved his family. Every Christmas he purchased thoughtful and intentionally selected gifts for each member of his family. His nieces embraced his hugs. He indulged in tamales with his dad. Everyone knew his Friday night ritual – come home, gas up the cars and take his laundry to his mom Bev, who will miss their daily phone calls discussing current affairs and sharing stories of his dog Sunny. In July, along with Joey and Lauren Mioni, Katie Mioni and Anthony Walton, Madeline Mioni and Jake Byerly, Nikki and Mike purchased a lake house on Lake Wisconsin that quickly became his “soft place.” We relished witnessing his love for lake life. He had his own stage on the deck where he entertained us with air guitar concerts. Mike embraced the tranquility the lake held, and complemented it with Trulys, Naturdays and Miller Lites.

Mike is lovingly survived and will be missed dearly by his wife, Nicole “Nikki” (Mioni) Padron and faithful canine companion, Sunny; parents, Angelo and Bev (Giorgi) Padron; brother, Marc Padron and wife Mary Misiewicz; nieces, Lucy and Ella Padron. Mike lovingly regarded his family, cousins, in-laws, Joey and JoJo Mioni and their family, and best friends. Preceded in death by grandparents Zeke and Jo Giorgi, Angelo and Juana Padron.

Please, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family for a memorial to be established in Mike’s honor. Those wishing to do so electronically, can send donations via Venmo @MikePadronMemorial.

Antwion Ball, 43

Died November 27, 2020.

Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, MD

Mathematics

Local news:

Antwion Ball, a respected former Baltimore City Schools mathematics teacher who preached self-respect and achievement in his young Black male students, died of complications of diabetes and COVID-19 Nov. 27 at the Comfort Suites Hotel in the Inner Harbor. The Northwest Baltimore resident was 43.

“He told Black boys you can be somebody,” said his sister, Shavone Ball. “He told them, once you have an education, it can’t be taken away.”

Born in Baltimore, he was the son of Theodore Ball Sr., a caterer, and his wife, Rosalind Moore, a child care operator. He was raised on Melvin Drive and later on Gilmor Street and also lived in Edmondson Village.

He was a graduate of Edmondson-Westside Senior High School, where he played football, and earned a bachelor’s degree at Coppin State University. He also attended St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina.

He was known by his friends by the nickname “Busta.”

He became a math teacher and taught at the Mary E. Rodman School in the North Bend area, Mount Royal Elementary School in Bolton Hill and the Sojourner Douglass Charter School in downtown Baltimore.

“Antwion was always friendly and personable. He was all about relations. He was your friend forever. He was about helping and giving,” said Joe Brooks Jr., a friend from their first year of high school who lives in Joppa. “We went to the Gilman School Upward Bound program, and while we were in that program, he sort of turned into a mentor in the younger kids. He later worked there. It makes sense that he became a teacher, even though that was not his plan initially.

“It came natural with him to work with kids,” Mr. Brooks. “It was second nature to him. He did not want today’s kids to go through what he did.”

A cousin, Corey Jay Johnson, said, “He always had a smile on his face. He loved music too and is known to get everybody started on the dance floor. He would dance until his shirt was wet. He liked the house and club scene. Years ago, he liked Hammerjacks.”

Mr. Johnson also said, “He had friends from all walks of life. People would ask him to tutor their kids. His primary subjects were math and biology. He knew math like the back of his hand. He had a way of relating to kids to get them to understand math issues.”

He was also the director of the Paul Robeson Academic International School of Excellence (P.R.A.I.S.E.) Academy College Readiness Program, a Saturday school for at-risk students. The academy operated for nearly a decade at the Johns Hopkins School of Education in Charles Village.

“Antwion was a person who cared about everybody, but his biggest mission was working with our young boys,” said Bettye Blaize, administrator of the Cambio Group educational consultants. “He spent hours working with our young men. There was a time when because of funding we nearly shut down, but Antwion said we are going to finish what we started. He worked without pay and saw that year’s class graduate.”

She also said that at a recent virtual service for Mr. Ball many of his students were overcome emotionally.

“They just could not speak,” she said. “It was so painful. Antwion had a love for getting people to that next step in their lives.”

She said the P.R.A.I.S.E. Academy students arrived for their Saturday classes in shirts and ties.

Richard Martin, 65

Died November 23, 2020.

Luther Nick Jeralds Middle School, Fayetteville, NC

Science

Obituary:

Richard “Rick” Alan Martin, 65, passed away Nov. 23, 2020 from COVID-19.

He was born in Detroit, Michigan to Robert and Marilyn Martin. He was happily married to his wife, Lynn Fann Martin.

Rick is the beloved father of Nate Martin and girlfriend (Sindy Ortega) of Davie, Fla. Admired stepfather of Gina (Eric) Tew of Dunn, Matt (Danielle) Sutton of Seattle; cherished Pops to Carson and Wesley Tew; dear brother of David (Sharon) of St. Clair Shores, Mich., Nancy (Joel) Grumm of Lake City, Mich., Peggy (Tom) Kmiec of Troy, Mich; loving uncle of Justin Martin, Lauren Grumm Bieszka, Philip Grumm, Adam Kmiec, and Kate Kmiec. He was much loved by his large extended family and many friends.

Rick was a proud graduate of Eastern Michigan University where he studied Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education. He graduated from South Lake High School in 1973.

For the last 15 years Rick worked at Cumberland County Schools — Luther “Nick” Jeralds Middle School. He cherished his years as a teacher, looking forward each year to setting up his classroom and meeting the new students. He often told stories of Mr. Bones, his classroom skeleton.

Rick was a wonderful, devoted husband. He enjoyed the simple things in life, spending time with his family, morning coffee on the deck, and watching his grandsons play baseball. He looked forward to visits from Nate, annual trips to Michigan, and retirement plans. He was planning to retire at the end of the 2020/2021 school year.

Laura Escalanti, 69

Died November 21, 2020.

Pojoaque Valley Middle School, Santa Fe, NM

Spanish and Tewa

Local news:

They called her Miss Laura.

It was a term of reverence and resonance, befitting the quiet power of what one person could teach a community.

Laura Escalanti’s wisdom was imparted in classrooms through the strength of the Tewa language, said former students and northern pueblo community members who added that her time as a Spanish and Tewa teacher in the Pojoaque Valley School District can never be replicated.

Perhaps that’s why this has been one of the saddest weeks in a very sad year for those who knew her.

Escalanti, who spent 20 years as a teacher, imprinting the importance of culture on students in their formative years, died suddenly Nov. 21 of COVID-19 complications at Los Alamos Medical Center, said her daughter, Tree Escalanti.

Laura Escalanti was 69.

A beloved teacher who helped many Native American students connect with their culture through the Tewa language, Laura Escalanti’s contribution was critical in a school district that includes students from six pueblos.

“We lost a treasure,” said Joe Talachy, governor of Pojoaque Pueblo. “People like her are invaluable. It’s hard to find people with that kind of ambition, that kind of charisma and character that really gets through to our youth.”

Tree Escalanti said the community’s respect for her mother was never clearer than during a funeral procession from San Juan Pueblo to the church near her home in San Ildefenso Pueblo on Monday. Her body was accompanied by a police escort led by Talachy, with mourners standing on the shoulder of the roadway to honor a woman many in the community had known for years.

“It was just so amazing,” Tree said. “A lot of her students were lined up on the highway, there were staff [members from Pojoaque Valley middle and high schools], people from the community clapping for us. It was really amazing to see that.”

Tiffany Duran, who took Laura Escalanti’s Tewa class while she was in middle school in 2002, said she recalled the Friday feast days the teacher would hold, during which students wore their traditional clothing.

Laura Escalanti, Duran said, taught kids about their community’s culture through their language.

“Some kids, it seemed like they kinda wanted what we had because we had Miss Laura, who defended us and stuck up for us,” Duran said. “You’d catch the bus and nobody would put us down. … This is a hard loss.”

Duran said her son took Laura Escalanti’s class this year, and she credits the teacher with improving his self-esteem. Bullied for a time in elementary school because he had long hair, he’d made the decision to cut it short. But after being exposed to Laura Escalanti, he let it grow again, in part because of the pride he’d acquired through her teaching.

Still, there were limits, Duran said.

“Ms. Laura would tell him, ‘Pull those curtains aside. I want to see your face,’” Duran said. “She wanted to connect with you on a different level. She wanted you to understand our heritage and our language. If we don’t teach it to our children, we’ll never carry it on.”

Laura Escalanti came close to hitting that roadblock. She graduated from St. Catherine Indian School in 1968 and went on to the College of Santa Fe. But she dropped out when she was a senior to get married and moved to the Mescalero Apache Reservation. She lived there for the next 27 years before returning to Santa Fe in 1995 after a divorce.

Once back in the city, Laura Escalanti earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in multilingual/multicultural education. She taught at St. Catherine until 1998, then moved to Pojoaque Valley Middle School in 2000. She later earned another master’s degree in education administration from New Mexico State University.

“She really picked herself back up,” Tree Escalanti said. “To be able to tell that story about herself in front of kids, that’s what inspired them. That’s what made them want to show up for Miss Laura’s class. That’s why they stood on the side of the highway — they were losing their hero.”

Their hero was Tree Escalanti’s hero, too. She said watching her mother bed-ridden last week after being initially diagnosed with a sinus infection, crying in her arms, was devastating.

“It was very tragic,” Tree Escalanti said. “It has definitely shaken our school and our community. I still have parents emailing me about their kid because he won’t stop crying.”

Tree Escalanti said she is trying to remain strong because she sees how current students are taking Laura Escalanti’s death. She hopes she can be as much of a leader for them as her mother was.

“I try to keep that positivity when I think about my mother,” Tree Escalanti said. “And my heart remembers that it’s just a memory. I can’t get excited with her, but I am still going to be energetic and loud for her.”

Gregory Williams, 51

Died November 25, 2020.

Crooksville High School, Crooksville, OH

Math and Technology, Softball coach

Obituary:

Gregory Neal Williams (PigPen) of Crooksville, Ohio passed away on November 25th, 2020 due to complications of COVID-19. Greg was born on November 23rd,1969 in Zanesville, Ohio. He was an exceptional math teacher at Crooksville High School who was loved by his students and colleagues alike. Greg was a remarkable athlete and sports enthusiast. Though he played all sports equally well, his passion was football. Greg coached high school football and eventually served as Athletic Director for Crooksville Schools. Greg was a loving and devoted father and grandfather. Blessed with three daughters, Greg shifted interests from football to girls’ softball where he coached all three of his daughters and became a strong advocate for girls’ athletics. Greg is survived by his three daughters, Ashlee (Jesse) Munyan, Alyson (Kyle Harkness) Williams, and Alanah Williams, all of Crooksville. He is survived by his parents, Bobi and Gene Harris and his father, Jeff Williams; his paternal grandmother, Martha (Hall) Williams; two brothers, Jeff (Will LaRiccia) Williams and David Williams; two half-sisters, Tara (Johnson) Melvin and Amy (Williams) Alberty; and three grandchildren, Grayson and Abriella Munyan and Scarlett Williams all of Crooksville. He is also survived by his former wife, Tina Williams. Greg is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Neal P. and Faye (Rodgers) Roberts and by paternal grandfather, James Williams, all of Crooksville. Due to the nature of Greg’s passing, we have chosen not to have a public service at this time in hopes to help stop the spread of this virus and prevent a loss of other loved ones. We hope to have a celebration of his life when it is safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be used towards a college scholarship in Greg’s name to continue his legacy at Crooksville Schools as well as a bench in remembrance of our dad. All donations can be mailed to Alanah Williams at 6180 Number Eight Hollow Road, New Lexington, Ohio, 437 64. Goebel Funeral Home, 36 N. Buckeye St., Crooksville is proud to care for and serve the Williams family.

Amalia Gonzales, 73

Died November 26, 2020.

Milam Elementary School, Odessa, TX

Substitute Teacher

Local news:

COVID-19 has struck hundreds of thousands of people across the United States, and it has struck here in West Texas once again.

This time, an ECISD teacher died on Thanksgiving. It was Amalia Gonzales’ 50th wedding anniversary.

Never skipping a beat, dancing, and singing. Amalia Gonzales was the life of the party.

“My mom was so much fun…she loved to travel. She said that her most expensive habit was my son, her grandson. My son Jacob was her only grandchild,” Rebecca Lopez, Amalia’s daughter, said.

For Rebecca, Amalia was her mom, but she was also more than that. She was a caring grandmother and a dedicated teacher to her students.

“She loved teaching her kids. She had actually retired many, many years ago, but she kept going back to substitute teach. I’m like ‘why do you keep doing this? Why don’t you just go and enjoy retirement?’ and she said ‘I don’t wanna just sit around the house and I love being there with the kids,'” Lopez said.

Teaching was more than just a job to Amalia. Rebecca believes that teaching was her mother’s calling.

“I think it was her purpose in life, teaching was her purpose. She impacted so many children in Odessa that she taught over her more than 40 years as a teacher,” Lopez said.

It wasn’t just those that she taught that she impacted, but everyone she met. She was the first person to volunteer, the matriarch of her family, a loyal friend, and a beloved family member.

Amalia was always trying to spread love and happiness. She was always trying to make people smile.

“That’s just who she was,” Lopez said.

A little more than a week ago, COVID-19 reached Rebecca’s family. The virus hit Amalia without warning.

“My mom started exhibiting symptoms on Monday, the week of Thanksgiving and she sounded like she had allergies,” Lopez said.

On Thanksgiving morning, just a few days after she began showing symptoms, Amalia died. Amalia and her husband Santos had been married 50 years to the day on Thanksgiving this year.

“It was their 50th wedding anniversary, and we had delayed celebration because we didn’t want to get together because of COVID. So she died on their 50th wedding anniversary on Thanksgiving day. So that was just heart wrenching for my father. You know he used to call her ‘mi vida’ – ‘my life,'” Lopez said.

The hardest part for Rebecca was not being able to hold her father and her sister because they are also being tested for COVID.

“I think the hardest part of all of this is not being able to hold them and hold my dad and hug him and comfort him and comfort my sister and together you know just grieve as a family,” Lopez said.

As for the people who believe that this virus will impact them? Rebecca wants them to think twice because the virus is everywhere.

“They need to think twice because these statistics aren’t just statistics. There are people behind the numbers, and behind every number is a grieving family, is a grieving friend, there’s a grieving loved one,” Lopez said.

Gerard Jarvis, 72

Died December 10, 2020.

Elliott Alternative Education Center, Modesto, CA

Adult Education & Technology

Local news:

Gerard “Jerry” Jarvis, a computer and adult education teacher, as well as an adult education counselor at the Elliott Alternative Education Center high school, recently died from complications related to COVID-19 according to a post on the district’s Facebook page.

Jarvis, who was with Modesto City Schools for 32 years, all at Elliott, contracted COVID-19 outside of the work environment in mid-November, according to the post.

Jarvis was known for bringing doughnuts for all of his students and the entire staff on the last day of every quarter as well as visiting “every office/classroom” on a daily basis to ask how everyone was doing.

“Jerry was loved immensely by everyone, and he will be truly missed,” the post said. “His memory will live on, not only on the Elliott campus, but also in the entire Modesto community.”

Fellow Elliott teacher Fred Johnston said in a text message to The Bee on Sunday, “All of his students had good things to say about him. That is rare, especially at Elliott, but it shows everyone respected him and liked him.”

Johnston said he told a former student about Jarvis’ passing and the young man replied that Jarvis made a huge impression on him. “Jerry urged him to step out of his comfort zone and to write and apply for the local American Heritage essay contest” perhaps about a decade ago, Johnston said.

The student’s piece was selected as one of the top three essays, and “he wouldn’t have even attempted such a thing if Jerry hadn’t suggested it and encouraged him.”

Johnston also shared a recollection by Elliott data entry clerk Ashley Wheeler about meeting Jarvis when she was 11 or 12. Her grandfather took an adult education introductory computer class Jarvis taught, and “Jerry would give Ashley word searches and spreadsheets to put together so she would not bored while her grandfather was in class. Jerry cared about EVERYONE.”

Johnston said Jarvis was a role model for all people, not just teachers. “As I am writing this, another student reached out to me expressing his sorrow about the passing of Mr. Jarvis. That’s the kind of teacher Jerry was.”

Other friends and colleagues mourned Jarvis on Facebook. One fellow educator said she was “gutted” by the news of his death. “He was a gentleman and a good teacher, and even better person. Elliott will never be the same without him.”

Another Elliott teacher commented, “He was one of my favorite people on earth. I learned a lot from Jerry and will miss him dearly.”

Charles Tucker, 42

Died November 16, 2020.

Hoover High School, Hoover, AL

Custodian

Local news:

After Hoover High School custodian Charles Tucker died last month of COVID-19, teachers, staff and students rallied to raise money for his family.

“This is just a tragedy we never thought would happen,” said his widow, Naretta Johnson-Tucker, who was married to him for five years. “He was a loving guy, had a smile on his face. He could light up the room.”

Staff at Hoover High School started a Go Fund Me account that has raised more than $7,600 of its $10,000 goal. Tucker, who was 42, died on Nov. 16.

“Before he left us he was our friendly and smiling (even behind the mask) custodian,” they wrote in the appeal. He was survived by his wife, a son, 19, and two daughters, they noted. “As a school and community we have decided to gather and help support his family.”

Johnson-Tucker said she was moved by the effort.

“Charles has had so much love from the people he worked with,” she said. “He worked at the school only a year. He had touched so many people. Everybody at the school wanted to do something for him.”

Johnson-Tucker said her husband’s death will profoundly affect her daughter, Shanyiah, 10, a fourth-grader at Glen Iris Elementary School.

“He helped raise my daughter,” Johnson-Tucker said. “He raised her just like she was his own, dropping her off at school, picking her up. He took her to the father-daughter dance. When she was Miss Second Grade, he was there with her. He went to Christmas programs. He played a vital role in her life.”

Tucker received a kidney transplant six years ago at UAB Hospital. “He was doing real good with it,” Johnson-Tucker said.

On Oct. 20, he visited a doctor and tested positive for COVID-19. On Oct. 27, he was admitted to the intensive care unit at UAB Hospital.

“He was doing good,” Johnson-Tucker said. “He made it to a regular floor, then his breathing declined.”

Tucker needed dialysis and his immune system was compromised, she said. He also developed bacterial pneumonia, she said.

“His body just wasn’t responding well,” she said. “He was on a ventilator. They did everything they could for him.”

Even as he lay dying, he remained upbeat, she said. “He was reaching out to everybody,” she said. “He was still in good spirits. He was checking on me and my daughter.”

Johnson-Tucker said she also tested positive for COVID-19 more than three weeks ago and has been struggling to recover.

“I’m still having problems, chest pains,” she said.

She works as a medical assistant at UAB Hospital in the obstetrics department.

“I’ve been blessed so many ways,” she said. “Everybody has really come together and supported me and my daughter. I have a great community.”

Now she faces life as a single mother, after COVID, clinging to memories.

“It’s something you never had yourself prepared for,” she said. “I’m so glad he has this love coming from all directions.”

Melissa Bowman, 51

Died November 13, 2020.

Poplin Elementary School, Indian Trail, NC

Data management

Obituary:

November 25, 1968 – November 13, 2020
Charlotte, North Carolina – Melissa McManus Bowman, 51, passed away on November 13, 2020 at Novant Presbyterian Medical Center surrounded by the comfort of her family.

Melissa was born November 25, 1968 in Monroe, NC, to Wanda Richardson McManus and the late Danny Ray McManus, Sr. She graduated from Parkwood High School and continued her education by obtaining her cosmetology license, which led to a 30-year career as a talented hair stylist. Melissa also worked for Union County Public Schools for 20 years. Both occupations allowed her to do what she enjoyed most – genuinely connect with others. While Melissa loved her work, she devoted the greatest portion of her time and exuberant spirit to her family and friends and was at her happiest when faithfully attending innumerable baseball and football games, enjoying the salty air of the Carolina coast, and joyfully caring for those who meant the most to her. Melissa was revered by those who knew her as someone who made the most of every day and personified all that is good as a daughter, wife, mother, sister, and friend.

Survivors include her husband Michael Bowman and their children, Madilyn and Matthew; mother Wanda McManus; brother Danny McManus, his wife Jennifer and their son, Alex; brother Graham McManus, his wife Ariel and their daughter, Sadie; uncle Charles Richardson; and numerous other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Online Guestbook is available at www.heritagefuneral.net. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowman Family GoFundMe gf.me/u/yvrd3f.

Robert Freisthler, 64

November 9, 2020.

Perry Elementary School, Lima, OH

Music

Obituary:

Robert “Bob” L. Freisthler, age 64, passed away November 9, 2020, at 9:13 p.m. at his residence. Bob was born May 5, 1956 in Sidney, OH, to Gene L. and Betty J. (Daniels) Freisthler who preceded him in death. On August 26, 1978, he married Cathy M. (Cooper) Freisthler who survives in Lima.

Bob was a 1974 graduate of Botkins High School. He then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in Guidance from University of Dayton. Bob had taught in music education at Jackson Center, Bluffton, Beaverdam and Lima City Schools. He ended his career as an elementary music teacher with Perry Local Schools and was set to retire at the end of this school year. He had also worked part-time as a Lyft driver. No one could get out of his car without learning something about music. Bob was a member of the Shawnee United Methodist Church where he also served as their choir director. He was also a member of The Emmaus Community and was involved many years with the Adult Conference of the Christian Church in Ohio. Bob had a passion for music that he loved sharing with everyone and had an vast knowledge of all things music. He also loved to travel and was looking forward to many more traveling adventures in his retirement. Bob will not only be remembered, but sorely missed for his incredible cooking skills.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his children: Julie (Micah) Stoke of Tampa, FL and Lindsay Freisthler of New Albany, OH, a granddaughter, Kayleigh Stoke and a grandson, Cooper Stoke, 2 siblings: James (Sue) Freisthler of Sidney, OH and Donald (Rhonda) Freisthler of Botkins, OH and his best friend, Alex Gonzales and his son Alec who was Bob’s buddy. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Thomas Freisthler and Raymond (Pat) Freisthler.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shawnee United Methodist Church or the family.

Jan Stein, 71

Died November 7, 2020.

Victory Christian Academy, Decatur, TX

Sixth Grade

Obituary:

Graveside service for Jan Stein, 71, of Bridgeport, is 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Thomas Cemetery in Bridgeport, officiated by Pastor Kevin Casey. Jan passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Denton.

Jan was born March 19, 1949, in Bakersfield, Calif. to parents Raymond Junior Gandy and wife Jerrie Sue (Harber) Gandy.

While attending college at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Jan saw a young college student walking across the campus. Apparently they were smitten with each other from the beginning. Jan even said that if he’d asked if she would have married him on their first date.

She married the love of her life, Paul Stein June 1, 1968, in Wickett. This union produced children Sydnee and Stevan. And over the years kids of all ages found themselves a home with the Steins.

Jan taught in South and West Texas before coming to Wise County. The family moved to Bridgeport in 1983 and Paul and Jan both worked for Bridgeport ISD, where Jan taught a variety of grades and subjects, but in particular worked as a sixth-grade math or science teacher. She is remembered fondly by students throughout the years.

After retirement in 2010, Jan, a natural born teacher, decided that she wasn’t quite through and got the chance to teach in a Christian school. She taught at Victory Christian Academy in Decatur a job that she cherished, up until she contracted COVID-19 pneumonia in October 2020.

She wasn’t just a teacher though. She loved molding young students’ minds to the more important things in life, such as learning the art of gratitude, as well as respecting others. Particularly at Victory Christian Academy she considered herself to be a disciple to those students. She will be forever remembered as a woman with a gift for instilling excellence into her students.

On a personal level, Jan was a homebody who loved cooking, gardening and doing home d cor projects. There wasn’t one room in Paul’s and Jan’s house that hasn’t been completely remodeled at least twice. That’s where she spent her time when she wasn’t teaching ,and she wanted it to be comfortable and attractive, an accomplishment she achieved with every redo.

Forever impacted by her life are her husband of 52 years, Paul Stein of Bridgeport; daughter Sydnee Stein of Northern Virginia; son Stevan Stein and wife, Tammy, of Fort Collins, Colo.; sister Linda Boudreaux and husband, Rayln, of Bartlesville, Okla.; brother Matt Gandy and wife, Cindy, of Carlsbad, N.M.; grandchildren Noah, Zoe, Eva, Mia and Shiloh Stein; great-granddaughter Echo Stein; nieces Vicki Johnston of Alexandria, Vir. and NickiKane and husband, Eric, of Louisiana; nephews Doug Boudreaux and wife, Cyndee, of Bartlesville and Garret Gandy and wife, Kristin, of Midland; close family friend Stan Laing and wife, Linda, of Boerne; numerous nieces and nephews; and past and present students.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Tina Curry and husband, Doug, and their daughter Kimberly Ann.

In addition to being a teacher at Victory, Jan was also an active member of The Father’s House Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Christian Academy Scholarship Fund, 600 W Mulberry, Decatur, TX 76234, and/or to The Father’s House Church, 4337 US-380, Decatur, TX 76234.

Joseph Harper, 75

Died November 3, 2020.

Fort Scott United School District 234, Fort Scott, KS

Bus Driver

Obituary:

Joseph Eldon Harper, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 of kidney failure and complications of COVID. A native of Fort Scott, Kansas, Joseph spent the last few years of his life at Moore-Few Care Center in Nevada, Missouri.

He is survived by a spouse, Gertrude (Johnston) Harper, two children: Mary Jo & Richard Harper, two grandchildren: Xavier Huffman and Cobie Haynes, one great-grandchild: Mabel Haynes, and family David Shaffer, Carroll Findley, Edna Stein, Wade and Julie Pellett, Nicole Pellett, Elly Booth, Weston Pellett, Dakota Brown, Jacob Pellett, Michael Nighswonger, Thomas Nighswonger, Brian Nighswonger, and Arria Booth. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles (Charlie) Harper and Mary (Pellett) Harper, sisters: Karen Shaffer and Peggy Findley, and family Larry Stein, Leona and Lewis Dreyer, Bud Johnston, Toby Nighswonger, Robbie Stein, and Tori and Sheena Peirano.

Joe was born June 29, 1945 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Charlie and Mary Harper. He grew up in the country north of town, helping his family run the farmland with his sisters Karen and Peggy.

Until the 4^th grade, Joe didn’t care much for reading, but after a kind teacher at Bunker Hill helped him, reading became a passion for him that he passed on to his children.

Joseph married a Blue Mound girl, Gertrude Johnston, February 10, 1967, before enlisting in the United States Air Force August 10, 1967. Joseph and Gertrude spent two and a half years in Japan during his service. During this time, he was an assistant coach for Gertrude’s softball team and they enjoyed getting lost at the World’s Fair in Osaka. He was discharged as an E-4 Sergeant in 1971 and they moved to Glendale, Arizona where they began teaching Wade and Nicole how to hunt (always remember the Glenn Miller 8-tracks) before having children.

After Mary Jo and Richard were born, they came home to Fort Scott where Joseph assisted his mother in running the store on Main Street: Master Printers. Through the store, he was also a traveling salesman once a week, known as the “Laughing Salesman.”

After retirement, he enjoyed driving a bus for USD 234 Fort Scott. The kids were good company and he loved traveling where he could enjoy the sights and then take a nap or read a book until the kids were ready to come home.

Joe was in DeMolay then a Mason of the Rising Sun Lodge and a Past Patron of the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 13, Fort Scott.

After graduating from Fort Scott High School and after service, he attended Glendale Community College and Arizona State University.

Joseph loved hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, and attending music performances of his kids.

Any who heard his laugh knew who it belonged to and where it was coming from. The laughter will ring through those who have been left behind, though his has been silenced.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 9^th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.

Masonic and Eastern Star services will also be held at the chapel. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 1:30 P.M. Monday at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.

Memorials are suggested to the PSU Foundation with emphasis on the Music Department and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Nawai Kalai, 27

Died November 1, 2020.

Madison Elementary School District, Phoenix, AZ

Special Education

Local news:

A Madison Elementary School District employee died on Sunday after recently contracting COVID-19. This is the third COVID-related death of a school employee since Thursday.

Nawaialoha Keli’imahiai Kalai, known as Nawai for short, worked in the district’s special education department as a behavior technician, it said in a Monday statement. The district describes him as a gentle and kind soul who worked tirelessly to ensure students with special needs received a lot love and attention.

The Madison district’s social workers and counselors are available to help students and staff affected by Kalai’s death, it said.

“We recognize that a death of an adult in your child’s life, especially one he or she may see every day, may evoke certain reactions,” the district said in its statement. “You may find that your child expresses concern about the health and safety of themselves or others around them, or even demonstrate behavioral signs of grief such as crying, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. It is important to listen to your child and encourage them to share his or her feelings if he or she is having difficulty coping with the loss.”

Outside of school, Kalai was a local musician from Hawaii, according to his YouTube page.

“Nawai was very passionate about the music, he would always be either listening, singing, or creating,” said Diego Gonzalez-Perea, Kalai’s brother-in-law. He remembered an event where Kalai’s played “You’re Welcome” from Disney’s “Moana” for a couple of toddlers who requested it.

“Nawai had learned a few Disney songs for the kids and it would always bring smile to the parents rocking out to Nawai’s infinite set of music,” Gonzalez-Perea said.

Kalai and his wife had tested positive for COVID-19 in late October, according to a recent Facebook post by Kalai.

A GoFundMe page set up to help Kalai’s family says he urged everyone to “wear your masks and stay safe if not for yourself then do it for the others around you.”

Kalai’s death comes days after two other COVID-related deaths of employees at the Tolleson Union High School District and the Chandler Unified School District.

Tolleson football and baseball coach Ash Friederich, 40, died on Sunday. His death was unexpected and heartbreaking, the district’s Superintendent Nora Gutierrez said in a recent statement. The district hired Friederich in 2016 as an English teacher. In the past four years, Friederich also served as a yearbook sponsor and assistant coach for girls softball and girls basketball.

Chandler IT employee Joseph Sadri died last Thursday at age 74, said district spokesman Terry Locke. Sadri was working in isolation at the district’s former transportation complex, Locke said. Sadri is the second Chandler employee to died after contracting the virus.

Joe Thomas, president of the Arizona Education Association, said schools need more state and federal resources to ensure they can keep their staff and students safe.

“The problem is that we don’t have enough classrooms to be socially distant,” Thomas said. “We don’t have enough resources to clean as often as everyone wants to.”

Thomas has heard there are educators who are having to bring in their own disinfectants and other safety equipment. Thomas is also concerned about the lack of HVAC inspections at Arizona schools.

Marchiel McDuffie, 63

Died October 8, 2020.

Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, MD

Health Aide

Local news:

The president of a union representing community health nurses in the Baltimore City Department of Health attributed a school health aide’s death earlier this month to poor working conditions exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Wendy Smith, president of Local 558 of AFSCME Council 67, said Marchiel McDuffie had expressed fears about reporting to work. The veteran health department employee died Oct. 8 of COVID-19.

The union filed a class action grievance with the city Sept. 8, before McDuffie’s sickness, related to workplace safety concerns expressed by members, Smith said, including a shortage of protective equipment, insufficient HVAC systems and poor air circulation inside the buildings. Those elements created a breeding ground for the coronavirus to spread, Smith said.

“We don’t have what we need,” Smith said. “Marchiel McDuffie did not have what she needed.”

In a response to the grievance dated Oct. 11, the city said the union’s grievance “did not directly correlate the employee’s suggested solutions with the specific articles violated,” but management would attempt to address the concerns as submitted, according to a copy of the decision.

Smith declined to provide a copy of the full grievance.

The Baltimore City Health Department confirmed McDuffie’s death on Oct. 9 but did not answer questions about where the Baltimore resident may have contracted it.

A department representative said it does not comment on union grievances.

“All staff are provided PPE in accordance with [Centers for Disease Control] guidelines as needed to complete their duties,” a Baltimore City Health Department employee said in a statement. “The Health Department takes its commitment to keeping its employees safe very seriously, and continues to proactively assess and address COVID-19 concerns among staff.”

Smith said McDuffie and another school nurse who went on to test positive for COVID-19 and was hospitalized for it returned to work at the same site in September. Both tested positive toward the end of the month, she said.

The nurse, who rotated among four city schools, has been released from the hospital, Smith said. McDuffie worked at an elementary/middle school in West Baltimore.

“This was 100% work related,” Smith said in an email. “You can’t bring people together in a pandemic, without the proper personal protection and the proper ventilating of air. They had countless interactions with people in the school buildings. This did not have to happen. This was absolutely preventable and predictable.”

Smith said the union would appeal the city’s grievance response to the department head.

James Beckers, 59

Died September 30, 2020.

Nancy J. Cochran Elementary School, Dallas, TX

Kindergarten

Obituary:

James Beckers was born on June 10th, 1961 in Mexico City and passed away on September 29, 2020. He was the youngest son to his parents, Herbert and María Guadalupe. His older sister María Elena and older brother Herbert Gerard took care of him since he was very young. Jimmy studied and graduated from “La Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí” licensed in Business Administration. He married Rosa Diana Palacios Salazar in 1990 and together they had two daughters, Anzie and Stephanie. In the year 2000, Jimmy and his family moved to Texas, where Jimmy studied to be a bilingual teacher and he earned his Master’s Degree as an Educational Administrator. Jimmy was a bilingual kindergarten teacher for 20 years. He taught his students and daughters to never give up. His favorite phrase was “yes we can, it can be done”. Jimmy bravely fought for his life until the last moment without giving up. Jimmy is an example for all of us because he was always happy, with a positive attitude. Jimmy enjoyed traveling around the world with his family, he loved to sing, dance, and above all he loved to laugh. He was a man of strong Catholic faith who loves God in heaven. He was an excellent son, brother, husband, professional, and friend. He is strongest, most loving, gentle, cheerful, kindest man we have ever known. He has done a lot for our family and we will always be thankful and love him with all of our hearts.

James Patrick Beckers Hermosillo nació el 10 de junio del 1961 en la Ciudad de México y murio el 29 de septiembre del 2020. Fue el hijo menor de sus padres Herbert y María Guadalupe. Su hermana mayor María Elena y su hermano mayor Herbert Gerard lo cuidaron mucho desde pequeño. Jimmy estudio y se graduó de la Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí como Licenciado en Administración de Empresas. Se casó con Rosa Diana en 1990 y juntos tuvieron 2 hijas: Anzie y Stephanie. En el año 2000, Jimmy y su familia se mudaron a Texas, donde Jimmy estudio para ser maestro bilingüe y obtuvo su maestría de Administrador Educativo. Jimmy fue maestro bilingüe de kínder por 20 años. Siempre enseñó a sus alumnos y a sus hijas a nunca darse por vencidos, su frase favorita era “si se puede”. Jimmy lucho por su vida con valentía hasta el último momento sin darse por vencido. Jimmy es un ejemplo a seguir, siempre alegre y positivo. A Jimmy le encantaba viajar por el mundo con su familia, cantar, bailar y sobre todo le encantaba reír. Era un hombre de fuerte fe católica que ama a Dios en el cielo. Fue un excelente hijo, hermano, esposo, padre, profesionista y amigo. Es el hombre más fuerte, cariñoso, gentil, alegre y bondadoso que hemos conocido. Él ha hecho mucho por nuestra familia y siempre le estaremos agradecidos y lo amaremos con todo nuestro corazón.

Jose Rolando Gonzalez, 56

Died December 3, 2020.

Veterans Memorial High School, Corpus Christi, TX

Assistant Principal

Obituary:

Jose Rolando “Role” Gonzalez, beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend was called home to be with Jesus Christ, his Savior, on December 3, 2020 at the age of 56. He was born on March 14, 1964 in Alice, Texas to his loving parents, Jose E. and Ludy Gonzalez.

Rolando graduated in 1982 from Alice High School. He attended Texas A&M- College Station and TAMUK where he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Health and Physical Education. Rolando was a certified Drivers Education Instructor and a teacher/coach at Alice ISD, San Diego ISD, and Plano ISD before continuing his education to complete a Masters Degree in Administration at University of North Texas in Denton. He worked as a school administrator at Alice ISD, Sinton ISD and most recently CCISD.

In an age where the phrase “good man” can be tossed around and spuriously assigned, Role, like his father before him, embodied the characteristics and traits that have earmarked remarkable men in ordinary life. Indeed, in Spanish “caballero”, a chivalrous man, aptly described Rolando.

He was a man of few words but loved to tell stories and had an incredible memory. Friends and family would often comment on how hard working, dependable, generous, helpful, giving, passionate, loyal, and strong Role was. He was always genuinely concerned for others and a great mentor to so many. Rolando was committed to his profession as an educator and administrator. He was eligible to retire but loved being a part of the Veterans Memorial Eagle family so he continued to work diligently with his colleagues. He was well respected by the Corpus Christi ISD community.

Sounds chivalrous, yes? But a caballero is also fiercely committed to his family.

After the passing of his father, Role dutifully, and with so much love and respect, took on as much responsibility in supporting and caring for his beautiful and gracious mother as he could. His sense of loyalty, duty, and responsibility extended to his two lovely and kind sisters and their families as well.

Role’s beloved wife was ever grateful because he was the affectionate voice of reason and a great listener. He was an honest family man and a problem solver. Sometimes facetiously, but not really, he was referred to by his wife and kids as an expert in all situations. Rolando was much like his versatile father in that he could build anything.

Rolando enjoyed coaching his kids and loved spending time outdoors with his wife and family.

He was so proud of all his children and was an engaged parent who was actively involved in their academic and sporting events. A man of great faith, he prayed with his sons and family, modeling the love of God.

A master at making salsa, he loved home-cooked meals, especially his talented mom’s desserts, Mexican food and BBQ. He also loved to travel and enjoyed listening to music by Rob Thomas. His favorite teams: the Aggies, Spurs, Cowboys, Texans, Alice Coyotes and Veteran Memorial Eagles, lose an ardent supporter on earth, but gain one in heaven.

A man of honor lived a life of honor.

Rolando is preceded in death by, and joins in heaven, his father, Jose E. Gonzalez. He leaves behind the love of his life, Denise Flores Gonzalez whom he married 12-12-2012, and four children that he adored: Rolly, Jay, Mason and Jax. He is also survived by his mother, Ludy Gonzalez and two sisters: Sylvia Gonzalez (Ciro) Zamora and Marisa Gonzalez (Rick) Benavides. Role also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Diane Goetschius, 60

Died December 2, 2020.

Fletcher Elementary School, Beaumont, TX

Kindergarten

Obituary:

Diane Goetschius, 60, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on December 2, 2020, in Beaumont.

Born in Beaumont on February 23, 1960 to Bobby Guy Ener and Margaret (Leggett) Ener, Diane graduated from Forest Park High School and then later from Lamar University. Diane had a passion for teaching kindergarten and loved reading and inspiring a love of reading in others. Through her 26 years in education, she taught countless children to read, to write, and to be kind to others. Always putting her family first, Diane put her teaching career on hold for a decade to be a full-time mom to her four daughters. During that time, she was the quintessential classroom volunteer, dance mom, band mom, youth group mom; she was always available to support her daughters in whatever their interests were at the time. She is remembered for teaching in her church at AWANA and vacation bible school, for her antics and hard work on youth mission trips with her girls, and for being that mom that all the kids could and wanted to talk to. Later in life, her grandchildren became her passion. She never showed up for a visit without a new book for them, and one of her greatest pleasures was reading to them. Diane met Jack, her high school sweetheart and one true love at the age of 15, and she loved him fiercely and completely, always doing what she could to keep him in line. Diane became a Christian as a young child and introduced Jack to The Lord when they were teenagers. Married in 1980, they endured the ups and downs of 40 years of marriage, and Jack was by her side holding her hand when she first looked into the eyes of Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Guy Ener and her brother, Robert Ener.

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Jack C. Goetschius; mother, Margaret Ener of Conroe; children, Katrina Johnson and her husband M.J. Johnson of Van Alstyne, Keila Goetschius and her fiancé J.W. Buller of Vidor, Karley Goetschius and her husband Derek Jackson of Beaumont, and Kalley McConathy and her husband Jared McConathy of Melissa; grandchildren, Gemma, Rylan, and Micah Johnson, Dylan Buller, Brody Campise, Addi, Ella, and Clara Jackson, Gabriel McConathy; siblings, Sherri Wright and her husband Bruce of Liberty, Stephen Ener and his wife Julia of Cypress, and Dawn Graff and her husband Billy of Conroe; sister-in-law, Mary Ener of Beaumont; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Serving as pallbearers are M.J. Johnson, J.W. Buller, Derek Jackson, Jared McConathy, Joshua Graff, and Jacob Graff.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mission Arlington at https://missionarlington.org/ and the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org.

Ruthie Martinez, 49

Died October, 2020.

Winburn Middle School, Lexington, KY

Substitute Teacher

Local news:

A Fayette County Public Schools employee’s death has been linked to COVID-19.

Ruthie Martinez was a permanent substitute teacher in her second year working at Winburn Middle School.

Principal Mike Hale sent a letter to families writing Martinez’s death was determined to be COVID-related. Hale said she was last on campus four days before she died.

“Ms. Martinez was a warrior and always will be a warrior in our hearts,” said Hale.

Shortly after, the letter states someone in her household tested positive for the virus.

A district spokeswoman said the school worked with the health department to do contact tracing. One staff member was quarantined for 14 days out of an abundance of caution, and certain areas of the building were deep cleaned.

Fayette County Schools Superintendent Manny Caulk said in a statement, “The news that her death has now been linked to COVID-19 is an important reminder for all of us that this virus is a very real health threat.”

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department confirmed Martinez’s exposure was not workplace-related.

Principal Hale said they did not know someone else in her household was positive until her death.

“We had one staff member that a week prior to the death had eaten lunch with Ms. Martinez and they were still 6 feet apart but when you’re eating lunch masks comes off,” explained Hale.

School leaders said only a handful of students had direct contact with her this year.

“She filled a lot of different roles for us both certified and classified, always eager to take on any responsibility and had a good rapport with the staff a good rapport with the kids,” Principal Hale said.

Caulk also acknowledged that this news comes as the district decides when and how in-person instruction will resume.

Martinez’s death was not included in the Fayette County Health Department’s COVID-19 report Thursday.

Principal Hale said school employees are creating a pin in honor of Martinez and other staff members who have died over the last five years.

He said teachers will wear the pin and it will be given to the families of those who died.

Glen Richardson, 66

Mann Middle School, Abilene, TX

History

Local news:

Abilene ISD said the loss of a longtime teacher who died from COVID “will be felt deeply.”

Glen Richardson, 66, died Friday.

Hired by the AISD in 1989, Richardson worked at Locus Elementary School before moving to Mann Middle School in 1995.

He was currently teaching 8th grade U.S. History.

“For the thousands of students who were in Glen’s classrooms over the years – as well as the hundreds of staff members he served with – Glen was Mann Middle School,” said Superintendent Dr. David Young. “His loss will be felt deeply on that campus and throughout our entire school district.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.

Richardson’s wife, Charlene, is still hospitalized with COVID. Skates said she is improving.

Below is the email Dr. Young sent to the rest of the district about Richardson’s death.

AISD Family,

As many of you now know, Mann Middle School teacher Glen Richardson passed away last Friday afternoon. I know you join me in offering the Richardson family our deepest condolences. The Abilene ISD will do everything it can to support and provide assistance to Mann students and staff members in the coming weeks as they grieve Glen’s loss. The district has counselors available to both students and staff as they work through the grieving process.

Glen Richardson was hired by the AISD in August 1989 and worked at Locus Elementary School before going to Mann Middle School in 1995. For the thousands of students who were in Glen’s classrooms over the years – as well as the hundreds of staff members he served with – Glen was Mann Middle School. His loss will be felt deeply on that campus and throughout our entire school district. We will all miss him very much.

Glen’s daughter, Reagan Skates, wrote to us earlier Wednesday, saying “He touched more people than anyone can ever imagine and if you talk to people about him, they will tell you that he gave his whole heart and career to making sure he did his best for his kids and co-workers. He was genuine.”

I believe each of us who are parents would want our children to remember us the way Reagan remembers her dad. His impact will be long-remembered, and his absence will be felt by those who knew and loved him.

Funeral arrangements for Glen have not yet been finalized. We will keep you updated on the family’s wishes and any support you might offer. Please continue to keep the Richardson family and the Mann Middle School community in your prayers, especially as we near the Christmas holiday.

George Butler, 73

Died December 14, 2020.

North Lake Elementary School, Tullahoma, TN

Principal

Obituary:

George Parker Butler, Principal at North Lake Elementary School and life-long resident of Cowan, died of complications of COVID on December 14, 2020 at the age of 73 at Southern Tennessee Regional Medical Center in Winchester. George was born on April 11, 1947 to the late Claude Butler and the late Pauline Novak. He graduated from Franklin County High School in 1967. He and his brother then went on to Trevecca Nazarene University where they graduated July 1971. They later received their Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University in the spring of 1984. In 1990, he was recognized as a Career Ladder III teacher.

George was well known for his dedication to educating children and adults. He began his forty-nine year career in education teaching and later serving as Principal at Belvidere School 1971-1974. In August 1974, he began teaching fifth grade at Clark Memorial School until June 1991. During the 1991-1992 school year, George was appointed as the only Principal to serve at North Lake Elementary for twenty-nine years. He was currently serving at North Lake School at the time of his death. In addition to his role in the elementary schools, for many years he taught GED classes in the Adult Basic Education Program at night. During the summer from 1971-1991, George continued to help the youth of our community by working for the Motlow College JTPA Program. Honors included: Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award, Tennessee Teacher Award, recognized by Jaycees-Outstanding Young Men of America, Tennessee Gold Star Award, and Tennessee School Board Association for Exceptional Educational Programs.

Everyone that knew George well also knew of his love for the NASA Space Program. From the age of thirteen, he was very interested in the history of the Space Program and excited for the future of space exploration. George was recognized for his special interest in the NASA Space Program. Awards include: NASA Distinguished Service Award, Teacher in Space Project Award, U.S. Space Camp Service Award, and NASA Name the Orbiter Award.

Along with his parents, George is also preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Lewis. George is survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Sharon Butler of Cowan; daughter, Lynde (Jimmy) Davis of Winchester; son, Rhett (Noelle) Butler of Galesburg, Illinois; twin brother, John (Sandra) Butler of Cowan; sister, Joyce (Pat) Parrelli of Suwanee, Georgia; half-sister, Regina (Scott) Robertson of Tullahoma; half-brothers, Jeff Butler of Winchester and Kenneth (Janice) Butler of Augusta, Georgia; grandchildren, Kaleb Davis of Winchester, Kaleigh Davis of Winchester, and Josiah Butler of Galesburg, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews, Greg Lewis, David Wilhoite, Djuana Long, Troy Vineyard, Leanda Newman, Eric Butler, Christy Sweeney, Leah Fly, Andrew Scott, Shelley Wells, Sean Butler, Sacha Curtis, and Sherman Hargrove. He also loved his church, Cowan First Church of the Nazarene. Public visitation will be from 1-6 pm on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at North Lake Elementary School. The family requests everyone please wear a face mask and follow proper social distancing procedures. Private Funeral Services for the family, North Lake Staff, Cowan Nazarene Church, and Board of Education will be held at North Lake School with burial at Franklin Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Cowan Church of the Nazarene, 221 Cumberland Street West, Cowan, TN 37318. Moore-Cortner Funeral Home, 300 First Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)-967-2222, www.moorecortner.com.

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Martine Hope, 70

Alexandra Chitwood, 47

Natalie Sabrena Reveles

Teresa Gaither, 61

David Olivieri, 50

Iris Meda, 70

Michael Padron, 38

Antwion Ball, 43

Staci Blakely, 50

Wilma Gail Bowen, 70

Richard Martin, 65

Laura Escalanti, 69

Gregory Williams, 51

Amalia Gonzales, 73

Tommy Lund, 66

Gerard Jarvis, 72

Charles Tucker, 42

Timothy Clyatt, 59

Melissa Bowman, 51

Leah Anne Normandin, 45

Robert Freisthler, 64

Jan Stein, 71

Joseph Harper, 75

Nawai Kalai, 27

Greg Petersen, 61

Marchiel McDuffie, 63

Gail Brusseau, 66

Olga Quiroga, 58

James Beckers, 59

Carol Coates, 46

Shyla Pennington, 41

Jose Rolando Gonzalez, 56

Diane Goetschius, 60

Ruthie Martinez, 49

Don Lucas, 64

Paul Blackwell, 61

Rose Mary Blackwell, 65

Jane Kelly, 75

Glen Richardson, 66

George Butler, 73