Elementary
Olga Quiroga, 58
Died October 1, 2020.
Funston Elementary School, Chicago, IL
First Grade
Olga L. Quiroga, born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, longtime resident of Chicago, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2020. Loving wife of Juan G. Quiroga; Beloved mother of Gladys Quiroga Watts (Brian P. Watts), Giovanna Quiroga, and Genesis Quiroga; Cherished Güelita of Ciara, Layla, Liliana, and Jaylen.
Robert Freisthler, 64
November 9, 2020.
Perry Elementary School, Lima, OH
Music
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.
Staci Blakely, 50
Died December 5, 2020.
Carolina Springs Elementary School, Lexington, SC
Third Grade
Mrs. Blakely passed away December 5, 2020. Born in Cheraw, she was the daughter of the late Jim L. Allen and Sandra DeSaye Allen. Mrs. Blakely was a graduate of Gilbert High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College. She was very passionate about teaching and was an advocate for reading. She loved the students she taught throughout her career. She enjoyed spending her free time at the beach. If there were waves and sand, she was happy and at peace. More importantly, she loved spending time with her family, especially her girls and her pets whom she loved and cared for deeply.
She is survived by her loving husband of 26 years, Chris Blakely; daughters, Lauren Blakely and Megan Blakely; and brothers, Johnny Allen (Cerissa) and Brian Allen (Carole).
Laurie Cochran, 50
Kaiser Elementary School, Oklahoma City, OK
Fourth Grade
Laurie Evaline Cochran went to her heavenly home on October 5, 2020. She was born August 9, 1970 in East Liverpool, Ohio. She attended both Sallisaw and Elk City High Schools and graduated in 1988 from Elk City. After high school she attended cosmetology school in Clinton, OK, worked with her parents training horses at Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw, OK, and worked at several other jobs to put herself through college. She attended college and graduated Cum Laude from Arkansas Tech University with a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education in 2000.
Laurie started her teaching career at Arkoma Public Schools teaching 3rd grade. She loved her students and had a tremendous impact on her 4th, 5th and 6th graders at OKCPS Creston Hills, Linwood, and Kaiser Elementary Schools. Laurie completed her Masters of Educational Leadership from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2017. She was a dedicated teacher who always wanted the best for her students.
Laurie married Chad Alan Cochran on June 9, 2002 in Edmond, OK. They raised 3 children, but she was mom to so many more, from the football team to the volleyball girls to every one of their friends who walked through their front door. Laurie loved watching Chesney and Larissa play volleyball and John play football. She just knew they were all bigtime. Laurie was loved by her nieces and nephews and loved them like they were her kids.
We all loved Laurie’s quick wit and hilarious sayings. She was a fantastic storyteller and often had everyone rolling with stories from her classroom or Black Friday shopping adventures. She will be missed at family gatherings more than she could have ever imagined. She loved the Pittsburgh Steelers and was not afraid to let Cowboy fans hear about it. Her faith was important to her everyday life. She simply said, “Jesus died for me…so I will live for Him.”
Laurie is preceded in death by her grandparents and her sister, Sherry Page. She is survived by her husband Chad; daughters, Larissa and Chesney; son, John Page and wife, Terah; parents, Tom and Claire Page; brother, Rodney Page; sisters, Tammy Marler and husband, Kevin and Cindy Dunlap and husband, Shon; great-niece Sierra; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Julie Davis, 49
Died October 4, 2020.
Norwood Elementary School, Norwood, NC
Third Grade
Julie Kaye Andrews Richardson Davis, 49, passed away in the early hours of October 4th, 2020 at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. Julie was born on December 11th, 1970 at Montgomery Memorial Hospital to Grant and Ann (Perry) Andrews.
Julie attended Mount Gilead Elementary School, Highland Middle School, and West Montgomery High School (Class of 1989). Julie would continue her education at Montgomery Community College where she received a degree in business. On April 20, 1999, while holding her firstborn daughter, Leanna Richardson, Julie witnessed the horrors of the Columbine High School massacre. Invigorated with passion, Julie pursued elementary school education to inspire and guide young minds. She would attend Pfeiffer University to obtain her bachelor’s degree (Class of 2003) and eventually earned a masters degree in reading education at Pembroke University. Julie worked as an educator at Page Street Elementary (16 years) and Norwood Elementary School (approximately 2 years). When Julie wasn’t in the classroom, grading papers, or preparing for upcoming classes, she devoted herself to being a grandmother to her first grandson, a mother to her two children, a caring daughter to her aging parents, a proud aunt to her niece and nephew, an earnest sister to her three siblings, and a wife to her husband. Aside from being an ardent caregiver, Julie walked her life in a vivacious manner, constantly spreading joy and encouragement wherever she went. She loved her family dearly and perpetually sought to uplift those around her. Her impact on her family and her community is quite simply immeasurable.
She is survived by her husband, Donnie Davis; daughter, Leanna Richardson; son, Nathan Richardson; her mother, Ann Perry Andrews; father, Grant Andrews; sister, Laura Britt; brothers, Perry Andrews and Stan Andrews; grandson, Eli Samual Waldroup; niece, Kasey Crump; nephew, Dustin Britt.
Margie Kidd, 71
Died September 28, 2020.
Ridgeland Elementary School, Ridgeland, SC
First Grade
Margie J. Kidd, 71, of Hardeeville SC, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2020, at Coastal Carolina Hospital, in Hardeeville, SC. Visitation is Sunday, October 04, 2020, from 5 – 7 pm at Allen Funeral Home Chapel in Ridgeland, SC. Funeral Services will be held at Leonard-Lee Funeral Home in Linden, NJ. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery in Linden, NJ.
Margie Kidd was born in Harlem New York to Theodore and Ruth Jamison. She was one of five siblings.
Margie was educated in the city and graduated from Louis B. Brandeis High School in 1966.
She met and married her husband Frank Kidd in New York City. They were married in October of 1972. They moved to Bluffton, SC in the ’70s, where they lived and raised their family for over three decades.
When her children were still young, Margie went back to school to obtain her teaching degree. She attended Armstrong State college; now known as Armstrong Atlantic University. Margie was an educator for over 20 years at Ridgeland Elementary School in Ridgeland South Carolina. She taught kindergarten for many years and eventually taught first grade. She served in various roles such as mentor teacher and lead kindergarten teacher.
Margie passed away on Monday, September 28, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Eunice and Ronald.
Margie is survived by her husband of over 40 years, Frank Kidd, her daughters; Jinga Hamilton and husband Quentin of Newport News, Virginia, Essa Jackson and husband Walter of Norfolk, Virginia, Alafeya Bailey of Newport News, Virginia Anwarna and Carlos Zamora of Newport News, Virginia, step-children Frank Jr, Maurice, Arnold, Elaine, Tess, eight grandchildren; Leah, Dequana, Montai, Alvin, Aurianna, Amari, Ayanni, Adriana, Jada, and LJ; one great-granddaughter; her brothers Teyd Jamison of Trenton New Jersey, and brother and sister in law Clarence and Saundra Jamison of Houston Texas; one God-daughter, Tracnetta Washington; nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives, and friends.
Demetria Bannister, 28
Died September 7, 2020.
Windsor Elementary School, Columbia, SC
Third Grade Teacher
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Funeral services for a Midlands mother and her daughter were held Saturday after the two women died of coronavirus weeks apart.
A remembrance for Shirley and Demetria Bannister was held at Bible Way Church of Atlas Road.
“Our hearts are broken forever; tears have been falling for so long,” Dennis Bell, one of their family members said. “When we think of your beautiful faces, it all seems so wrong.”
Bell joined a number of other loved ones to speak on the lives of Shirley and Demetria Bannister before a masked audience, spaced apart for social distancing.
“Nothing is the same now and we doubt it ever will be,” Bell said.
Demetria, known as “Demi” among her colleagues, was a third-grade teacher considered the “life of the hallway” at Windsor Elementary in Columbia.
“I can honestly tell you that she was one of the most passionate people and she had a purpose and… her purpose was children,” Windsor Principal Denise Quickel said.
Demetria’s mother Shirley was an educator and a nurse who led the Midlands Technical College (MTC) nursing department for the past seven years.
“She remained humbled; she remained committed to students; she remained committed to service,” MTC President Ronald Rhames said.
Now that two women have been laid to rest, family and friends are trying to find hope in the pain.
“If there is a silver lining in any of this, and I believe there is, it is that Shirley and Demetria are back together again,” St. Mark Baptist Church Pastor Secaida Howell said.
An upcoming MTC blood drive was named in honor of Shirley Bannister for her service to the Red Cross and efforts to help the organization increase blood donations.
Angela Francis, 43
Died October 16, 2020.
Watson Chapel School District, Pine Bluff, AR
First Grade
Angela Kaye Minchew Francis found ultimate healing in the arms of her Savior on Friday, October 16, 2020. Angie was born on January 7, 1977, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Buster and Sharon Minchew. She was a 1995 honor graduate of White Hall High School where she participated in several clubs and activities. She graduated from Henderson State University in 1999 with her degree in Elementary Education.
Angie was employed by the Watson Chapel School District for fourteen years where she served first as a Kindergarten Teacher then as a First Grade Teacher. She was an amazing teacher, unafraid to think outside the box and was able to shift gears on a dime when necessary. She was invested in making a difference in the lives of her students. Teaching was not just a job for Angie, it was her passion. She always went above and beyond to help her students succeed no matter what roadblocks were put in her way.
Angie also found joy in her love for animals, especially her dog Little Man, cat Mr. Whiskers, bearded dragon, Oscar and leopard gecko Pookie. She fell in love with animals as a young child, growing up with chickens, goats, birds, dogs and cats.
Angie was a child of God and participated in several mission trips during college, including a trip to Atlanta during the 1996 Olympics. Angie had a quick wit, great sense of humor and an infectious laugh that usually ended in a series of joyful snorts. If you heard her laugh once, you would never forget it. She had a kind heart and a loving spirit.
Angie was preceded in death by her parents Buster and Sharon Minchew and her sister Sarah Minchew. Angie is survived by her loving husband Jimmy, who she married on November 17, 2001, their two cherished daughters Savannah and Emily, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the Watson Chapel School District, the teachers of Edgewood Elementary and countless devoted friends for the prayers, love and support given during this difficult time.
Susanne Michael, 47
Died October 1, 2020.
Harrisburg Elementary School, Harrisburg, AR
Elementary Teacher
Susanne Michele Michael, 47, of Jonesboro, Arkansas had many passions and talents which all stemmed from the heart, just as our pain does now. Susanne was born February 17, 1973 in Saint Louis, Missouri to Patsy Whitney and the late Robert Hyslop. She went to be with the Lord in the late evening on October 1, 2020 while staying at St. Bernard’s Medical Center.
Susanne displayed earnestness, hard work, and a passion for life. Though she accomplished countless things during her life, she would want to be remembered for the small things that created her story. Susanne was a volunteer for many years as a Summer Missionary through the Southern Baptist Home Mission board. She attended Williams Baptist University to pursue a degree in Psychology. Coincidentally, during this time is when she met her husband and the love of her life, Keith Michael. Susanne and Keith were married June 5, 1993. In May of 1996, she graduated from Williams Baptist University with a degree in Psychology. Following this, she went on a nontraditional path to do something that she came to love most, teach. Teaching was Susanne’s passion. Her love for the children was a reflection of her love of the Lord. She taught for nearly 17 years with kindness and a sweet spirit. Her students could all testify that she was loved. Susanne went on to receive a master’s degree in educational theory and practice. Within the past year, Susanne was awarded her national board certification.
Susanne and Keith built a life together that consisted of serving and loving one another and their community. They led youth groups in several churches and were active members of Central Baptist Church. Susanne was blessed to have five children. Sara, who was born November 18, 1998 gave Susanne the gift of being a mother. Jessica was another answered prayer when she was able to be adopted in 2004. Recently, on July 21, 2020, Susanne and Keith adopted Holly, Hunter, and Houston.
Susanne left an imprint on almost everyone that she met. She was a loving wife, a fantastic mother, and an extraordinary teacher. Her footprints were small but steady, and Susanne will not be forgotten.
She is preceded in death by her father, Robert Hyslop.
She is survived by her husband, Keith Michael; her five children Sara, 21, Jessica, 16, Holly, 13, Hunter, 7, and Houston, 2; her mother, Patsy Whitney of Jonesboro, and her Brother Robert Hyslop of Missouri.