Elementary
Carol Zuckerman, 56
Died March 5, 2021.
Aventura Waterways K-8 Center, Miami, FL
First Grade
She was a free spirit, a devoted teacher and a single mom who adored her one and only daughter 10-year-old Lacey.
Carol Zuckerman, a Davie resident who taught first grade at Aventura Waterways K8 Center, died in her sleep Friday while at home battling the coronavirus. She was 56.
Her family and friends were still reeling from the news Sunday.
“Your eyes sparkled whenever talking about Lacey,” one friend wrote on a memorial page. “You will be so deeply missed.”
Another wrote: “I pray you are at peace my friend sleeping on a cloud. I will forever love you and cherish the times we spent together. I will keep up with Lacey and watch over her for you. You will never be forgotten my friend.”
A native of Great Neck, N.Y., Carol Zuckerman had planned to travel to New York to visit her mother over Spring Break, but never got to make the trip.
No one knows for certain where she contracted the coronavirus, her brother, Charles Zuckerman, said from his home in Elmira, N.Y. Doctors have not yet determined whether the virus caused or contributed to her death, he said.
Zuckerman moved to South Florida 15 years ago, her brother said. She spent several years in Aventura but moved to Davie in 2019 with her daughter and their toy poodle, Lexie.
Charles Zuckerman said his sister was known for her fearless independence.
“She was a very active person who had a lot of friends,” he said. “She was like her grandmother. She had a bit of gypsy soul. Loved to travel. Had friends wherever she went.”
As a young woman, she spent several years living in Paris. Later, she lived in California, working at a talent agency. She also lived in Maryland before making the move to sunny Florida.
She earned a master’s degree in business administration, but chose a career in education instead.
“She loved kids and wanted them to feel special,” her brother said. “Teaching was a very satisfying career for her.”
Lacey, Zuckerman’s daughter, will move to New York and be raised by an aunt who has a daughter the same age.
“She’s doing as well as you can” under the circumstances, Charles Zuckerman said of his young niece. “She’s a positive little girl. Just like her mother. She’s looking forward to being with family.”
In addition to her daughter and brother, Carol Zuckerman leaves behind her mother, Anna Zuckerman of Great Neck, N.Y.; sister Marcia Feurer of Westchester, N.Y.; and extended family.
Janice Dawkins, 53
Died February 12, 2021.
Mossy Creek Elementary School, North Augusta, SC
Special Education
Mrs. Janice Veronica Newsome Dawkins, entered into rest February 12, 2021 at University Hospital. Graveside services will be held 3 pm Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at Piveview Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Dr. Albert M. James officiating.
Mask and social distancing will be observed.
Mrs. Dawkins was a 1986 graduate of North Augusta High School. She attended Aiken Technical College where she earned certificates in Early Childhood Development. She was employed by the Old Medical College Daycare, Clare Jenkins Elementary School and Mossy Creek Elementary School where her love for her students was endless.
At an early age, she accepted Christ and joined Old Macedonia Baptist Church. Later she united with Second Providence Baptist Church where she served as a VBS instructor, a Soprano on the Mass Choir and a member of the Angel Tree Ministry.
Cherishing Janice’s memories are : her loving husband, Wade L. Dawkins, a daughter, MaKayla Dawkins, her parents, John and Mary Nabritt Newsome; stepsons, Christopher and Jaime Westbrook; sister, Cathy Grant; godparents, Alonzo and Roselee Middleton; nephews, Reco (Nichelle) Grant and Lucas (Adrienne) Grant; a host of other relatives and friends.
Carole Lange, 73
Died January 2021.
Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School, Burbank, CA
Elementary
A Burbank community is mourning a beloved 73-year-old teacher who died of COVID-19 after teaching classes in person to help struggling students.
Carole Lange, 73, had been a teacher for decades, most recently at Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School, friends say.
As the coronavirus continues its relentless spread throughout Los Angeles County, 1,073,111 people have tested positive and 15,260 people have died of COVID-19 countywide.
Jennifer Watkins, 45
Died January 25, 2021.
South Columbia Elementary School, Martinez, GA
Instructional Specialist
Jennifer Leigh Renew Watkins, 45, of Appling, GA entered into rest January 25, 2021 at Augusta University Hospital Summerville.
Mrs. Watkins was born in Augusta, GA to Steve Renew and Connie Kirkendohl Renew. She was an Instructional Specialist Teacher in Early Childhood Development (SPED) and has been an educator for 17 years. Jennifer loved the beach, music, traveling, being outside, and especially loved her family, friends, and students. She was a very loving mother, wife, daughter, and sister.
Survivors include her husband of 21 years (together for 28 years), Kevin Watkins; her parents, Steve and Connie Renew; son, Sadler Watkins; sister, Jessica Napier (Joel); father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Brenda Watkins; sister-in-law, Lisa Price; brothers-in-law, Daryl and Mark Watkins; and nephew, Bryson Bussey.
Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Beggs Funeral Home Chapel, Thomson, GA with Rev. Andy Collins officiating with visitation being held at Beggs Funeral Home for one hour before the service.
It is the family’s desire that memorial contributions be made in lieu of flowers to https://gofund.me/d2970e8d.
Per CDC requirements the family will be observing social distancing. Masks are required and appreciated. Due to the current national health concern, the family would appreciate phone calls, cards, texts, and e-mails.
Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Jennifer Leigh Renew Watkins.
Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com/obits
The Augusta Chronicle – 01/29/2021
Cristina Crowell, 51
Died January 27, 2021.
Plainfield Public Schools, Plainfield, NJ
Elementary, Testing Coordinator
On January 27, 2021 we lost a shining light of love and grace, Mrs. Cristina Crowell. Cristina’s 51 years were filled with fun and optimism for the future. Cristina’s best moments always included her family, friends, students and work colleagues. Cristina’s biggest wish – for everyday to be a beautiful beach day! Cristina was born on June 15, 1969 in Newark, NJ and lived in Union before moving to Colonia 22 years ago. She was an alumnus of Mother Seton Regional High School and Kean University having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1991. A dedicated educator, Cristina’s passion for helping the children of the Plainfield school district was exemplified in her elementary classes and most recently as testing coordinator for the school district. Broadway shows and live music were a favorite pastime for Cristina. Above all things, Cristina was most devoted to her family. A fierce advocate for her children, nieces and nephews, Cristina held their needs before her own and never failed to express her love and appreciation for all of her family. Cristina’s smile and kind demeanor will be missed by all.Cristina was a loving mother, wife, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend and was blessed to have her time with all. Cristina left us much too early and leaves us missing her love,companionship, guidance and compassion that we thought we could share for decades to come. Cristina leaves her legacy as a role model for what we can each achieve through kindness and consideration for the value of all people.
Cristina is predeceased by her late mother, Evelyn Nunez. Cristina is survived by her fatherTony Nunez, her loving husband of 23 years, James Crowell, her two children, Jimmy Crowelland Emily Crowell, her brother Anthony Nunez and her sister Terri Nunez Drubel and herhusband James Drubel. Also survived by three nieces, Lindsay, Julia and Maddi and threenephews, Tommy, Anthony and Robby. Visitation will be held at The Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home, 275 West Milton Avenue, Rahway,NJ on Saturday, January 30 from 3:00-6:00 pm.
Ernest Tejeda Jr., 40
Died January 30, 2021.
Stonewall Flanders Elementary School, San Antonio, TX
First Grade
On January 30th, 2021, our beloved husband and father Ernest Tejeda Jr. passed on into heaven at the age of 40. Ernest was born in San Antonio, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife Lilia Tejeda, and his three daughters Elizabeth Tejeda, Savannah Tejeda, and Harlee Tejeda, And his parents Laura and Ernest Tejeda Sr., and his grandmother Lillie Tejeda.
Ernest and Lilia met at fifteen years old and fell in love and had Elizabeth. They worked through many struggles and persevered through hardships to gain custody of their second daughter Savannah. Elizabeth and Savannah were raised by the both of them to be independent and beautiful individuals. Ernie and Lilia got married in 2005, many memories were made to cherish their love for one another. In 2017, a beautiful angel was introduced into Lilia and Ernest’s life, Harlee, their youngest daughter.
Ernest was highly accomplished, he graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2015 with a Bachelor’s of Education in Early Childhood Education for pre-k-6th grades. He had a passion for working with children of all ages. Ernest started working for the Harlandale Independent
school District at Stonewall Flanders Elementary, where he taught pre-k 4, and first grade years. His students loved and cherished him as a teacher, they always visited Mr. Tejeda even when he wasn’t their teacher.
Everyone who knew Ernie, knew he bled black and silver for the San Antonio Spurs. He was the biggest Spurs fan, he never missed a game. We remember during the Semi-finals and Finals conferences when he would drive down to Military to celebrate with everyone. He was a die-hard fan, who knew just about everything about the Spurs, past and present trivia. He was there for the retirements of his favorite players, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, and was able to experience Tim Duncan’s from home.
Ernest’s memory will be cherished and remembered by many of his loving family members: Brother Marcus, Sister Valerie, Brother-in-law Andrew, Sister-in-law Linda, Nephews Anthony, Eliseo, and Christopher, Godchildren Danielle, Adrian, Andrew Jr, and Ava. He will be missed dearly by his numerous nieces, nephews and cousins from both sides of his family, as well as his many close friends.
A Viewing and Rosary will be held, February 15th at Dellcrest Funeral Home 2023 So. W. W. White Rd. from 5:00 pm-6:00 pm. Knowing that Ernest was so loved by his family, friends and community, we ask that you would be considerate of others that would also love to come and pay their respects by making your visit brief. Everyone must have a mask on before entering the Funeral Home and must maintain Social Distancing while inside the Funeral Home.
For those wishing to view the Livestream from their phones or at home may do so by going to www.missionparks.com click on the obituaries and search for Ernest R. Tejeda Jr. and scroll down the Tributes tab to the link.
A Funeral Mass will be held on, February 16th at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church followed by interment at Mission Park Burial South
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Rosary and Funeral Mass will be restricted to immediate family. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ernest Raul Tejeda Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
Chris Vest, 62
Died January 11, 2021.
Salem Elementary School, Salem, UT
Fifth Grade
Our husband, father, brother, teacher, and best friend returned to his Heavenly Father on January 11th, 2021 after a long and hard battle in the Provo ICU with COVID-19. We are so proud of him and how strong he is, and truly feel that he could tell us: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
Chris was born on March 25, 1958 in Provo, Utah, but he was raised in Payson by his parents, Gene Vest and Elaine Shuler Vest, and lived there his entire life. He loved hunting with his dad and brothers, swimming on the Payson swim team, helping his dad on the farm, and playing football for Payson High School.
After he graduated, he worked in construction for about 15 years before going back to school and graduating from BYU with a degree in elementary education. For the next 27 years, he would bless the lives of countless fifth graders and their families at Salem Elementary. We all remember his funny stories and the way he empowered us to be our best selves and to love learning. In the summers, he ran the family farm and served on the Salem Canal Company board, eventually as its president, advocating for water rights and other farmers.
Within his first few years of teaching, Chris met Janet Panhorst, the new teacher in his grade level, and they fell in love. They were married in the Mt.Timpanogos temple in 1997 and soon after started their family of three daughters: Kylee, Sheridan, and Alaina.
Chris’ family was absolutely everything to him. We always knew we were his top priority. He took us on four wheeler trips to his favorite former hunting spots in Fish Lake, Utah, and he never missed a soccer game, piano recital, or a chance to teach us how to work on the farm. We will never forget his legacy of hard work, kindness, and the influence one person can have on hundreds in a small sphere. We love him, are so proud of him, and will miss him so much.
We want to give a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Utah Valley Hospital that worked so selflessly and bravely to take care of Chris. They cared for him as if he was their own loved family member. You are all our heroes.
Chris is preceded in death by his parents Gene Vest and Elaine Shuler Vest. He is survived by his brothers Randy (Joycelyn) and Jeff (Cynthia), his sister Gina (Greg), his nieces and nephews, his wife Janet, his daughters; Kylee (Taylor), Sheridan, and Alaina, one grandson who will be born in May, and Janet’s family, who consider him one of their own.
Bruce Ferko, 64
Died January 28, 2021.
Dunham Elementary School, Tucson, AZ
Third Grade
On January 28, 2021, Bruce Robert Ferko passed away at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona of complications from COVID-19; he was 64 years old. He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Robertson Ferko and his father, George Clarence Ferko, both of Titusville, PA. He is survived by his adorable Scottish Terriers, Holly and Tartan, who are missing him dearly but adjusting to their new home with Bruce’s best friend.
Bruce was born on September 21, 1956 in Kenmore, New York. He attended North Tonawanda High School, where he loved and actively participated in the school’s drama program and varsity swim team. He was a top-ranked swimmer in The Buffalo, NY area and was always a great asset to his team. Following in his Mother’s footsteps, Bruce pursued a career as an Educator, touching the lives of hundreds of elementary school students in Pinellas County, Florida, in the Dallas area and finally in Tucson. After being nominated seven times for Teacher of the Year in Dallas, Bruce received this distinction at the San Jacinto Elementary School in 2011. Many of his classes received the “Star of Distinction” designation for their high performances in standardized testing. In December 2019, Bruce moved to Tucson and was teaching third grade at Dunham Elementary School.
Bruce attended Thiel College and graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Elementary Education and was a distinguished member of the Phi Delta Kappa Educational Honor Society. He then received his Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist from the University of New York at Buffalo. In 2003, he earned a second Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with emphasis in ESL Education from Texas A&M Commerce. At the time of his passing, Bruce was enrolled at A&M taking courses toward the completion of his Doctorate Degree Bruce had a very strong faith and was an active member at Central Lutheran Church in Dallas. During his time there, he assisted with creating the curriculum and teaching at the Vacation Bible School each summer. He also instituted and oversaw the annual “Back to School Bash” which provided backpacks and school supplies to more than 250 needy children in the community. Additionally, Bruce created and supervised the “Kids Club” which provided after school tutoring to students in the local community. After his move to Tucson, he became a member of Tanque Verde Lutheran Church. In addition to his lifelong love of learning and educating others, Bruce was a dog lover and he co-founded Scottie Kingdom Rescue, a non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to caring for and finding forever homes for Scottish Terriers throughout Northern Texas and Oklahoma. He was a passionate performer in theater and chorale groups, performing with the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas for over 20 years and most recently as a member of the Reveille Men’s Chorus in Tucson. Bruce was also an avid bowler and participated in numerous bowling leagues in Dallas. He was easily identified by his Green Bay Packers bowling ball and bag, which was just one outward indicator of his fanatical love of the Packers. An online Celebration of Life for Bruce is being planned and details will be posted on this site as they evolve. During this celebration, it is hoped that attendees will share their memories and funny stories of Bruce. His wishes are to have his ashes scattered, half at his parent’s gravesites in Canada and the other half in Scotland. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations can be made to Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas: https://turtlecreekchorale.secure.force.com/donate.
Don Breedwell, 65
Died January 8, 2021.
Dodson Elementary School, Hermitage, TN
Special Education
Donald Eugene Breedwell, age 65, took his final bow from the stage of life on January 8, 2021.
He was surrounded and survived by his wife, Susie Breedwell, and their children, Meredith, Geoff, and Wes.
He was thegreat storyteller. Words were never sparse from his lips as he grew up in Athens, Tennessee with the reputation of being the town chatterbox. The admiration for words, the sense of grandeur, and the talent of showmanship would become his lifelong legacy weaving a ribbon of entertainment through all of life’s situations.
He’d meet his wife of forty-four years, Susie, at church in Nashville where the tall tale of being in a bible study with Johnny and June Carter-Cash would weave into the romance of how they met. Their lives would lead them to Atlanta where Susie would give him his own Georgia Peach, daughter Meredith. There was a sense of wanderlust in his spirit that would take his family to Southern California, where they’d welcome sons Geoff and Wes. Thankfully, after many cross-country moves, the wanderlust lost its appeal and Don chose to settle with his family in Mount Juliet, Tennessee.
His marriage to Susie was a legacy of unconditional love, support, and acceptance. He and Susie showed their children a marriage of not just a partnership in life but what it means to be best friends with your spouse. In the last few moments of their time together, they genuinely enjoyed being with one another, a love that very few can experience.
As a father, his kids viewed him as their own Superman. He even saved lives during a fiery car-crash in 1987 while his daughter sat in the car solidifying his superhuman strength. His sons saw him as the man to call with all the answers to life’s problems, from relationships to debating religion. And all three realize he was their first version of Google, the one with all the answers and always knew how to get around town.
He was in constant pursuit of Christ’s love and would minister to others finding solace and community by sharing the love of God. His ministry work would blend his love of theater, music, and production. His theater ministry produced countless plays, musicals, and productions where he would show the love of God on stage. His productions wouldn’t just impact those in the audience but those who were also lucky enough to share the stage.
In the second part of his life, he chose to leave the corporate world of project management and traded it in for what would become his life’s passion. In 2010, he graduated from Cumberland University and went on to work as a Special Education teacher with both Metro and Wilson County Schools. His love of theater and his love for the art of storytelling him a fantastic educator. He had a special ability to teach the educational basics in a not so basic way. He recognized the importance of every child, regardless of their academic capability, has a desire for learning. His love of children would earn him the acclaimed nickname at school, Dodson Elementary, as the “kid-whisperer”. His truest form of joy was being a Pop-Pop to his four amazing grandchildren, Ashlin, Ike, Cora, and Zoey. His childlike wonder during those precious moments he spent with them.
He leaves behind the great debate of which Mini-Wheats are the best and the desire to see Ohio State clinch another college football National Championship. There’s always next year.
To continue his life’s passion for education, the family has requested in lieu of flowers a donation to Autism Awareness Tennessee.
The family is planning a celebration of life for the summer of 2021 when everyone can come to tell their own stories about our great storyteller.
Jeanne Martin, 56
Died January 18, 2021.
Neptune Beach Elementary School, Jacksonville, FL
Paraprofessional
Jeanne Lee Martin, 56, of Atlantic Beach, FL, passed away January 18, 2021. She was born in Milwaukee, WI on November 17, 1964. Jeanne Lee Olson graduated from White Fish Bay High School and received her Associates Degree from the University of Wisconsin Greenbay, Sheboygan. Jeanne was married to John F. Martin on August 3, 2002.
She had a career in Education and Marketing for the DCPS at Neptune Beach Elementary School and AT&T respectively. Her passions in life included traveling, gardening, caring for those around her and her beloved Green Bay Packers!
In addition to her husband, John, she is survived by her son, Jeremy Martin; step-daughter, Rachelle Martin; mother, Rita Mae Funk; brothers, Donald and Daniel Olson; sisters, Judy Bingenhiemer, Jill Steadtar, Jan Cruz, and Jacklyne Adair. The family will receive friends 1-5pm Saturday, January 30, 2021 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL.