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\"PHOTO:
Brad Johnson
PHOTO: Tammy Waddell taught at Sawnee Elementary & Primary Schools, Cumming Elementary School and Haw Creek Elementary School--all in Ga.
>

\"She was very inspirational in me achieving all that I have,\" Johnson told \"Good Morning America.\" \"She was as quick to give a hug as she was quick to give supplies to students who needed it.\"

Johnson's tweet received thousands of retweets and replies from users who were touched by Waddell's humble request.

True educator from beginning till the end ??. Absolutely wonderful and such a blessing. What an honor ????????

— Joyce Hampton (@MommahamJoyce) June 20, 2018

What a selfless, amazing final act of a teacher’s heart ??

— Juliet Deaton ???? (@Jules4Ever) June 20, 2018

Waddell had worked in Forsyth County Schools in Georgia for 30 years.

She was recognized in 2003 as the county elementary school teacher of the year.

Her son, Kevin Waddell, 35, who is also a teacher in Forsyth County Schools, told \"GMA\" it was no shock to learn the backpacks were one his mother's final requests.

The most beautiful loving gesture at a funeral I have ever seen .... I wish I had known her....

— Diane Jones (@Restorology) June 25, 2018
\"PHOTO:
Brad Johnson
PHOTO: Tammy Waddell had worked in Forsyth County Schools in Forsyth, Ga., for 30 years.
>

\"Part of what I loved about my mom was the passion she had as a teacher. It's one of the inspirations that led me to the profession,\" he said.

His mom's story has reached as far as Great Britain, he said, where people are offering to send school supplies in honor of the late educator.

\"She lived life by loving others and she was never worried about attention … she was just focused on the love,\" he added. \"The message she would try and deliver at this point is donate to your local schools. It doesn't have to be here specifically.\"

Oh my goodness, I love this so much. I’m so sorry for your loss, but what a legacy for your cousin to leave...helping children until the very end. ??????

— Lisa Lee (@Mrs_LisaLee) June 25, 2018
\"PHOTO:
Brad Johnson
PHOTO: Tammy Waddell, 58, died on June 9 in Ga.
>

Waddell is also survived by a husband of 41 years, another son, B.J. Waddell and four grandchildren.

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