Teacher's death shows big community support
By: Jade Cunningham
Updated: March 13, 2013
A Texas family continues to mourn after a loved one was killed in one of last Thursday's multiple wrecks on Interstate 30.
Cherie Lynn Burleson, was driving to work, when she hit another car merging onto the highway.
The 28-year-old was a daughter, sister, mother, and well-known teacher.
"Everybody that met her loved her," said her father Rickey. "She just attracted people."
And when work got to her parents about what happened, they say the community pushed them forward.
"I called the Highway Patrol, and they told me that unfortunately there had been an accident, and she hadn't made it," Rickey said.
"We've gotten many prayers, calls, people just being there, flowers, kind words," said Cherie's mother Pam. "It's been so heartwarming to know that they love her. It makes us proud."
While Cherie's death was tragic, friends and family say she made a difference not only in their lives, but in those who worked closely with her, and who had her as a teacher.
Co-worker, Phyllis Stanley, remembers when she heard about the accident.
"There were probably three or four other teachers and the Principal in the office at the time, and we just all started crying," said Stanley. "It just really hit us."
And she says because of Cherie's passion to teach, the students will never be the same.
"She said it was a hard job, but she said she felt like it was rewarding and fulfilling and that's what she wanted out of life. I'm just hoping the kids will do their best to show her that what she did, wasn't in vain."
And because of the community support to the family, the Burleson's say they'll forever be grateful.
"For the outpouring of support, their condolences, the community has shown a lot of love, and we appreciate it."
Because Cherie loved teaching, the family asks that all donations be made to the Leary Independent School District.
You can go to their website at http://www.learyisd.net/ or call them at 903.838.8960.
Cherie Lynn Burleson, was driving to work, when she hit another car merging onto the highway.
The 28-year-old was a daughter, sister, mother, and well-known teacher.
"Everybody that met her loved her," said her father Rickey. "She just attracted people."
And when work got to her parents about what happened, they say the community pushed them forward.
"I called the Highway Patrol, and they told me that unfortunately there had been an accident, and she hadn't made it," Rickey said.
"We've gotten many prayers, calls, people just being there, flowers, kind words," said Cherie's mother Pam. "It's been so heartwarming to know that they love her. It makes us proud."
While Cherie's death was tragic, friends and family say she made a difference not only in their lives, but in those who worked closely with her, and who had her as a teacher.
Co-worker, Phyllis Stanley, remembers when she heard about the accident.
"There were probably three or four other teachers and the Principal in the office at the time, and we just all started crying," said Stanley. "It just really hit us."
And she says because of Cherie's passion to teach, the students will never be the same.
"She said it was a hard job, but she said she felt like it was rewarding and fulfilling and that's what she wanted out of life. I'm just hoping the kids will do their best to show her that what she did, wasn't in vain."
And because of the community support to the family, the Burleson's say they'll forever be grateful.
"For the outpouring of support, their condolences, the community has shown a lot of love, and we appreciate it."
Because Cherie loved teaching, the family asks that all donations be made to the Leary Independent School District.
You can go to their website at http://www.learyisd.net/ or call them at 903.838.8960.
