Marcy B Lykins- the heart, the joy - the woman behind the name. I would like to take a minute to introduce you to one of our greatest.

Just imagine walking outside on a warm spring day as the fresh scent of cut grass wafts through the air, the birds chirp in joyful harmony, and flowers stretch out from their long months of slumber, sprinkling color across the fields. The sun slowly emerges from behind puffy, white clouds to tickle your body with its warmth- THAT is what it was like to walk into the presence of Marcy. Of course that sounds ridiculous. There is not a human on this planet like that. But God created one for us, left her to us long enough to mold us, teach us, love us, and guide us, and then He took His prized possession home.

She came to us as a pre-k teacher and started up our bilingual program. She immediately made the parents feel welcomed and loved. As a result, the Hispanic parents became more involved than they had ever been. They attended field trips, volunteered to help in the classroom, and assisted with parties. After years of not knowing their value and worth, they finally felt needed and appreciated. Like any teacher, her students were her priority. Yes, she taught them all the required standards, her test scores were phenomenal, she progressed them abundantly, but she LOVED them. She wrapped them in her arms, she silly danced with them, she sang to them, and she did everything you would hope a pre-k teacher would do. But she did it with a certain sunshine tickle.

Then her cancer awakened from its slumber. But she didn’t slow down. We took her out of the classroom to be an interventionist so that she could rest when needed. She showed up every single day and said the students were keeping her alive, and I fully believe that. God was still using her at her weakest to be the strongest for the meekest.

Then she lost her hair. But she didn’t slow down. She donned a fabulous wig and kept showing up. She checked in on her peers and faithfully asked to pray for us. She was slowly dying, but her servant’s heart never once waned. She put everyone above herself, including the most undeserving. Though she was deteriorating, she continued to instill compassion and confidence into the hearts of her students. Through her, they learned how valuable they were. And through them, teachers learned their own worth. She showed up for them and for us.

Then she lost her strength. And she slowed down. Her body had forsaken her and began to rapidly yield to the disease. However, her influence had already ignited and started to spread its wings. Parents and students were desperate to visit. Teachers and staff rallied to support her family. The entire town cried out to help in any way they could. As her home became adorned in homemade cards and well-wishes, students daily lamented about how greatly she was missed.

And then one day she left us. Peacefully, in her bed, surrounded by family, you could hear her talking to her Savior as she walked into His presence. She left behind a huge void caused by her absence. Her loss created a chasm so great in our hearts that we had to rely on faith and each other to heal. And in that, she brought us together once more.

Even to the end of her days, Marcy brought sunlight to our school. That light might dim but will never be put out. Because WE ARE LYKINS.

Written by Janet Hardage