VIDEO: Local Teacher Remembered For Her Smile And Big Heart

EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI)- The community of Eupora is still mourning the loss of a fellow teacher today.

“If anybody had a God given gift for teaching she had it,” says coworker Sarah Alldread

Eupora Elemenatry’s school flag is at half staff and a black ribbon hangs at the entrance, where Jackie McMullen once stood to greet her students.

McMullen was a special needs teacher for 2nd and 3rd grade at Eupora Elementary.

“She just always had a big smile on her face and a big warm heart and she loved all her students and her students loved her,” says Principal Chip Powell.

She’s remembered for her passion for teaching and kindness in the community.

“All the kids you know, they felt like they were at home automatically when they were here and that’s what they need, they need to feel comfortable while they’re here,” says Alldread.

Even Webster County Investigator Landon Griffin is feeling the loss.

“I knew her well. Her child and my child were in gymnastics team together, every time I saw her she had a smile on her face. It’s just a tragedy for our community here to lose somebody like that,” says Griffin.

Counselors and pastors were at the school all day to provide counseling for those who needed it.

For now the community finds comfort that McMullen is at peace and reminding her students to carry her love with them.

“Just letting them know that Ms. Jackie loved them you know absolutely loved them and you know that it’s okay to be sad right now but she would want them to be happy and we know where she went, we know she’s in heaven and so we know that she’s not hurting, she’s okay,” says Alldread.

McMullen’s service will be held this Friday at 4pm at Walthall Baptist just outside of Eupora with a visitation at 3pm.