Choir teacher dies from cancer minutes after students' musical send-off
ALVIN, Texas -- When students at Alvin Junior High School heard their beloved choir teacher was in hospice, they wanted to do more than just send her their thoughts and prayers. They decided they wanted to let Mrs. Mariana Walker know in person how much she meant to them using a tool she always loved - their voices.
On Oct. 5, 30 to 40 teens gathered outside Walker's home and sang Hillsong's "Oceans." Cindi Lee Cooper-Fields, whose 14-year-old daughter was one of Walker's students, recorded the heartwarming moment.
"(Her family) opened the doors so she could hear them sing," said Cooper-Fields. "It was one of the most beautiful gestures I have ever seen. Friends from all ages got together and sang like angels in hopes of her feeling our love and respect we all have for her...she went out in style. She did it big she did it her way."
Once the students were done singing, they said a prayer and their final goodbyes.
"The family walked back in the house and within a few minutes she took her last breath," said Cooper-Fields.
Walker died just moments after the song.
"Knowing Mrs. Walker, you knew she wasn't going to leave us until the show was over," Cooper-Fields said.
Walker's funeral was held on Monday.
