A Gadsden elementary school teacher who taught for more than 30 years is being mourned following her death from COVID-19.
Cynthia Hollingsworth Graves died Saturday. She was a teacher at Oscar Adams Elementary and was known for teaching students for whom English was a second language, Diana Hilton remembered. She asked for all the children to be placed in her classroom.
“There was not one single English speaking student in her classroom,” Hilton said. “She worked hard and had a successful year and these kids gave her lots of stories to tell.”
Susie Washburn, a friend, called her a “wonderful, beautiful person.” After teaching for three decades, she had a storehouse of memories to relate about students and people.
“She could relate to anybody, and she could tell the best stories in one of the most pleasant voices,” she said. “Teaching was exactly what God had called her to do.”
Debra Bishop said she met Graves when she came to work in the school lunchroom in 1997.
“She was a special person and always made us laugh when she came in the lunchroom. I know she will be missed by so many people,” Bishop said.
Tammy Owens Hall said Graves was her kindergarten teacher when Adams Elementary opened.
“She and I reconnected about 10 years ago and she continued to pour mentorship and encouragement into my life,” Hall said. “She was my teacher as a child. She became my friend as an adult. For that I am grateful. What a legacy.”
Monique Carlisle said Graves was one of the first people she met when she began her teaching career at the school. She called Graves a “teaching legend.” Jenn Gilbert used the same words.
“Her faith and friendship never waivered,” Gilbert said. “I am grateful to have called her my friend and mentor.”
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