Students dedicate bench in memory of teacher

Teresa Thomas never quit teaching.

Though she formally retired in 2009 she returned to school as a volunteer, and substitute and part-time teacher.

Thomas died Aug. 6 at her home in Spanish Trail south of Granbury. She was allegedly beaten to death by her son. Wesley Paul Males, charged with murder, remains in jail on $750,000 bond.

Emma Roberson Early Learning Academy students recently dedicated a new bench in memory of Thomas, who taught first and second grade there.

Thomas retired from Granbury after 22 years in the district and 28 years overall. She most recently worked as a parttime dyslexia tutor at the STEAM

Academy at Mambrino. ”Teresa Thomas is the angel in our garden,” said Roberson principal Kellie Lambert. “Even in her retirement, Teresa always returned to share her love of gardening with staff and students at Emma Roberson. Other than teaching, it was her favorite part.

“She was a beautiful person and made our outdoor learning center beautiful, too.”

The bench was donated by retired teacher Sandy McGuffin, who taught with Thomas at the school.

“A wooden bench in Teresa’s memory will remind us every day that she is still part of our GISD family,” Lambert said. “We all love and miss her.”

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“Teresa Thomas is the angel in our garden. She was a beautiful person, and made our outdoor learning center beautiful, too.”

Kellie Lambert, Emma Roberson principal