On June 2, Mr. Roosevelt Leday proudly watched his East Campus fifth grade students accept certificates and trophies in a beautiful promotion ceremony on the last day of school.
Early Monday, Mr. Leday passed away.
We at Varnett offer our condolences. He will be greatly missed at our East Campus.
Mr. Leday was a gifted teacher who worked hard to ensure student success in his class. He was respected and loved by his students and colleagues during his one year at East. We will always carry Mr. Leday in our hearts and minds. He was a beautiful person inside and out. Mr. Leday loved God, his family, friends, colleagues and students. Our prayers are with his family and may he forever rest in peace.
One of his students, Vanessa Zaragoza, said Thursday that she and classmates have gone door to door - even talking to strangers - to raise money for Mr. Leday's family. So far, the 12-year-old girl said the group has raised about $200. She's also thinking about trying to find a way to attend the funeral, she said.
When she heard of Mr. Leday's passing, "I felt sorry for him and his family," she said. "We had fun with him. He was a fun teacher but sometimes serious. He taught us in many ways instead of only one way."
Ms. Deloris Jackson, the Southwest campus librarian, also has been collecting money for the family.
A wake will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday in Opelousas, La., A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Starlight Baptist Church, Highway 3043, Opelousas. Williams Funeral Home, Inc. is handling the arrangements. Attendees are asked to wear purple because that was Mr. Leday's favorite color.
You may send condolences to Mr. Leday's family at 12415 Chalmette St., Houston, Tx 77015.
Ms. Gayle Voltz, East Campus director, and Mr. Peter McConnell, district communications director
Top photo: Mr. Roosevelt Leday, (right), with his students during fifth grade promotion ceremony at East Campus June 2.
Second from top photo: Mr. Leday with a parent after the ceremony
Third photo: Mr. Leday's former students honoring their fallen teacher and collecting money for the family. Student Vanessa Zaragoza is in the back, wearing green
Fourth photo: Mr. Leday sharing the moment with his students June 2.
The number for Williams Funeral Home is 337-942-2037