Crossing Her Path
As a General Aide (and much more), at Jasper Junior High School, Christy Burton McLemore is touching the lives of hundreds of children.
Words by Justin Hunter | Images by Al Blanton
Christy Burton McLemore is a natural nurturer. Her love for children has led her into education.
Two years ago, Christy transferred from T.R. Simmons Elementary School to work in the Jasper Junior High School office. She loves her role in the Viking family.
As a general aide, Christy has spent the last 13 years mothering the students at Jasper City Schools. Aides are those sweet individuals who fill in the gaps at every school, the behind-the-scenes workers who help keep the school running day in and day out.
“I wear many hats at the junior high school,” says Christy. “I am a fill-in teacher, counselor, and nurse. As an aide, I have morning and afternoon duties that include greeting students when they arrive and making sure they get home safely.”
Christy was a stay-at-home mom when she discovered her passion for education in 2008. Her second child, Jaxson, had just started kindergarten and her firstborn, Hanna, was going into the sixth grade. Home alone, Christy was searching for something to do while the kids were at school.
“I was like, well, what do I do now?” she remembers.
Then Christy heard the Jasper City School system needed substitute teachers. Although her only teaching experience was filling in for her son’s preschool class at Woodland Trace Church of Christ, she took her leap of faith.
Christy got her feet wet in education at Memorial Park Elementary School when Dr. Ann Jackson was the principal. The Park faculty befriended Christy and created a space for her to thrive. One day of substitute teaching turned into four years of serving nearly every day at Park or Maddox Intermediate School. She was teaching a computer class in 2013 when a full-time position as a special education aide opened at T.R. Simmons School.
Christy never attended college to be a teacher, but she had one outstanding qualification—her mothering heart. Many people don’t remember much of what they learned in elementary school. However, they can recall teachers and faculty members who nurtured them when their family struggled at home. The human heart logs when it receives kindness and love.
“I never pictured myself working at a school because I didn’t really care much for school when I was younger,” Christy says. “But the Lord called me there because I love the kids. I love the relationships I get to have with them and their families. I guess it’s just a motherly thing.”
Christy is a proud Walker County native and grew up in the Piney Woods community. Her parents owned the old Glenn’s Feed and Seed on Elliot Blvd in Jasper. Christy played volleyball and softball for Walker High School before graduating in 1992. She has been married to the love of her life, Keith McLemore, for 26 years.
“My husband asks me to retire every year, but I see myself staying a few more years,” Christy says. “It’s been such an honor to work with kids. I couldn’t see myself wanting to be anywhere else. And I am thankful that I get the opportunity to do that.”
When Christy isn’t helping at school, she can be found at ballfields all over the county watching her grandson, Caden, play baseball. She is also considering co-leading a Freedom Group at her church this upcoming fall. In all of those settings, one could imagine Christy loving and nurturing every person who crosses her path.
“Lastly, I want folks to know that I work with some really fabulous people,” Christy says, her face glowing. “Our system is so great. I have worked in every school from the bottom to the top. We have some of the most loving teachers, aides, staff, and leaders. We have a system that loves children. I can say that because I have worked at every school.” 78