Amy Faulkner, 48, of China Spring, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with cervical cancer.
Celebration of Life Memorial Service: 2PM Friday, November 15 at First Methodist Waco.
Amy was born January 15, 1976 in Clifton to Mike and Linda (Baker) Vandiver.
Amy was a beloved mother, wife, daughter, aunt, teacher, and friend. She was also a fighter. She proved this every day of her life throughout her long battle with stage IV cancer. From diagnosis to her very last breath, she handled every obstacle with grace. She never saw a setback as anything other than a bump in the road, and was always ready for whatever came next. Apart from her being a warrior on the medical battle field, she was also a warrior in the classroom. Since her diagnosis nine years ago, she has never missed a day of school unless she was actively getting treatment. These past few months she was undergoing a clinical trial in Austin. She would get her labs and vital signs taken at 8:00 AM and rush back to be there for her third period class, only missing one class for the day. Her tenacity is so awe-inspiring, and something we can all learn a thing or two from.
Amy was the most selfless, caring, and involved mother. She truly lived every single day for her family, and never missed a sports game, awards ceremony, or banquet for either of her two children. Her legacy is evident in the way that she raised them. There was nothing that she wouldn’t do for her kids, and she made every sacrifice to give them the best life possible. She did just that. There is no bond quite like that between a mother and her children, and her absence is indescribably heavy with that of her children.
Amy was also a devoted wife. She stood beside her husband and honored him in her work every day. She truly embodied what it meant to be present for better or for worse, in sickness, and in health. Her children are so blessed to have witnessed true love, and the true meaning of marriage.
Amy was a loving daughter and took great care of her mother, Linda. She was always close to her mom and showed Raelynn how important the relationship is between a mother and daughter. Amy and Raelynn followed suit by being the best of friends and the closest a mother and daughter can be.
Finally, Amy took the utmost pride in being a compassionate and caring teacher. She cultivated a spirit of learning in her students and always pushed them to think outside the box. She spent so much time creating lesson plans that incorporated real-world events and inviting her students to consider different viewpoints. Her passions included Civil Rights, the Holocaust, and integration, and she expanded the world view of all of her students through books, Ted Talks, and news articles. She never wavered in her search for knowledge herself, and inspired that in her students as well. She truly loved each and every one of her students as her own.
We are all so lucky to have known Amy, and the China Spring Community will never be the same without her. She has made, and will continue to make a lasting impact through her students, family, and friends forever.
She was preceded in death by father, Mike Vandiver.
Survivors include husband of 28 years, Marc Faulkner; daughter, Raelynn Faulkner; son, Brayden Faulkner; mother, Linda Vandiver; brothers, Bryan Vandiver (Krista) and Andrew Valentine; niece, Kelsee Flores (Gabe); mother and father in-law, Nancy & Preasley Cooper; brother-in-law, Mike Faulkner (Becca), sister-in-law, Crystal Meyer (John); nephews, Cody Faulkner (Destiny), Brady Faulkner (Maddy), Cooper Faulkner; and two great nephews, Owen and Beck.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to: Amy Faulkner Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o China Spring Administration Building, 12166 Yankie Rd., China Spring, TX 76633.
Place of Service: First United Methodist Church of Waco , 4901 Cobbs Drive; Waco, TX 76710
Print Obituary & Condolences
Marc, Raylynn, and Brayden know that you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come. Amy was such a shining light and continues to shine in you all. Amy was Lindsey’s teacher at the Intermediate School and to this day was her favorite teacher from those days. Coach can remember that during State Testing if Amy used his room she would always leave a Thank you note and a piece of candy on his desk. She had a passion for teaching and her students were blessed to have her. Amy was always so proud of Raelynn and Brayden’s accomplishments athletically and in the area of academics. Love and prayers Roy and Cherrie Stone.
Our Condolences to the Family. With all our hearts..The Harris Family
Mrs.Faulkner changed me and my brothers life, she is the strongest, most courageous woman we know. She will forever live in our hearts, and her family forever in our prayers!
Love,
The Guzman Family
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.
I’m so sorry for your loss, I pray for peace for those she left behind.
We prayer for you guys during this time! Send our condolences! Amy was a shining light! Our kids grew up together and we always seen her smiling and happy! Never let her battle show! She will be missed in our community!
My first glimpse into Amy’s giving heart and love for her family was during a brief encounter in the middle school work room . Raelynn and Braeden were preschool age, and she shared how they were getting a dachshund puppy for Christmas. Praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
I am so sorry for your loss.Mrs.Faulkner was a sweet lady. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.God bless all of you.
Amy’s dedication as a wife, mother, and educator is an inspiration that will live on in our family. We know that just as she blessed our family, she blessed so many in our community. She will be profoundly missed.
Sending you our love, and prayers for strength and peace.
Marc, Raelynn, and Brayden, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories of her give each of you comfort and strength.
Love, Aunt Laura and Uncle Billy
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family. Amy was my classmate at Crawford High School and was very sweet and loving person.
Faulkner Family,
Thank you for sharing your warrior mom with us over the years. For the present time she will be greatly missed but grateful for the hope to see and celebrate with her in heaven. Praying for your grieving hearts in the waiting.
Resting on His Promises with each of you.
We love you all.
The Bowers Family
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Our Condolences to Dr Faulkner and Family. Praying for you all. ~ Dan, Lynn Phil & Drew Cummings
Out deepest sympathies are with your family.
We pray you find peach knowing how well loved and respected Amy was
and that our community will not be the same without her.
To the Faulkner family:
Please accept our sincere condolences in the Homegoing of Amy. I remember teaching with her at Marlin High. She was such a sweet co-worker. I pray that you all will remember Proverbs 3:5-6…” Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In ALL of thou ways, acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your paths.”
I also pray that you allow the beautiful memories that were made with Amy to resonate in your mind and heart forever ♥️ 🙏🏾♥️.
Love,
Jimi & Angetta
My sincere condolences to the Faulkner Family and her close friends. She was so adored and loved by many. May God continue to bring peace and comfort to all those that will miss her daily presence.
Dear Faulkner family, I am so sorry for the passing of your dear wife and mother. Amy truly symbolized what makes a great wife, mother and teacher. The China Spring community is going to miss her dearly and we will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Chris Shoots.