DEMOPOLIS- She was one of the first special education teachers in the state of Alabama and the first in Demopolis City Schools.

Unfortunately, the family and friends of Francis Christine Andrews Waldrop will say their final goodbyes to her Monday, August 29 at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church.

According to school officials, Waldrop first contracted with the Demopolis Board of Education in 1967, three years after she received a master’s degree in special education from the University of Alabama.

“She was the perfect special education teacher,” a school official said. “She was understanding, quiet and she did whatever it took to take care of the kids.”

In 1972 Waldrop was chosen as Demopolis’ Outstanding Teacher and many of her students became productive citizens and continued to visit her years later.

“She was very dear, conscientious and sweet,” the official said. “She was precious.”

Waldrop was a wife, mother, friend, teacher and accomplished pianist.

She received a piano on her first birthday, was an accomplished pianist by elementary school, and had her own radio program in Hot Springs, Ark., as a young woman.

The program was titled “Christine at the Piano.”

Waldrop was active in social and civic clubs such as the Music Study Club, Athena Club, Business and Professional Women and the Cotillion Social Club.

She retired after 17 years teaching in Demopolis city schools and passed away in Newnan, Ga., August 25, at the age of 90.

Waldrop is survived by two children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Kidd-Robbins Funeral Home on Sunday, August 28, between 5 and 7 p.m. Family and friends are welcome.