Festive balloons float near the ceiling during the midday lunch hour, the sound of overlapping voices reverberating throughout Stoddard Hall’s first floor. Photographs line the walls of the Teacher Education department, a girl with bright red hair smiling back at attendees as they enter the celebration. Upbeat rock music plays in the background as staff and students in party hats mingle over tacos, laughing and sharing memories of a friend and alumna.
“All of the things people say to make someone sound good were true with Madyson,” Diane Myers, chair of the Department of Teacher Education, said. “Mady was smart, vivacious, effervescent – everyone who met her remembered her.”
Friends, colleagues and members of the Texas Woman’s University community gathered Tuesday to celebrate the life of TWU employee and alumna, Madyson Plummer.
Plummer, known by most as “Mady,” passed away after complications from gallbladder surgery early last week. Plummer was an administrative assistant in the Teacher Education department and graduated from TWU with a Masters in Sociology this past December.
Plummer began as a student assistant for Teacher Education in 2017 and was promoted to senior secretary in 2018 before becoming an administrative assistant in December.
Myers reflected on Plummer’s dedication and intellect, remembering her pride in the university.
“She loved her work in the department – helping faculty and students,” Myers said. “She had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor. She made every place she was better.”
Others remember Plummer’s vivacious personality.
“She was such a bright, bright star,” Ashley Bender, advisor to Sigma Tau Delta where Plummer served as president for two years, said. “Her presence filled a room. More than anybody I’ve ever known, she embodied the quote from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ ‘And though she be but little she is fierce.’”
A GoFundMe fundraiser created to help cover Madyson’s medical and funeral expenses has raised over $6,700 from more than 100 donors. There, too, those who knew Mady share their memories of her and the impact she had on their lives.
“Thank you, Mady, for always looking out for the little guy and sharing your joy and spirit with everyone,” one donor wrote. “You are so missed.”
To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/mady-plummer-medical-expenses.
Amber Gaudet can be reached at agaudet@twu.edu.
Be First to Comment