Odessa Fire Rescue is still investigating a house fire over the weekend that resulted in the death of an Ector County elementary school teacher.
Vickie Watson, 57, who was a fourth grade teacher at Blackshear Elementary School, died Sunday in a house fire in the 3800 block of Springdale Drive.
Marissa King, Principal of Blackshear Elementary School, said Watson was a teacher devoted to her work and the children she taught, arriving early and staying late preparing for her students.
“She loved her kiddos,” King said. “She did whatever she could do to help them, whether that be academic, social or emotional.”
King said Monday was a somber day for the school when they delivered the news. The students of her class wrote cards and drew pictures as a way of memorializing her.
“We’ve definitely been talking as a team about the good memories that they have of her,” King said.
In this case, King said the school is providing student assistant services counselors to be able to talk to any children and parents who may need support or help with grieving. The school also sent a notice on Monday notifying all parents of Watson’s passing.
At this time, City of Odessa Spokesperson Andrea Goodson said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
