PCHS bus driver receives final sendoff

The Town of Phil Campbell said goodbye Sept. 18 to one of its own, with three Franklin County School buses leading the procession.

Phil Campbell High School bus driver Lynn Burcham died Sept. 16 at the age of 49 after spending many years as a bus driver for Phil Campbell.

“It is always really tough whenever you lose someone, but especially whenever you lose someone like her who was such a big part of the Phil Campbell family. It is going to be a big loss,” said Phil Campbell High School Principal Darit Riddle.

A graveside service for Burcham was held Friday at noon at Liberty Hill Cemetery, with three Franklin County school buses leading the way to pay tribute.

“She was a great lady who cared a lot for her students and all of the people around her,” Riddle said. “She was always going out of her way to help others and to brighten everyone’s day.”

Pastor Darryl Whitehead said Burcham was a wonderful woman who shared her faith through her words and her actions.

“We need more Lynns in this world, and we need more Lynns in our schools,” Whitehead said.

Whitehead said Burcham was always willing to help anyone in need and had a love for people. “That is the best way I can describe her – a love for people,” Whitehead said. “She cared about people – cared about the students on that bus and then just people in general.”

Fellow bus driver Derek Scott said Burcham had a servant’s heart that will be missed by all.

“She was as good-hearted a person as I’ve ever met,” Scott said. He said Burcham constantly made an impact on the students on her bus, whether it was by brightening their day or helping them in a time of need. “She drove the bus because she loved it,” Scott said. “If there was ever someone who loved their job, it was Lynn Burcham.”

Instead of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which Riddle said represents Burcham’s character.

“That was just the type of person she was – always wanting to look out for others,” Riddle said.

Riddle said the Phil Campbell community is mourning the loss of Burcham, but he has seen teachers and students step up to comfort each other and help the family at this time.

“It is definitely not going to be the same around here without her,” Riddle said. “She was a great lady who is definitely going to be missed.”