Marilyn Hampton was known to buy school supplies for kids in need and help students study for exams
A beloved former school custodian in Texas received the surprise of a lifetime when she learned that a new elementary school would be named in her honor.
Marilyn Hampton, who worked as a custodian for the Aubrey Independent School District (ISD) for 39 years, was overcome with emotion when district officials revealed the news during a school board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21, according to Dallas-based ABC affiliate WFAA and a news release from the city of Aubrey.
The heartwarming moment unfolded after Hampton, 76, was asked to unfurl a red carpet — a job she had performed many times throughout her decades working for the district.
But this time, the request had a special meaning.
As Hampton rolled out the carpet, she discovered that it bore the name of the district’s newest school: Marilyn Hampton Elementary.
“Oh my goodness,” Hampton exclaimed after realizing what was happening, per video of the moment shared by WFAA. “Oh, God. You all are the best.”
Hampton, who retired from her custodial position in 2022, told the outlet that she was still struggling to process the unexpected honor.
“I still can’t believe it. I haven’t stopped crying,” she said.
During her nearly four decades with the district, Hampton became known for going above and beyond to support its students.
Superintendent Shannon Saylor told WFAA that Hampton frequently took on responsibilities outside her job description, including purchasing school supplies for children who needed them, personally delivering those supplies and helping students prepare for exams.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Saylor called Hampton “a truly deserving recipient of the honor.”
“Her impact on generations of students, staff, and families is immeasurable,” Saylor told PEOPLE. “From her early days as the district’s sole custodian to witnessing and supporting the growth of Aubrey ISD into the district it is today, Marilyn has been a constant presence and a vital part of our school community.”
“Ms. Marilyn is a teacher without a degree, an educator without a classroom, and a mentor without a formal title,” the superintendent continued, adding that “her work ethic, compassion, kindness, unwavering commitment and smile” have “taught countless students lessons that extend far beyond the classroom walls.”
The recognition was particularly meaningful for Hampton, who grew up as one of eight children and was the only sibling to earn a high school diploma.
Hampton told WFAA that she had once viewed her lack of a college education as a personal shortcoming. Over time, however, she came to appreciate the impact she had made through her work.
“I just thought, ‘You know, Marilyn? God put you where you are supposed to be.’ And I’m very happy with the way things turned out,” she said.
Although Hampton has retired from her custodial career, she continues to spend time with the district’s youngest children at its Early Bird Learning Center.
The new elementary school, previously identified as the district’s fifth elementary campus, is scheduled to open in August 2027.