Retired custodian gets new elementary school named in her honor

AUBREY, Texas (WFAA) — A new elementary school in Texas will be named after Marilyn Hampton, a retired custodian who worked for the district for 39 years.

The Aubrey Independent School District surprised Hampton with the announcement during a red carpet presentation at Wednesday’s board meeting.

Surprise announcement

Hampton was asked to roll out a red carpet, a task similar to those she performed during her career as a custodian. It took her several seconds to realize what the carpet was for.

“Oh my goodness,” Hampton said. “Oh, God. You all are the best.”

The school, previously known only as Elementary School Number Five, will be named Marilyn Hampton Elementary.

“I still can’t believe it. I haven’t stopped crying,” Hampton said.

A 39-year career

Hampton spent 39 years as an Aubrey Independent School District custodian.

Superintendent Shannon Saylor said Hampton did more than custodial work during that time, including buying and delivering school supplies and helping students study for tests.

“She is truly Aubrey ISD,” Saylor said.

Saylor said Hampton left behind “her teaching legacy” about being kind, working hard and persevering.

Hampton is one of eight siblings and the only one to graduate high school. She said she used to think of herself as a failure for not going to college.

“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,” Hampton said.

Second career

Hampton now spends time in a rocking chair at the Aubrey Independent School District Early Bird Learning Center, feeding a young girl named Claire.

“She’s a sweetheart. She’s got pretty eyes,” Hampton said of Claire.

The district gave Hampton a Marilyn Hampton Elementary shirt to mark the announcement ahead of the school’s opening.

“Can you believe it? I can’t. I cannot. All I can say is God is good,” Hampton said.

Marilyn Hampton Elementary opens next August.