Late Oxford Math Teacher Honored By School District

By Alyssa Schnugg
Staff writer
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

The late Sherry Buford, an Oxford Intermediate math teacher who was killed earlier this year by a suspected drunk driver, was remembered and honored by the Oxford School District Board of Trustees Monday.

A proclamation commemorating her contributions to the OSD and her math students during her 13 years as a teacher was read by OSD Superintend Brian Harvey.
Buford, 46, began teaching sixth-grade math at the former Central Elementary School in 2005. She worked as a teacher’s assistant from 1993 to 1996 and also a bus driver in 2002 and 2003. A Lafayette High School graduate, she returned to school and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Mississippi.
“Her students loved her and knew she cared not only about their success in the classroom but also their success as a person,” Harvey read from the proclamation. “She was quick to give hugs and high fives, but also quick to correct her students if they did not meet her expectations. She wanted everyone to give their all … She was loud and funny and her faith inspired all of us.”
A Sherry Buford Memorial Scholarship was set up after her death and is managed by the CREATE Foundation. The scholarship is available to graduating OSD seniors who plan to continue their education after graduation.
“She was a dear friend of mine,” Harvey said. “She was there for me at times when I needed help. We enjoyed the time we had with her and we will continue to remember her.”
Buford was killed in February when her car was hit head-on by Joseph Britt, 36, while traveling on Interstate 22 near Mooreville.
Buford was returning from watching her niece, Shaniya Buford, play basketball for Itawamba Community College in Fulton.
Britt was indicted on three charges of aggravated DUI by a Lee County grand jury in February and is awaiting trial.