Brittany Blockman
I first came to know Mrs. Zehring as my whip-smart, eloquent, and humorous 7th grade literature teacher at St. Mary’s who brought the depths of written text to life for us and helped inspire my love for literature, poetry, and writing. Beyond being a passionate, devoted teacher whose class was on par with the depths of the best college courses, she had a big heart for her students, and her door was always open to us.
Through the years, Mrs. Zehring became so much more than just a teacher to me: a loving, comforting presence who supported me through the illness and loss of my mother to cancer while at was a student at St. Mary’s; an admired life mentor; a second mother to me after I lost my own; and one of the most impactful people in my life.
Mrs. Zehring is one of the most extraordinary human beings I have known — a true soul friend not only to me, but to countless others. She went above and beyond to care for others and connect deeply in a way that made those around her feel seen and understood. I was always in awe of the insight, clarity, depth, and kindness she brought to every moment. I knew from a young age that she was someone I always wanted to know and fortunately, our connection continued beyond my St. Mary’s days. Every visit back to Memphis always entailed a joyful visit with her and more recently, she came to know my children, who also adored her.
Mrs. Zehring was a model of resilience to me, as she overcame and pushed forward in life despite personal tragedy and loss. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her care, wisdom, and exemplary manner of being of in the world. People have often asked me how I didn’t fall apart when I lost my mom at such a formative age. I always answer that I had some amazing adults around me holding me up — special people (many of them St. Mary’s teachers) who went out of their way to help me when they didn’t have to and when it wasn’t necessarily convenient. Mrs. Zehring was one of those people. I am still amazed by the support she (and others) extended to me during such a difficult time. I hope that my own children will be so fortunate to have deep connections with teachers like Mrs. Zehring someday.
Mrs. Zehring: You have been an earthly guardian angel to me and made me feel less alone in a difficult time in my young life and beyond. I feel blessed at crossing paths with you in the physical realm and will miss everything about you – your warm and loving presence, your smile, your kind voice, your hugs, your sense of humor and laugh, your soulful eyes, your deep goodness, your profound wisdom. Your influence, love, and inspiration knows no bounds and you will be amongst us reverberating infinitely. I know that I and all who were connected to you on this earth will eternally continue to feel your loving spirit and be inspired by you. We are with you always. I know our bond is unbreakable. Sending love, light, peace, and healing to all of Charlotte’s cherished family, friends, and all of the SMS community.
With deep admiration, gratitude, and eternal love for you Mrs. Zehring,
Brittany Blockman (SMS ’99)
