**Wilson Community Honors Beloved Teacher Brijette Basden with Candlelight Vigil**
WILSON, N.C. (WTVD) — The Sallie B. Howard School in Wilson held a candlelight vigil to honor the life of one of their cherished teachers, Brijette Basden. Basden was tragically killed just over a week ago on I-40 near Page Road after pulling over into the left lane.
Brijette Basden was a 24-year-old kindergarten teacher who had just begun her career, living out her dream in education for only nine weeks.
“She was an angel and she was so loved. A beautiful smile and a beautiful person inside and out. That’s why it didn’t take long at all for people to embrace her,” said Joanne Woodard, executive director of the Sallie B. Howard School.
Originally from Bermuda, Basden was the eldest of four siblings. She recently graduated from Shaw University with her master’s degree. An athlete and member of the Bears track team, Brijette was also a dedicated member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Her passion for sports extended beyond herself, as she volunteered to help the middle school girls’ volleyball team. “We went outside to play and she would be running after her students,” recalled Angelia Taylor. “She would bring her students in and make sure they were in a single file line. She was just very detail-oriented,” added Jeremy Herring.
The tragic incident occurred on October 19 when Brijette pulled over on the left side of I-40 near Page Road to switch driving duties with her sister Asrael. While both were standing outside their cars, a vehicle struck them. Asrael is currently recovering from her injuries.
“I cried. It’s okay to cry. Cry if you want to. It’s okay,” said Taylor. “But we are going to remember her for the good memories.”
Brijette Basden lived her life with purpose, always embracing the lesson to live each day as if tomorrow isn’t promised. Her North Carolina family now sends love and condolences back home to Bermuda.
“Thank you for this beautiful soul that you shaped and that you molded. That’s exactly what they did. And thank you for her, and thank you for sharing her with us,” Woodard expressed.
The community continues to honor Brijette’s memory, cherishing the impact she made in her brief but meaningful time as an educator.
https://abc11.com/post/brijette-basden-sallie-howard-school-holds-candle-light-vigil-honor-teacher/18088381/
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