Horwich Parish Church was filled to capacity as they remembered Mrs Evans in her role as a teacher, a mother, a wife, daughter and a friend
THE life of an inspirational headteacher was celebrated during an emotional funeral service.
More than 300 friends and family of Claypool Primary School headteacher, Glenys Evans, came together to say their final goodbyes.
The mother-of-two died earlier this month at the age of 57 during a routine operation at the Royal Bolton Hospital.
Her death came as a shock to the people who knew her and Horwich Parish Church was filled to capacity as they remembered Mrs Evans in her role as a teacher, a mother, a wife, daughter and a friend.
Her sons, Marcus, aged 25, and Morgan, aged 23, helped carry the coffin which was draped in the Welsh flag, symbolising her roots.
A Welsh flag was also carried behind the coffin.
Mrs Evans was born in Llanrwst, North Wales, and her love of her homeland was reflected in traditional Welsh hymns, together with bible readings in her native tongue.
The Rev Paul Berry opened the service with a prayer and the words: "The number of people here bears testimony of the impact she has had on so many lives."
Sons Marcus and Morgan Evans acted as pall bearers
Photographs showing Mrs Evans as she grew from a child into a young woman and of her marriage to husband Kerry were shown on screen to a 1974 recording of "Duw Wyr" by Arthur and Bet Williams, Mrs Evans' parents.
And staff from Claypool Primary lit 19 candles to represent the number of years Mrs Evans dedicated her life to the school.
Mrs Evans came to Bolton from Lancashire County Council in 1974 to take up a teaching position at St Matthew's CE Primary School in Little Lever.
She moved to Cherry Tree Primary School in Farnworth in 1979 as acting head before being appointed deputy headteacher.
She took up her position as head at Claypool in 1989.
Leading the tributes were Jennie Higson, acting deputy head, and Jeremy Atkinson, acting head.
They were joined by around 30 members of staff at the front of the church, and the candles were lit.
Mrs Higson said: "She wanted the best for children at Claypool School. Every child was special to her."
Mr Atkinson added: "A fortnight ago Claypool School lost its headteacher but not its spirit, and that spirit will live on in tribute."
A harp solo of "Ar Hyd Nos" - All Through The Night - filled the church, while mourners remembered Mrs Evans as a mother and wife.
Speaking on behalf of Morgan and himself, son Marcus said: "We will always love you mum. We will make you proud."
Tributes were also paid by Nick Pounds, Bolton's education authority adviser, who said the "impact she had on people's lives is immeasurable".
Mr Evans ended the tributes with the words: "She wanted to make a difference and she did. She was beautiful outside and inside."
A round of applause echoed through the church as he concluded.
Committal at Overdale followed before a reception at Claypool School, which was closed for the day as a mark of respect.
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