A northwest Atlanta middle school community is remembering a teacher who passed away Friday as someone who was loved and respected by her students and colleagues.

Cathryn Ann Kearns, of Smyrna, was a sixth grade English Language Arts teacher and volleyball coach at Sutton Middle School. The 38-year-old teacher reportedly died from a stroke.

The news of her passing was a shock to everyone who loved her, Principal Gail Johnson said in a statement posted to Facebook.

"Ms. Kearns has always been known for her love of students and her amazing passion for teaching," Johnson said. "Her father shared with me that she had dreamed of being a teacher since she was a toddler. Without a doubt, she fulfilled that dream and more as her impact on students was incredible both in the classroom and as a coach."