Maxine McNeil, 58, was struck by a car around 8 a.m. She died on the way to the hospital.
The driver of the car, William Horne, 42, toldHighway Patroltroopers he was blinded by the sun and says it seemed as if McNeil walked out right in front of him.
"Her sole job was making sure these kids had a safe way to get to school and could get there without having to worry about being hurt. It's just real sad," says Pamela Kource, who works at the library across the street from the school.
McNeil has been a school crossing guard with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office for a year and a half.
With a wave and a smile for everyone, the retired dietitian took the job just so she could be around children.
Students and parents have placed a sign and a wreath at McNeil's crosswalk in her memory.
"Just her love for young people. She just had so much energy that I realize she just couldn't stay home she just had to get out and serve her community," says pastor Carl Brinkley.
No charges will be filed against the driver who was traveling at the speed limit of 35 mph.
McNeil's funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17. It takes place at noon at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fayetteville.
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