Malorie Bullock's jersey retired by Tom Bean

Malorie Bullock, the A&M-Commerce student who died in a motorcycle accident last April, had her high school softball jersey and number, 7, retired by Tom Bean ISD on Tuesday, March 8.

In a ceremony that started just after 5 p.m., a framed number 7 jersey and a cut-out in the shape of a softball with Malorie's name and number on it was presented to her parents, Rick and Melissa Bullock, siblings, former coaches, former classmates and current Tom Bean students at the high school gym. Athletic Director Tal Sanders opened the ceremony with a prayer and a few remarks.

"Malorie meant the world to this town, her family and her friends," he said. "It's hard to describe something indescribable, and Malorie was indescribable. She changed this town and she changed everyone around her. We need to look at that as an example."

Tom Bean softball head coach Lance Cherry said he was glad to know Malorie, a former player of his, would be remembered for her determined attitude and work ethic by softball teams to come.

"Every time we step on the field, not a time goes by that I don't think about her," he said. "Every time we see that, we're going to remember her."

Former classmate and teammate Lindsey Lacy said she was happy to know Malorie's number 7 will remain exclusive in Tom Bean softball.

"It's a happy and sad thing," Lacy said. "It was awful to see that happen, but good to know that no one else will wear that number."

The Bullocks were also presented with a plaque from the Tom Bean ISD School Board.

"I'd like to thank the Tom Bean ISD administration, teachers, coaches, and the whole community for that matter," Rick said. "At the time of the accident, you just feel you can't go on. We've come to see over time how much love is in this community. We believe we will see her again some day."

Teacher Suzan Henderson was the varsity cheerleading sponsor at the high school when Malorie was on the squad, and she also addressed the crowd.

"Malorie had a patient, caring and vibrant spirit," Henderson said. "She always knew the responsibility of being a positive role model. Malorie always knew who she was and where she was going in life."

Melissa also made a short speech, and talked about the Malorie Bullock Scholarship, which will be available to graduating Tom Bean students starting this spring.

"Malorie loved Tom Bean," Melissa said. "This was her school. She was proud to be a Tom Bean Tomcat. The scholarship being put together, it's really for the students, for you to go to college, which was very important to her."