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Bertha Lee Teele received her heavenly wings on May 5, 2024 in the presence of her loving family. Bertha entered her earthly life on May 24, 1947, born to the late William Augusta Teele and Mary Teele, in Everetts, NC. Bertha was a devoted companion to the love of her life, Larry Todd and a supportive friend to his daughters. Bertha had no children of her own, but she was a motherly figure to her many nieces and nephews. Bertha graduated from East End High School, Robersonville, NC “Class of 1965”. She furthered her education by enrolling and graduating from Saint Augustine University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and a certification in Special Education. Bertha spent her career as an educator, teaching high school English and being an advocate for her special needs children. She loved them unconditionally. Blessed with the gift of expression and words, she was a beautiful writer and wrote lovely, heartfelt poems for her family and friends. Bertha enjoyed teaching and helping others. Blessed with compassion and patience, her students viewed her as more than just a teacher, they saw her as a mentor and counselor. Bertha often received calls from her former students because she positively impacted their lives in so many ways. Her passion for teaching reached well over 30 memorable years. Bertha’s faith was strong and unwavering. She was an active, faithful member of the House of Refuge Church Ministries. She loved her church home, her church family and most of all, love serving the Lord. She served on several committees, sang in the choir and was church secretary for many years. With her passion for serving and her love for children, she volunteered and worked countless hours with the church after school program. Bertha studied her bible, followed its teachings and cherished the word. Generous, loving, thoughtful and reliable are just a few words to describe Bertha. She enjoyed her life to the fullest. She loved taking trips in the RV with Larry, summer beach trips with the family, shopping trips with her friends and beautifying her home and yard. Bertha stayed close to home her entire life for the sake of her family. She made her home a welcoming place for family and friends to gather and fellowship together. Her personality was captivating, and she never met a stranger. Many looked to Bertha for guidance and comfort which she so graciously provided time and time again, with love mastering the roles of communicator, listener and leader. She lived a life of virtue, and her memory and legacy will live on through the lives she touched. Bertha was preceded in death by two brothers, Bobby Teele and William “Buck” Teele; two sisters, Villia Andrews and Hutie Pearl Rogers. Bertha is survived by her siblings Valerie “Deet” Teele Brown of Everetts, NC, James “Jute” Teele of Lynchburg, VA, Larry Teele of Everetts, NC, extended brother, George Gibson, of Williamston, NC; loyal friends, Linda Outerbridge and Brenda Andrews; a host of cherished nieces, nephews, family and friends. Now that Bertha has passed into the arms of the Lord, her beautiful journey to eternal life begins. John 11: 25-26 “Jesus said to her,” I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”

Tributes

Ms. Bertha Teele

May 24, 1947 - May 5, 2024