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Memorial tribute submitted by Sarah Goodnight and Wendy Osserman, with additional information from Rivers-Morgan Funeral Home

T

eresa Jones Badger, born December 16, 1952 passed away August 1st, after complications resulting from a recent lung transplant. She was 69 years old.

Teresa was a well-loved educator with the Pamlico County School System for over 30 years, a member of Antioch Congregational Christian Church and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Teresa was also employed with Rivers-Morgan Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremations, New Bern, for over 20 years as a licensed Insurance agent and a Nursing/Funeral Attendant.

She was also involved with the restoration of Holt’s Chapel Community Center, as the vice-president from 2003 – 2008, then the president from 2008 until her death. Teresa did not shy from volunteer work and participation in her community; she was awarded The Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award in 2020.

Teresa Badger accepting her 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award. (Hiram Lupton photo)

Holt’s Chapel was not the only place Teresa volunteered her time. She has been a member and usher at the Antioch United Church of Christ since 1975. She was the president of District #1 Women’s Fellowship for 10 years, Board Chair of Coastal Community Development Corporation, Secretary of Legal Services of North Carolina, District President of North Carolina Association of Education, President of the Pamlico Co. Retired School Personnel, and President of the Hargrove Jones-Squires Family Society.

In 1975 Teresa graduated from North Carolina Central University in Durham, with a BA in History. She was certified as a Middle School Language Arts teacher and licensed as a North Carolina Life & Health Insurance Agent in 1986. Her

During her career as an educator, Teresa served as a migrant clerk/tutor for 6 years, taught Language Arts to 7th and 8th graders in Pamlico County Schools for 11 years, and served as Homebound teacher in the system for 5 years.

Teresa wished to restore the historic Rosenwald School known as Holt’s Chapel Community Center (HCCC). Her outstanding leadership and incredible work coordinating grants, volunteers and contractors helped accomplish the near completion of the historic school restoration project. Her role in the organization was defined by her dedication and determination to restore Pamlico County’s only African-American Historic Site still serving the community.

Teresa Badger in conversation with Andrea Bruce. (Andrea Bruce photo)

For Teresa, Holt’s Chapel Elementary School is a sacred trust symbolizing struggle, achievement and continuity. It is a monument of local heritage. The restoration guaranteed not only the continued service of a community center, but also an historical and contemporary education for young people, black and white, about their shared history. Teresa was always thinking about teaching, and recognized the school as a continued source of education.

Those who worked with Teresa know how she could pick up her bullhorn and order board members and volunteers alike, with emails written at 5a, giving instructions for the day or week. She was tough, but was well-known for her caring and generous heart.

Teresa’s work continued during her long bout with lung disease, even while in Duke University Hospital. Her doctors there nominated her as a candidate for a lung transplant. She worked for months to raise funds and prepare for the surgery, yet her work on grants and other projects were still on her mind.

Teresa had contracted with historian Jennifer Martin to submit Holt’s Chapel to the National Register for nomination as a National Historic Place. Ms. Martin is now waiting for word from the State Historic Preservation Office about any revisions that may be needed before it goes to the National Register committee.

It has been recommended by some HCCC Committee members that the building be renamed The Teresa Badger Center at Holt’s Chapel.

Teresa Badger inside Holt’s Chapel Community Center. (Andrea Bruce photo)

Teresa often said her courage for the lung surgery came from her desire to breathe freely so she could play with her grandchildren and work in her flower garden. Her husband Leon, children Teyonna and Antwan, daughter-in-law and grandchildren were the love of her life. Teresa was a loving sister, cousin and friend to so many. She will be truly missed.

The Badger Family cordially invites you to pay your respects to Teresa on Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 10a – 2p at Rivers-Morgan Funeral Home, Inc. and Cremations, 701 West St., New Bern, where she will lie in repose for her walk-through viewing. Viewing will resume on Sunday at the Church one hour prior to the Service.

The Service Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Teresa Jones Badger will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 2p from within the Sanctuary of the New Bern Eastern Missionary Baptist Association Headquarters Building, 885 NC Highway 306, Grantsboro.

Interment will follow in the Badger Family Cemetery, 173 Jo Jane Rd., Oriental.

Related Links

• Rivers-Morgan Funeral Announcement

Posted Friday August 5, 2022 by Allison DeWeese