Theresa Ocielean Lancaster

Theresa Ocielean Lancaster, affectionately called by her middle name, was born September 24, 1943, in Thomasville, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Evelean Williams Lancaster and Herman Jacob Lancaster, Sr.  She was the granddaughter of the late Enoch and Ocie Williams of Dawson, Georgia, and the late Gilbert and Mamie Zackery Robinson Lancaster of Cario, Georgia. At an early age, Theresa accepted Christ and joined First Missionary Baptist Church, where she was active, serving in various church ministries. Her passions were prayer, Bible study, helping others, and playing the piano. She was a member of several Bible study and prayer groups and, through the years, served as a musician for several churches in the Thomasville area. Theresa received her early education in the Thomas County, Georgia, Schools.  She was a 1961 graduate of Boggs Academy High School, Keysville (Burke County), Georgia.  An avid reader and lifelong learner, Theresa continued her education, graduating from Valdosta State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, a Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Thomas University, and a diploma in Bible from Bethany Bible Institute.

Theresa's life’s work included teaching in McDonough (Henry County), Georgia; Tallahassee (Leon County), Florida, School Lead Teacher, Resource Center, Thomasville, Georgia; Direct Support Staff Restcare-Normal Life, Thomasville, Ga.; and Custodian Jack Hadley Black History Museum, Thomasville, Georgia. Theresa transitioned to her heavenly home on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Andalusia Regional Hospital in Andalusia, Alabama.  She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelean Williams Lancaster; her father, Rev. Dr. Herman Jacob Lancaster, Sr.; her brother, Herman Jacob Lancaster, Jr.; and her grandparents. Theresa is survived by three siblings, Reverend Dr Jacquelyn L. (Reverend Willie J) Lancaster-Denson, Andalusia, Alabama, Frederick K. Lancaster, and Hermastine J. Lancaster, Brewton, Alabama.  Her stepmother, Minister Emma Q. Lancaster, Brewton, Alabama.  Cousins: Pamela Lancaster, Esq., of Rocky River, Ohio; Patrica Lancaster Butler, Naples, Florida; Dr. Robert (Bob) Yancy of Atlanta, Ga.; Clifford Morehead of Valdosta, and Cleveland Monroe of Diamond Bar, Ca. Special friends Mrs. Norma Joy Barnes (Atlanta, Ga.), Minister Miriam Brooks (Quitman, Ga.), Mrs. Pricilla Bullock (Henderson, North Carolina), Mr. James (Jack) Hadley, and Ms. Sabrina Walden (Thomasville, Ga.), numerous other relatives, and friends.