Teresa Ann (Pritchett) Owens

Teresa was born Oct 11, 1960 in Albany, Georgia to the late Police Chief Laurie Pritchett and Betty Dulligan Pritchett of High Point.

Teresa lived a life rooted deeply in family and friendship. She had a warmth that drew people to her and kept a strict open-door policy: her home was always full of people, food, laughter, and love. She was intuitive, always seeming to know exactly what you needed, whether that was advice, comfort, or just a place to belong. She gave herself without hesitation. She was profoundly loyal, unconditionally supportive, caring, and warm. She could be stern when you needed it, but she was always pushing the people she loved to become their very best. She had a rare gift for making people feel that there was always a place for them at her kitchen counter and in her heart.

While her family was her universe, Teresa also leaves a proud legacy as an educator. She began at Appalachian State University at the age of 16 and had earned her Master’s degree in Special Education by the age of 21- she was passionate and strong-willed like that. Teresa dedicated 34 years to public education as a teacher and administrator for Lexington, High Point, and Guilford County Schools. Her impact was recognized with numerous honors, including Teacher of the Year and Educator of the Year.

Teresa was a champion and advocate for children with disabilities and special needs. In 2008 she joined The Stout School of Education at High Point University. As an instructor and faculty advisor, she mentored the next generation of educators by teaching her students to lead with their hearts.

Teresa’s proudest title was grandmother, known as “Ree” to her three grandsons, Harrison, Teddy, and Walter, who adored her completely. She is survived by her children, Rich Owens and Kristin Hain, along with Kristin’s husband, Rick Hain; her three brothers and their spouses, Larry and Margot Pritchett, Dan and Carolyn Pritchett, and Mike and Beth Pritchett, 7 nieces and nephews and their 14 children, students, colleagues, and chosen children. Her maternal love had no limits.

Teresa believed in celebrating life with joy and humor, a philosophy she shared through her legendary tradition of writing funny holiday rhymes. In honor of her giving heart and open doors, we close with a rhyme written in her memory:

She championed learning and gave opportunity to others,

Uniting friends, children, grandsons, and brothers.

A more loving person cannot be found-

When everyone gathers and laughter is loud!

She’d light up the room with a radiant grin-

At Ree's happy home, everyone is let in!

Teresa’s love, laughter, fierce loyalty, and extraordinary generosity will live on in the countless lives she touched. Her legacy is in the people she loved, mentored, encouraged, welcomed, and believed in.

A small memorial service for family and close friends will be held Wednesday, September 9th at 3p.m. at Sechrest-Davis Funerals and Cremations in High Point, NC. Following the service her family will receive friends and visitors at her home from 4:30-6:30pm.

A larger celebration of life for Teresa through High Point University will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Teresa’s family invites you to honor her memory by supporting and learning about organizations and causes that reflect the values she lived every day— ASPIRE, The Arc of High Point, or the Yes I Can! Award. Donations may be made in Teresa’s honor to Blood Cancer United to advance AMML research.

The family is under the care of Sechrest-Davis Funerals and Cremations of High Point. Online condolences: www.sechrestdavisphillipsavenue.com –select obituaries.