Mrs. Theresa R. Street

The Legacy of
Theresa Ramona Street

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies…Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31: 10, 28-30

Theresa R. Street (Hale) was a virtuous woman who revered the Lord. Her children arise and call her blessed and her husband praises her indeed.

Before the foundation of the world, God had already put into motion that Theresa would become the ninth of ten children born to Ethel and Frank Hale on May 10, 1938 in Jenkinjones, West Virginia. He knew that she would possess an intellect that would marry a strong work ethic to produce a number two ranking in her graduating class at Gary District High School in Gary, West Virginia.

Like any eagle meant to soar, the day after she graduates from high school, she took flight on a leap of faith into her destiny when she headed to Newark, New Jersey. She thought she was merely fleeing the confines of the home of her humble beginnings. She had no idea that God had purposed so much more for her life. It was in Newark that she would meet a handsome, grey-eyed crooner with a sultry voice, who would persist in outlasting all other suitors. Two shy, unassuming young people made for many nights of “corny courting.” He knew that she was the one God had designed, just for him. So, on September 9, 1961, they embarked on a 59 year journey.

The first of their children to join them on their expedition would be the one who God had sent to be the apple of her father’s eye and the best friend of her mother, Tanya D. Street. She brought them much joy, and they loved her dearly. Nevertheless, Tanya was lonely. So after years of longing for a sibling, God would expand the family’s territory with the blessing of a son, Ramont A. Street. He became the prince who all would love and in whom all would sow. The family was finally complete…so they thought. God had other plans. The family’s capacity to love expanded yet again. The four would become five when yet another daughter, Tei Y. Street, joined the fold.

Theresa and Al thought that they had everything they needed to be happy. In 1974, they would learn that they didn’t even know what happiness was. That was the year that both made their reservations for their final destinations. In that year, both would say “I Do,” to enter into covenant with Jesus Christ as they accepted the blessing salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit that would accompany it. Their decision for Christ would lay the foundation for generations to come to be in covenant with the King.

Life was never a crystal staircase for Theresa, but she found ways to make even the wood of her life shine. She placed everything in God’s hands. She trusted Him with every facet of her life and with every facet of the lives of her family. She was the epitome of a Matthew 25 Christian. Her love language was that of service. She fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, was a friend to strangers, clothed the naked, visited the sick and went to see people in prison. The prayer list kept by her bed was the gateway to salvation for many as she prayed without ceasing whenever she said she would. She was an intercessor whose praying in the spirit foiled the enemy’s plan for many of us. She was a serving ninja. Representing what God’s love looked like in the flesh, she moved in silence as she served many. She never sought attention, accolades or fanfare for her good works. Humility was her calling card.

While some chose condemnation as their bait, Theresa chose to love people without judgment. When she saw people drowning in sin, she never tossed them the anchor of a wicked tongue. Instead, she threw them the life jacket of love. She believed the word of God that read, “with loving kindness have I drawn you.” That love paved the path of many to salvation.

Because Theresa was shy and a true introvert; she was often misinterpreted as “standoffish.” She walked humbly and meekly, yet when she walked in a room, she personified grace and style. She exuded class, elegance, and excellence in everything that she did. She believed that mediocrity was a luxury that she simply couldn’t afford.

Theresa’s love for Christ was paramount in her life as well as her love for her family and friends. When she loved you, you knew it without a doubt. And when she didn’t care for you, you knew that too. She loved her children dearly and sowed into them seeds of love, a strong work ethic, a spirit of excellence, honesty and most importantly, a knowledge of Jesus Christ. As much as she loved her children, it was her grandchildren for whom her heart skipped a beat. As each entered her life, her heart seemed to grow larger and larger with an endless capacity to love them. Her grandchildren certainly knew a different lady than her children knew. For them, there were no rules.

Many of her friends beat her to the pearly gates; however, she was blessed to enjoy the love, comfort, support and companionship of her sister, Marion, who was also a loving, loyal friend with her until the end. Theresa always had a small circle of friends who had a big impact on her life.

Theresa Ramona Street was an ordinary woman, who submitted all she had unto God, who in exchange gave her a life that made an extraordinary difference in the world. Those who loved her take comfort in the knowledge that she indeed heard God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Take your rest, my daughter.”

Those waiting to greet her in Heaven include both parents, Ethel & Frank Hale; sisters, Orevia Hale, Juanita Wakefield and Luvenia Smyre; brothers Foye, Donald and Henry Hale.

Those remaining to uplift and carry forward her rich legacy are her: loving husband, Alvin Alexander Street; daughters, Tanya D. Street and Tei Y. Street; son, Ramont A. (Nicol) Street; sister, Marion Scales; brothers, Herbert and Roger Hale; grandchildren, Kenneth White, II, Christian Tolber, Jonathan Tolber, Alexandria Street, Natajia Street, Christopher Street, Ramont Street, Jr. Nicolas, Nyree, Ramani, Ross and Ajani Street; bonus daughters, Alicia Sullivan and Tammy Johnson; bonus sons, Albert “Skip” Wakefield, Jr. and Alan Tyson.

Visitation 10:00 AM and Private Family Funeral Service 11:00 AM Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Gospel Lighthouse Church, 600 Frebis Ave. Mask and Social Distancing are required. Interment at Evergreen Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in the name of Theresa R. Street to American Cancer Society, Alzhiemers Association and/or I Know I Can.

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