Written by Terisa Ward • February 2011
Terisa Ann (Vandivort) Ward was born May 25, 1968, to Bill and Sharrion (Reed) Vandivort in Houston, Mo. She was raised on the family farm west of Houston with four brothers: Gordon, Larry, Terry, and Kirby. She had lots of fun growing up and, looking back on her life, appreciated how she was raised. Terisa was saved and baptized at a young age and attended Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Texas County. She went to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sept. 22, 2018. She was 50 years, 3 months and 28 days old.
Terisa attended Houston Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Some of her favorite teachers were Mrs. Stockstill, kindergarten; Mrs. Scaggs, 1st grade; Mrs. Williams, 4th grade; Mrs. D. Casebeer, 6th grade; Mrs. Woods, High School English; Mr. Brown, High School Science. These were all great teachers who left the impression on her that they really cared for her as a person. She graduated from Houston High School in May 1986.
Terisa attended college at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. She graduated in the spring of 1991 with a bachelor of science in elementary education and a minor in early childhood development. She taught 1st grade from 1991-1992 in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; 1st-3rd grades from 1992-1993 at Mtn. Grove Christian Academy in Mtn. Grove, Mo., and was the director/teacher of the preschool from 1993-1994 at Success School in Success, Mo. She began teaching kindergarten at the Houston School District in Houston, Mo., from 1994-1996, 2nd grade from 1996-2010 and reading recovery starting in 2010.
She received her master’s in education in May 1999 from Southwest Baptist University; reading certification in May 2011 to teach reading recovery; and was a member of the National Education Association. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Christian-based organization for women educators.
Terisa was married to Joe Ward on July 26, 1987. They had five children: Maygen Elizabeth, Skyler Bradlee, Tayler Reed, an unborn infant son, and Parker Joel.
She was preceded in death by an unborn infant son in October 2000; grandparents, Elmer Reed, Melvin Dobson, Inda Reed Dobson, Homer and Florence Vandivort; uncles and aunts, Philip and Dora Fry, Rae Vandivort, Gerald and Edith Headley Ballard, Estella Hanna, Dallas Reed and Steve Murr; and in-laws, Kenny and Edith Ward, Pauline Ward, Olus Pinkston and Kris Ward.
She loved teaching, with one memory from her very first day of teaching kindergarten when a little boy emptied a bottle of glue on his desk. He smeared it all over his desk and was so proud that his desk was white instead of brown. He had never had glue before!
She loved reading recovery, which is a wonderful program that helps children succeed. As the teacher, she got to see amazing progress that allowed for success. What a blessing!
Terisa enjoyed watching young minds light up with the discovery of new ideas and learning experiences. She enjoyed the fellowship with her 2nd grade co-workers: Bill Coulter, Julie Allen and Carla Walker, who came along and helped her get through cancer surgery and treatments. They were the light at the end of the tunnel and showed they cared in so many ways. Many days were spent talking about school, family and dreams to help forge long friendships, and they all had the wish that their children would reach their potential.
She enjoyed camping, reading and creating the perfect bulletin board.
“I worked with many people whom I admire and respect, not only as great teachers but great friends. To name a few: Mrs. Toenies, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Rouse, Mr. Coulter, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Fraser-Giddens, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Pettigrew, Mrs. Jones and Mr. Eden. Mrs. Eden, Mrs. Williamson and Mrs. Leichty trained me to be the teacher I am and were patient and kind with all my mistakes. All of you have made the world a better place because of your love and commitment to children. We have been blessed that God sent these people to help educate our children.”
“My Greatest Hope: To be remembered as an honest, kind, Christian woman who tried to do what God had given as my mission on earth: To teach with integrity and have love for all children; that my family would know my deep love for each one of them; And that my children would know they were my great blessing. I want my children to be good Christian people who will help make the world a better place.”
NOTE FROM FAMILY:
The preceding was written by Terisa in 2011.
Continuing from the time this was written, Terisa was in other organizations and committees, including: Citizens for Education, Professional Development Committee, CSIP Committee, Mentor and Buddy teacher, Lead teacher for Student Teaching, an elementary liaison for Bright Futures, and others.
There have been many other people with whom she has become close to in the past seven years. We would like to mention the people we know, but feel that it would not necessarily represent what she would have written herself. So, in keeping with her wishes, we would just like to say “Thank You” to everyone who impacted her. We know that she has touched many through her words and actions. She was a beautiful person inside and out and is now sitting at the feet of Jesus.
A private service will be held Wednesday at Evans Funeral Home with burial in Union Cemetery with the Rev. Randle Scheets officiating. Pallbearers are Gordon Vandivort, Terry Vandivort, Larry Vandivort, Kirby Vandivort, Skyler Ward, Tayler Ward and Parker Ward. Honorary pallbearers are Maygen Ward, Duane Duke and Janice Duke. A Celebration of Life is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at Houston High School’s Hiett Gymnasium with Dr. Allen Moss, Skyler Ward, Jeff McNiell and the Rev. Randle Scheets speaking. Services were under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
The family respectfully suggests that donations be made to the Terisa Ward Memorial Education Fund, c/o The Bank of Houston or The Gideons, in lieu of flowers. To express online condolences, go to www.evansfh.com.
PAID
