Theresa Ann Abrams Ross
Theresa Ann Abrams entered the world in Reform, Alabama which is located in north-central Pickens County in western Alabama, 30 miles from Tuscaloosa, Alabama on July 16, 1944 to John Theron Abrams and Alma Rebecca Jacobs Abrams. She was their first child and was a healthy, happy baby.
The family moved to Tuscaloosa and four years later, Theresa was joined by her baby brother, John Thomas Abrams whom she affectionally called "Johnny". She loved Johnny and years later even though her memory was failing, she always remembered Johnny and was even talking about how tiny he was when he was brought home.
She grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, graduated from Tuscaloosa High School where she won high academic honors as a Member of the National Honor Society and a National Merit Scholarship winner.
She received her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Alabama, majoring in Spanish and Latin American Studies. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Mortar Board (which is University of Alabama's Women's Academic Achievement Award), and was in Who's Who in America.
Theresa did her student teaching in Mexico and decided to return to school to get further education. She went to The University of Texas and received her Master of Arts Degree in Education and Master of Arts Degree in Library Science. She was invited to teach at the American School in Mexico City where she was a teacher of the children of Diplomats.
She was extremely fond and proud of her time there helping the children assimilate the language and culture. Theresa grew very close to her students and was in touch with them for many years.
After five years at the American School in Mexico City, Theresa returned to Tuscaloosa to teach. She met and married Richard Wayne Ross July 21,1973 in Alabama. She continued to teach and serve in Administrative School positions in Tuscaloosa and Uniontown, Alabama.
Rick wanted to become a Blacksmith, so they moved to Ingram, Texas. And Theresa taught adult classes at Kerrville Independent School District in Kerrville where she was the Librarian. She was also an active member and supporter of the Public Library.
Theresa frequently stated her goal in life was to "learn everything she could so she could teach others and encourage children and adults to 'keep learning.'"
Theresa was known by her friends as fun-loving, adventuresome, doing crafts, loving and caring, and generous with her time and money. Her great loves were her brother, John, and her cats.
A special thanks to Embrace Hospice, especially Jessica, John, and Dolores and Arbor View who loved on her and made sure she was always comfortable: Tiffany, Jessica, Kathy (the Nurse), Lisa, April, and Casey (her favorite who set up the Library and brought homemade bread).