Theresa M. Byers (nee Thompson), 97, of Sicklerville, NJ, passed away on November 10, 2021.

Mrs. Byers was born in Spotsylvania County, Virginia on October 2, 1924.  In1942, she graduated from Snell High School in Snell, VA.  She was offered a drama scholarship from Union University in Richmond, VA, however, she fell in love and married, Jesse N. Byers in October of 1942.  The Lord called her into missions while she was attending Beulah Baptist Church in Arcadia, VA.  In 1954 Theresa and her family moved to Philadelphia, PA, there she knew she needed to prepare herself for her calling in the ministry.  In 1959 Theresa graduated from Philadelphia College of Bible.  After graduating, Theresa co-founded Life & Light Missions.  Life & Light Missions did travel evangelism work from 1959-1971.  They did ministry mostly in the Chesapeake VA region, where Life & Light Missions ran a Missions House.  In 1968, Theresa began her Christion School teaching career.  She taught kindergarten in Philadelphia, PA until she moved to New Jersey.  There, she began teaching kindergarten at Victory Christian School in Williamstown, and did so for 15 years.  After retiring, she was often invited to speak at many Christian services until her late eighties.  She remains a fervent witness for the Lord.

Beloved wife of the late Jesse N. Byers.  Devoted mother of the late Jesse N. Byers, Jr. (Ethel, former wife Sarah), the late Howard L. Byers (Cherryann, former wife Laura), Barbara M. Ethengain (the late John), the late Jerry M. Byers (the late Carol), and David L. Byers (Lyudmyia "Larissa"). Loving grandmother of Don, Machelle, Jesse, III, Crystal, Christopher, Brandon, Jeanine, Olin, Iola, Starlene, the late Michelle, Debra, the late Kim, Anita, Henry, Loretta, Vangela, Howard, Jr., Howard, III, Tammy, Stacey, Nicole, Troy, Terri Theresa, Lavern, Jerry, Alex, Sonia, Victoria, Beatrice, Anton, Antoinette, McNeil, Angela, Ivan, and Theresa M. Byers.  Theresa is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Friday, November 19 ^th from 10:00 – 11:00 am at Open Bible Baptist Church, 1073 New Brooklyn Road, Williamstown, where a service will be held at 11:00 am.  A graveside service will be held at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery, Woodford, VA at a later date.

** The family is requesting that everyone attending please wear a face mask to help protect our family and friends.  Please pay your respects from a distance to limit contact.  Thank you for your understanding.  **