MILDRED T. CALDWELL

Beautiful, sweet, kind, fashionista, entrepreneur, energetic, funny, encourager, resilient, incredible, woman of faith …
These are just a few words that come to mind when we think about our loving mother, Reverend Mildred Theresa Caldwell, born May 4, 1929, to John and Emily Merritt. Rev. Theresa, the youngest of seven siblings, James, Willie, John, Doris, Ethel and Sue were born and raised in Petersburg (Blandford Ward), VA.
She completed her early education in the Petersburg School System, graduating from Peabody High School, Class of 1946. On an evening out with friends, she met one handsome young man, a soldier, playing the bass fiddle with his band. To have her tell this story, she knew he was the one for her. On February 28, 1948, Rev. Theresa married the love of her life, Dr. Worsham N. Caldwell, to this union of 63 years, they were blessed with six children.
Rev. Theresa continued her education receiving her BA in Sociology and MA in Education from Virginia State College (University). She retired from the Petersburg School System after 30 years of dedicated service. Everyone who wanted to graduate during her tenure had to pass her Government and History class. She was fondly loved by her students who made learning a true joy. After her retirement, Rev. Theresa decided to venture into one of her many passions, fashion and style. In 1989, she received her cosmetology license and opened Impressions by Theresa Hair Salon.
Rev. Theresa loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all of her heart. It was no surprise when she accepted the calling into the ministry and was ordained in 1993, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Luther M. Hill. Since this time, she has actively served as one of the associate ministers at Greater Faith A.M.E. Zion Church. Additionally, she served in the VSU Campus Ministry, Prison Ministry, the Home Missions Board of Petersburg, VA, and Sunday School teacher. Rev. Theresa was the founder and president of the Women of Greater Vision Church Auxiliary, which focused on scholarship and educational advancement.
Rev. Theresa was a member of the Petersburg Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and the Wives of Beaux-Twenty, where she was actively involved in sponsoring the annual Debutante Cotillion for many years.
Reverend Theresa was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Worsham Norris Caldwell; son, Worsham Norris Caldwell Jr.; daughter, Emily Lynne; her brothers, Willie Merritt, James Merritt; and sisters, Doris Washington and Ethel Williams.
To cherish her memory, Rev. Theresa is survived by her three loving sons, Bradford Merritt Caldwell (Cheryl) of Manassas, VA, Mark Austin Caldwell (Cynthia) of South Chesterfield, VA, and John Stewart Caldwell (Robin), of Chester, VA; devoted daughter, Debra Sue Caldwell Morgan of South Chesterfield, VA; loving daughter-in-law, Leslie Jefferson Caldwell of St. Louis, MO and son-in-law, Jerome D. Morgan of Hyattsville, MD; her dearest sister, Sue T. Richardson of Petersburg, VA; brother, John Merritt of New York, NY; grandchildren, Jerome Norris Morgan (Tenika) of Atlanta, GA, Worsham "CJ" Norris Caldwell III (Jessica) of St. Louis, MO, Teresa Lynne Morgan of Hyattsville, MD; Dr. Whitney Neal Caldwell of Washington, DC, Bradford Merritt Caldwell II of Manassas, VA, Brian Wyatt Caldwell Esq. of Manassas, VA, Brittany Christina Caldwell of Alexandria, VA, Addison Emille Caldwell of Chester, VA; one great-granddaughter, Sydney Lynne Morgan; special friends, Stella Johnson and Francis Lucus; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends, too numerous to name throughout the United States.
Services for The Rev. Mildred Theresa Caldwell will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at Greater Faith A.M.E. Zion Church, 1301 Youngs Road, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Audrey Jones, pastor. Interment to follow at Bermuda Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, June 22, 2015, at the church.
Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Rev. Caldwell at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.