March 1, 2026, 62, Goldsboro – First Lady Teresa Lewis was born on May 5, 1963, in Wayne County, North Carolina, to the late Willie Lee King (Mamie Gertrude Kornegay) and the late Wilbert Astair Faison. On March 1, 2026, she peacefully transitioned from labor to reward, leaving behind a legacy of faith, education, love, and service.
Teresa was a woman of excellence and determination. She started her career at Americal building in the stocking company. She later pursued a higher education and earned her Master’s Degree in Education, demonstrating her deep commitment to learning and the development of young minds. She faithfully served as an educator at Wages Head Start and later at North Drive Elementary School, where she touched countless lives through her wisdom, patience, and nurturing spirit. Her classroom was more than a place of learning—it was a place of encouragement, structure, and love.
Her spiritual journey began at Burning Bush United Holy Church in Faison, North Carolina. She later continued her fellowship at Pleasant Plain United Holy Church and Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. In time, she was called to serve faithfully alongside her husband at Atkinson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where she became the devoted and respected First Lady. She carried the mantle of leadership with grace, strength, humility, unwavering faith, supporting ministry, and uplifting the church family with wisdom and love.
She was united in holy matrimony to Pastor Tracy Lewis on December 3, 1988. Her devoted husband and partner in ministry built a life rooted in faith and family. She was also a proud and loving mother to Tray (Felicia) Lewis and Travontae “TaeDae” Lewis.
She was preceded in death by her father, Wilbert (Bobby) Astair Faison, and mother WillieLee King, and in-laws Elder Edward Lewis Sr, Mother Laura Lewis, Brother In Law Edward Lewis Jr.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories to her devoted husband, Pastor Tracy Lewis; her sons, Tray (Felicia) Lewis and Travontae “TaeDae” Lewis, her siblings, Cassandra King (Dwayne) Smith, Anthony Davis, Robert Faison, Trina Faison, Eric Faison, Crystal Faison, Corey Joyner, Cheryl Kornegay, Vonshell Kornegay, and Roosevelt Kornegay Jr. (Jay Bug) Sandy Knox, Linda Willis, Eluse King, Val Vann, Gwendolyn (Maurice) Artis, Freddy King, ; her sister in law Myra (Alando) Mitchell, her brother in law Pastor Danny Lewis, her Godchildren; Bricen Cobb, Jamin (Monique) Croom, Little Prince, Pastor J Rashad Cobb, Emmanuel Murray, Tatayanna Dail, Donecia Michael, Mya, and Maurice McIntyre, Brianna, Semira, and Alizah Mitchell, Along with a host of extended family members, church family, colleagues, students, her beloved dog Bella Lewis, and friends who were blessed to know her.
First Lady Teresa Lewis lived a life marked by service, faith, dignity, and impact. Though she has entered into eternal rest, her legacy continues through the lives she shaped, the ministry she strengthened, and the family she loved so dearly.
Celebration of life will be held Monday, March 9, 2026, at 12 Noon at Bear Creek Missionary Baptist Association Headquarters, Goldsboro, NC with Pastor Chester McClarin officiating and Bishop W. C. Hutchins as the eulogist. Lady Lewis will lie in state from 11 to 11:45 prior to the service. Entombment will follow immediately after the service at Wayne Memorial Park, Dudley, NC. Public viewing will take place Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Atkinson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church from 2 PM to 6 PM, with the family present to receive friends from 4 PM to 6 PM.
“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
