Obituary of Teresa Antoinette Leverett

Teresa A Leverett was born on December 5, 1940 in the city of St. Paul Minnesota to Albertine and Andrew Combs, who preceded her in death. She was the third youngest of four children Milton, Reginald, and Charles Combs. Reverend Milton Combs is the only surviving brother. Teresa was married to Robert Leverett for 61 years, and was blessed with three children: Denice, Maria, and Gordon (Umar Rashid). Robert was honorably discharged from the US Air Force in 1960 and immediately began higher educational goals at the University of Minnesota and Metropolitan state university, graduating with an AA and BA degree, respectively. Robert was a career government employee, worked with several agencies, and retired from the Veterans Administration as a Senior Programmer Analyst in 1986. Robert then accepted employment at Normandale Community College as a Student Advisor, entering full retirement in 2000. Teresa accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pilgrim Baptist Church where she remained a faithful servant for all her years. She attended St. Peter Claver Elementary School and Central High School. After high school graduation Teresa matriculated at Concordia College, St. Paul, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education, and later earned her master’s degree from the University of Minnesota with an emphasis in Special Education. Teresa loved music. While in her young teens she attended the St. Paul Conservatory of Music, learning to play the piano very well, and worked part-time at the downtown St. Paul YWCA. She loved traveling around the country visiting relations and friends camping out in her mobile camper. She also enjoyed going on Caribbean cruises during her vacations and stayed busy meeting with her many friends. Years later Teresa saw a need in her community. She met with others who shared her views and decided to apply to the National Jack & Jill Organization for a St. Paul, MN chapter. This was approved and she started the first city chapter as its first president and founder. The organization began working with parents and their children, positively impacting the lives of many. This was accomplished while suffering from the debilitating disease of multiple sclerosis. After her retirement in 2000 from the Minneapolis school system she continued to serve others by volunteering to tutor terminally ill children at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. Leaving there she continued by volunteering to work with Meals on Wheels delivering to the disabled and senior citizens. She soon lost the ability to move about and walk safely due to MS and ended her volunteer service. As the neuromuscular disease progressed to secondary progressive MS, she was confined to a wheelchair and home care, later being moved to a permanent nursing home care center. True to form, she remained positive, hopeful, and loving until being called home by God at the age of 80. Funeral Service 11:00 AM, Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Pilgrim Baptist Church, 732 Central Avenue W, St. Paul, MN 55104 Visitation one hour prior at the church. Interment to follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Teresa Antoinette Leverett, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.