Teresa Faye Mattox , 78, passed away on December 2, 2025, after courageously living with Alzheimer's disease since 2016. Born on January 26, 1947, to Dana and Christine Mattox , Teresa grew up with a sharp mind, a deep curiosity, and a faith that guided her throughout her life.

Teresa excelled academically, earning her bachelor's degree from Duke University and a master's degree from the University of South Carolina . During her college years, she even ventured into spelunking—an early sign of the adventurous spirit that would stay with her. She devoted her professional life to teaching in the public schools of South Carolina and North Carolina, where she became known as a gifted educator: patient, insightful, and deeply committed to the children she taught.

In 1974, Teresa married Tracy Culp , and together they built a life in Gold Hill, North Carolina , where Teresa continued to live until 2008. Their years together were filled with shared projects and simple joys—raising goats, gardening, camping, traveling, enjoying Friday nights at fish camp, and spending time at their place on the river at High Rock Lake. Teresa loved the outdoors, whether she was walking several miles a day, tending her garden, or hiking in the Appalachian Mountains with her father. She and Tracy also helped build the deck and pave the driveway at the mountain cabin her father constructed in the 1980s, a place filled with family memories.

Teresa was outspoken in the best possible way—honest, wise, and unafraid to say the hard things when they needed to be said. She had a gift for giving advice, not by lecturing, but by asking thoughtful questions and talking things through. One of her husband's grandsons shared how much he valued the conversations he had with her growing up—about family, life, faith, and the challenges of becoming an adult. Teresa listened deeply, encouraged education, offered words of wisdom, and helped bridge gaps between younger and older generations. One Christmas, she even gave "coupons" for tea or dinner together—an open invitation to talk, reflect, and grow.

Her Christian faith was central to her life. Teresa was always eager to witness to others, to point them to Scripture, and to encourage them to seek God's guidance. She supported her church faithfully through tithes and was generous to charities such as Habitat for Humanity. She cherished the fellowship of her church friends, enjoying time with them not only during services but throughout the week.

Teresa loved babies and children, adored her dogs, and treasured time spent with her parents and siblings. Though she never had children of her own, she poured her love into her nephew, nieces, and the many young people whose lives she touched. She enjoyed traveling with her family and with Tracy, creating memories that her loved ones will carry forward.

Teresa was preceded in death by her husband, Tracy Culp, by her parents, Dana and Christine Mattox , her brother Burt Mattox , and her sister Wendy Mattox . She is survived by her brothers, Wayne Mattox and Barry Mattox , along with members of the extended Mattox and Culp families, and many friends whose lives were brightened by her kindness, strength, and faith.

Those who knew Teresa will remember her as a woman of conviction, compassion, and courage—rooted in Scripture, devoted to her family, and always ready to listen, encourage, and walk alongside others. Her legacy of faith, wisdom, and love will continue to bless all who were fortunate enough to know her.