Teresa Barnett

Teresa Earline Barnett, the daughter of longtime Austin East High School math teacher, Earl Barnett and Knoxville College and Pellissippi State Librarian, Copplen Laster Barnett, was born June 25, 1958 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Teresa attended Nelson Merry Elementary School in Jefferson City, Tennessee and Fair Garden Elementary in Knoxville. A very bright and articulate child, Teresa excelled academically. She was recognized for her achievement at Austin East. In her sophomore year, she received a scholarship to attend Webb High School, a private college preparatory academy. She  graduated from Webb in 1975.

Teresa was also an athlete who loved competing with her brothers and cousins. This helped her to become a standout on her junior and high school basketball teams.

Upon graduation from Webb, Teresa attended Emory and Henry University in Virginia where she played on the college basketball team and graduated with honors with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and minors in religion and criminal justice.

Teresa went on to further her education at Texas Southern University and the University of Tennessee where she earned Masters Degrees in Psychology.

Teresa had a long and highly recognized career in law enforcement with Texas youth correctional institutions. She was the Superintendent of Dallas County Youth Village which was part of the Juvenile Probation Department of Dallas, Texas. She was Vice President of the Dallas Resource and Advisory Board. She also held numerous certifications in social work and juvenile justice.

Teresa was known for her love of sports and adventure. She traveled widely throughout the country and internationally. Her mother was often her traveling companion. Teresa supported many young family members and her friends in their educational and academic endeavors. 

Being a high school and college basketball player lead Teresa to play for as long as she could and to become a lifelong fan of women's college and professional basketball. After she could no longer play basketball, Teresa became a skilled motorcyclist. She traveled throughout the country as a member of "Riding for the Son" Christian Motorcyclists Association.

Teresa's father, Earl Barnett, and her brothers: Attorney Theodore Barnett and Anthony Barnett preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her death and cherish her memory are her mother, Copplen Laster Barnett, aunts: Sylvia Johnson, Julia Taliaferro, Sandra Safford, niece: Lazuara Stone, great niece: Zaria Harris, great nephews: Adrian Stone-Caldwell, Tyren Harris, a host of: cousins, family, friends and her beloved pet, Anna.

Service details will be announced at a later date.