Laura Pearl Teasley Farwell, a devoted church member and beloved educator, passed away on Oct. 27 at her home in Los Angeles. She was 100 years old.
Laura was born on as born July 21, 1924 in Cheatham County, Tennessee and raised by her Aunt Lizzie Barton. Baptized at Colleen Missionary Baptist Church in Dickson County, Tennessee, Laura was the first in her family and county to graduate from the eighth grade.
Laura went onto Tennessee State University (TSU), where she majored in Business Education with a minor in Health and Physical Education. She graduated on a Sunday and began working Monday!
Two years later, she accepted a position as an elementary school teacher. While working she received a TSU master’s degree in education. Thereafter she accepted a teaching position in St. Louis, Missouri, where, in 1958, she met and married Richard “Jack” H. Farwell. Together they moved to Los Angeles where she gained employment at the Los Angeles Unified School District, retiring as an elementary school teacher in 1985.
Retirement opened the door to traveling. She visited Niagara Falls, the Adirondack Mountains, Japan, China, Korea, Germany, France, England, Egypt, Jerusalem (twice), and most of the islands in the Caribbean.
Laura devoted much of her community service involvement through the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She served in numerous roles, including Chapter President, National Trustee Chair, and Regional Director.
She was a charter member of the NAACP. As an alumnus of TSU, she was the Far West Regional Vice President. She was also a charter member of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., serving by way of the Inglewood Chapter as President, Area VI Director, National Parliamentarian, and Election Chair.
Laura became a member of Trinity Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Jonathan Caston and later, Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr. She served on the trustee board, she was a Sunday school teacher and was a member of the summer youth employment committee, the Dorcas Missionary Circle and several anniversary committees.
Laura’s parents, peer cousins, and husband Richard preceded her in death.
She acknowledges her cousins in Richmond, VA, who refer to her as their aunt. Her husband, Richard, left her nieces and nephews “a plenty” (in her words) far beyond what anyone could ask for in protection and affection.
According to her nephew, “Her earthly journey has ended. She is now in the presence of the Lord, worshipping and singing Holy, Holy, Holy, God Almighty!”
