Teresa Gail Morgan

Born on June 26, 1955, to William and Jerry Arrendell, Teresa was the eldest of two daughters. She graduated at the top of her class at both North Shore High School and at Baylor University with an MBA. She was the first in her family to attend college.

While at Baylor, Teresa met the man who would later become her husband and life partner. Doug proposed to Teresa on campus at the Moody Library, and they were married on June 5, 1976. They shared over 42 years of marriage.

Upon graduation, Teresa worked as a CPA in audit at Peat Marwick & Mitchell, and then went on to join Arthur Anderson in tax, where she worked for eight years. She would be considered a success story based on the metrics of this world.

However, she lived her life according to a higher calling: “But as for me, my contentment is not in wealth ... And when I awake in heaven, I will be fully satisfied ... (Psalm 17:15).

Her calling to be a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, cousin, Bible teacher and mentor quelled her professional ambition.

She struggled with infertility for six years before having her one and only child, Matthew. This was one of several trials that refined Teresa into the godly woman she was and enabled her to compassionately minister to women enduring similar trials.

She was an active member of Houston’s First Baptist Church for 32 years. There, she and Doug joyfully served together in high school ministry and later with the young married classes. Their deep affection for others touched innumerable lives during these years of service. Teresa was a passionate teacher of God’s Word. Her study is full of the many lessons she taught throughout the years. She also sat on the church finance committee for four years, using her professional experience to serve the church. She used the gifts God gave her purposefully and faithfully.

She wrote a prayer curriculum called God Answers Prayers that is still being used by families and in schools today. She hosted a weekly prayer group for the mothers in Matthew’s class, and then later led a women’s Bible study for mothers who had children suffering from alcoholism and addictions. She was masterful in using pain as a megaphone to declare the provision and goodness of God.

For more than 30 years, she discipled women in all stages of their lives, leading Bible studies, prayer and blessing nights, and walking alongside them as a friend and mentor.

Teresa was a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and supported many organizations and ministries including Family Legacy, As Our Own, Manna from Heaven and the Passion Conference. She was tireless in her efforts to advance the kingdom of God and point others to Jesus.

Teresa is preceded in death by her father, William Arrendell, and survived by her husband Doug, son Matthew, mother Jerry Arrendell, sister Gaytha Curtis, many loving cousins, dear friends and countless spiritual daughters.

In 63 years on this earth, Teresa accomplished more than most people would have in multiple lifetimes. Her godly legacy lives on in those she invested and mentored.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to HFBC Missions Ministry.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).