Shirley Wells Teaster

Shirley Wells Teaster, 91, of Spartanburg, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday evening, August 16, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 4, 1931, in Pacolet Mills, SC, a daughter to the late Eddie and Hassie Harrold Wells. Shirley was married for 44 years to the late Perry Harmon “Bud” Teaster.

An active member of Ben Avon United Methodist Church, Shirley played the organ for church services for 50 years and was a Sunday School Teacher. She was very active with the United Methodist Women, holding statewide office for a number of years. She took very seriously her covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by her prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

Shirley was a graduate of Pacolet High School and Columbia College. She had a long career as a teacher beginning at Woodruff High School. She spent most of her career teaching visually impaired students at The SC School for the Deaf and Blind. She was the first consultant to public school teachers in South Carolina who had visually impaired students in their classrooms. She also served as an early interventionist for multi-handicapped infants.

Surviving are her three children, Terri Teaster Dees (Bill) of Spartanburg, Tim Teaster (Mary Winter) of Columbia, and Steve Teaster (Cindy) of Spartanburg. She was “Gaga” to 6 adoring grandchildren- Zachary Dees (Sarah), Clark Teaster Dawson (Nathan), Sarah Kate Abee (Daniel), Steven Teaster (Abbie), Ellie Teaster, and Matt Teaster, and 8 great-grandchildren. Shirley was beloved by many extended family members, including 7 very special nieces.

Shirley always said she was the most blessed woman in the world to have a family like ours, but we are the blessed ones. From her we get our collective love of books, birds, golf, the beach, chocolate, holiday gatherings, family, and Jesus. Her example of how life should be lived with joy, hope, grace, faith, and love has left us with a strong foundation that will bless our family for generations.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral service will be held 3 p.m. Monday, August 21, 2023, at Ben Avon United Methodist Church, 2360 Avondale Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29302, conducted by Mr. Ed Enlow, the Rev. Mike Henderson and the Rev. Jonesy Brewer. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bud Teaster Scholarship Fund, c/o Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 E. Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or to Ben Avon United Methodist Church, 2360 Avondale Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel