Teresa Michelle Pickett Wade was born on January 21, 1972, to the late Pearlene Bridges and Willie Pickett. She peacefully departed this life on March 26, 2026, at her home in Clinton, Maryland, entering into the presence of the Lord.

Teresa received her education in the Prince George’s County Public School System, graduating from DuVal Senior High School before attending the University of Maryland, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. She was also a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. While at DuVal, Teresa participated in the At Work Program, where she demonstrated exceptional dedication and talent, which led to the start of her career in the Federal Government. She continued to excel professionally, steadily advancing to higher ranks within the General Schedule (GS) system.

Throughout her career, Teresa remained deeply committed to service and advocacy. She was actively involved in organizations such as Blacks In Government and Federally Employed Women, working to promote leadership, equity, and opportunity within the federal workforce. Teresa was widely respected as a leader whose dedication to excellence and empowerment inspired all who knew her.

From an early age, Teresa’s life was rooted in her love for the Lord. At 12 years old, she gave her life to Christ, and her faith remained the foundation of her life. She later became a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden, where she completed the Queen Esther Ministry and Divine Discipleship for Sisters (DDS). Teresa continued her spiritual journey at Judah Restoration Outreach Ministries, where she was ordained as a Minister. Her faith, compassion, and commitment to uplifting others guided her ministry and inspired all who encountered her.

Teresa was a woman of vision, creativity, and purpose. She founded the nonprofit Alice & Pearl House and authored the inspiring book “Pressure Produces Purpose.” Known for her elegance and eye for design, she created beautiful event décor and brought joy to many through her creativity.

She met and married the love of her life, Mark Wade, and together they shared a beautiful bond filled with love, laughter, and adventure. They especially enjoyed attending Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders games, where Teresa proudly cheered for the Cowboys and Mark supported the Commanders.

Most of all, Teresa cherished her family. She had a special love for her nieces, nephews, godchildren, and grandchildren, whom she adored and poured her heart into.

Teresa is lovingly survived by her husband, Mark Wade; her bonus son, Mark Wade Jr. (Brittney); and grandchildren, Hendrix and Skylar. She is also survived by her siblings, Charles, Jerome (Gussie), Saphonia (Angel), Willie (LaVerne), Wyethist, Garrett t, and Ashlyn; her father, Willie Pickett;

She is further survived by a host of beloved nieces and nephews, including Jerome, Tyrone, Jerlita, Kiara, Tavon, SaQuan, Saphonia, Denisha, DaMonte, Dennasia, Ronald, James, Ashlei, Nina, Nia, Evan, Joshua, Malik, Asia, Reggie, and Nathan, along with many other relatives and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory. Teresa was also a loving godmother to Neriah and Dyson.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Pearlene Bridges; her brother, Kerry Bridges; her nephew Charles White (“Pookey”)who she loved as a son; and her nephew Charles Noble.

Teresa lived a life rooted in faith, love, and purpose. Her legacy of strength, compassion, and unwavering faith will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.