Her Story
About Teresa
I have had the privilege of serving at a respected funeral home for over 12 years—an experience that has become both professionally fulfilling and personally meaningful. Although I am not a member of the founding family, I am often mistaken for one, a reflection of the deep connection, longevity, and commitment I have developed within the organization.
Founded in 1988, the funeral home has built a strong legacy of excellence in serving families with compassion, dignity, and care. I am honored to contribute to that mission each day.
In my role as an Account and Finance Specialist, I work closely with families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. I help secure financial arrangements for funeral services, ensuring that logistical and financial burdens are handled with sensitivity and efficiency. My goal is always to ease their load—allowing them the space to grieve and focus on honoring their loved one.
In addition, I serve as the Employee Benefits Manager, where I coordinate with insurance providers to manage and administer annual benefits for our staff. This role allows me to support not only the families we serve, but also the team that makes our work possible.
I am also actively involved in pre-need planning, guiding individuals and families through the process of making thoughtful arrangements in advance. Whether assisting with pre-need or at-need services, I approach every interaction with compassion, professionalism, and a deep sense of purpose.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Teresa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to faith, consistency, and a genuine commitment to serving others. I believe that when you lead with compassion and purpose, success becomes a byproduct of the lives you impact. My work has always been rooted in taking care of people—especially during their most vulnerable moments—and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
I also credit my success to discipline and longevity. Staying committed for over a decade in one place, continuing to grow, and showing up with excellence every day has built trust, relationships, and credibility that can’t be rushed.
Equally important is my heart for giving. Whether in my professional role or in my personal life, I’ve always believed that what you give will come back in ways you may not expect. I don’t focus on recognition—I focus on making a difference.
And above all, I trust God to order my steps. I believe I am exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing the work I’ve been called to do. That alignment between faith, service, and purpose is what has truly defined my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to serve people, not just perform a job. Titles and responsibilities will change, but how you make people feel will always be remembered. That advice has guided me to lead with compassion, especially in moments when people need it most.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be to understand that this is more than a job—it’s a calling. If you enter this field with a genuine heart to serve, you’ll find purpose in even the hardest moments. Stay grounded in your faith, and let that guide how you show up for others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
At the end of the day, the biggest opportunity is this: to turn one of life’s hardest moments into an experience where families feel supported, cared for, and not alone.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
A Life Rooted in Giving
For Teresa Howell, service does not end when the workday is over—it is a way of life.
Self-described as a giver at heart, Howell has long embraced the discipline of pouring into others, even when receiving does not come as naturally. “Giving is who I am,” she shares. “It’s how I show love, how I show up—for my family, for my community, and for those who need it most.”
That same philosophy shapes her work with families. In moments of deep loss, she intentionally absorbs the weight of logistical and financial burdens, allowing those she serves the space to grieve without added stress. It is a quiet, intentional act of compassion—one that reflects both emotional strength and spiritual conviction.
Beyond her professional role at Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home, Howell’s commitment to giving extends deeply into her personal life.
Her passion for serving the unhoused has become a family mission. Using their own resources, she and her family gather essential items and personally distribute them to those experiencing homelessness—meeting immediate needs while offering dignity and human connection.
Equally meaningful is a cherished family tradition during the holiday season. Each year, especially on Christmas Day, Howell and her family visit seniors who may otherwise spend the holiday alone. What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into an anticipated annual outreach—one that brings joy not only to those receiving, but to the generations within her own family who participate.
“We involve the children,” she explains. “They help prepare the bags, and they’re right there with us when we give them out. It’s important they understand what it means to serve others.”
In a powerful personal milestone, Howell turned her 50th birthday into a movement of generosity—challenging herself to give away 50 dresses to 50 women. What started as an individual act quickly gained momentum, even drawing the support of a local department store that recognized the purpose behind her mission and joined in to help expand the effort.
Moments like these reveal a deeper truth about Howell’s leadership: her influence is not defined by title, but by impact. She leads with her hands open—consistently giving, consistently serving, and consistently reminding others that generosity is not measured by abundance, but by intention.
Faith Reflection
For Howell, giving is more than generosity—it is obedience. A reflection of her faith and her belief that we are called to serve one another with compassion and humility.
“Freely you have received; freely give.” — Matthew 10:8
In every act of kindness, whether seen or unseen, she walks in that calling—trusting that what she pours into others is never lost, but multiplied in purpose.
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