Teressa Gilliam Laramie

Teressa Gilliam Laramie, 66, of Granite Falls, departed this life to her heavenly home on Friday, May 15, 2026, at UNC Healthcare in Morganton following a period of declining health.

Teressa was born on September 23, 1959, in Caldwell County to the late Ralph Gilliam and Mavis Propst Gilliam. Teressa dedicated her life to education, serving Caldwell County Public Schools as an Exceptional Children’s (EC) Teacher. Over her 30-year career, she taught at Whitnel Elementary, Gamewell Elementary, and retired from Hibriten High School. Teressa was also actively involved in the Rising Stars program and shared her passion for learning as a teacher at Pine Mountain Academy. Beyond her professional life, Teressa was a dedicated member of One Community Church and Christian Fellowship Chapel, where she found community and celebrated her love for the Lord.

Teressa will be remembered not only for her dedication as an educator, but also for the love and kindness she shared with everyone she met. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose heart was always open to others. Her students, family, and community were deeply touched by her compassion, encouragement, and gentle spirit. She had a special way of making people feel valued and cared for, and her love for children and teaching extended far beyond the classroom.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Dustin Dula; her sister, Patsy Odom; and her brothers, Ronnie and Mike Gilliam.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Robert Laramie of the home; her children, Shonna Dula and Keesha Dula Hice; her step-children, James Laramie, Jon-Paul Laramie, and Sara Laramie; her siblings, Keith Gilliam; her grandchildren, Ashlyn Smith, Zmiyah Hice, Maison Trivett, and Javarius Buie; her step-grandchildren, Linlada Laramie, RJ Bennett, Colt Laramie, and Logan Laramie; her nieces and nephews, Connie Odom and Donnie Odom; and great-nieces and nephews, Christina Johnston and Hunter Greene.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. at One Community Church in Hudson.

A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:00 P.M. Saturday at One Community Church, with Pastor Tommy Booth officiating.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations.

Mackie Funeral Service & Cremations of Granite Falls is serving the family.