Staff Writer

The mood around Upson-Lee High School was somber as the news of Teresa Daniel's passing spread.

The 41-year-old wife of local businessman Brent Daniel and mother of twin boys died Tuesday morning, September 4, of an aneurism.

She worked with high schools in Pike, Lamar and Upson counties through the Regional Education Service Agency in Griffin. Daniel was over the Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP) at ULHS and was loved by students, according to administrators.

“Mrs. Daniel was one of the most caring individuals I had ever met,” said ULHS Assistant Principal Terry Blackshear. “She was always so professional in everything she did.

“Even though she wasn't full time at our school, you would have never known it. She was always ready to volunteer and help out anyway she could.

“She was my right hand person during the chili cook off and academic banquet. She always went the extra mile. She was so proud of her students and took pride in the work they did.”

The YAP places juniors and seniors in career fields they are interested in. Daniel was over 50 students at ULHS and about 30-40 students in Lamar and Pike County.

“Working with Mrs. Daniel was a very positive experience for me,” said ULHS Assistant Principal and Vocational Director Betty Thurman.

“I had the pleasure of working with her closely. She was a very compassionate person who never complained. She was always volunteering to help in anyway she could. She did a great job at calligraphy and would always help different organizations with that.

“Without a doubt I would say she had one of the best programs in the state, and I believe others would agree with me.

“The students, especially the seniors, loved and respected her,” Thurman said. “I brag about her all the time. She has done so much for our school and our students.”

In addition to serving local schools, Daniel served on the soccer board for the Thomaston-Upson Recreation Department.

“This is a great loss for our community,” said Recreational Department Director Mindy Daniel. “She was very cooperative and very interested in our young people.

“She also served as a league administrator and secretary for the soccer association. She and Brent supported not only soccer, but other sports by being a sponsor.

“She was a very special woman, and I will always sing her praises,” Daniel said. “She did so much for everyone. That won't be forgotten.”