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Thereasea Clark Elder at a dedication ceremony for a health leadership academy name in her honor.
Thereasea Elder, the first Black public health nurse in Mecklenburg County, died Tuesday at the age of 93. And while a community mourns her passing, her decades-long dedication to service continues to inspire those who knew her.
Hannah Terrell, branch leader of Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library, still has an almost two-year-old voice message from Elder. Elder praised Terrell’s community work but also encouraged her to “pass on the torch.”
Terrell said being in Elder’s presence inspired her to continue her work documenting Black history and engaging with the community. And even though she met Elder in person only a handful of times, there was a lasting impact.