Te-Ata Renee “Teddy” Hery, 81, passed away Thursday, June 4, 2020, at her home in Williamsburg. Teddy was born in Oakham, Massachusetts, and moved to Virginia at an early age.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary and held a master’s degree from Old Dominion University. She taught school in Norfolk before being commissioned in the U.S. Army, where she served for 30 years, attaining the rank of colonel. Teddy was a champion for Army women. She was proudest of the work she did speaking up for women on military promotion boards and her efforts to open the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) to women. During her highly successful career, she commanded at the company, battalion and brigade levels.
Teddy leaves behind many friends and family members who will miss her, including her brother, Nicholas Merritt Black; five nieces, Deborah Stevens, Roxanne McKeon, and her husband, Kevin, Nancy Campbell, Diane Vigneau, and her husband, Paul, and Nicole Black-Robey, and her husband, Richard; nephew, Robert Stevens; six grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and her lifelong friend, Maria Ramirez. She was preceded in death by her two sisters, Gaye and Penney; and two brothers, Joe and Jay.
Teddy was a member and past president of the Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association, Northern Virginia Chapter 33, and a member and longtime treasurer of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 957. In addition to her steadfast commitment to her family and her friends, Teddy’s passion was creating beautiful works of art with wood. She was a master woodworker.
She will be remembered for her sage advice, her sense of humor, her kindness to others, her giving spirit and her generosity.
During her life, Teddy supported many organizations. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to one of her favorites: Angels of Mercy Medical Clinic, Women in Military Service for America (WIMSA), St. Olaf Roman Catholic Church or Heifer International.
Due to COVID-19, services are pending, and no public visitation will be held.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
