Digital Tribute to the Ancestral Spirit, Love, Life, and Legacy of Theresa B. Gartin Leeke
On July 9, 2023, Theresa B. Gartin Leeke, my mother, best friend, loving + wise + well ancestor, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority soror, peacefully made her transition to ancestrohood in my presence.
I was blessed to serve as my mom Theresa’s spiritual midwife by holding sacred space and sending reiki healing love and light to her spirit as she transitioned.
Being able to serve as her spiritual midwife, participate in the planning of her celebration of life with my father and brothers, write her obituary as a soulful narrative of a woman who lived fully and faithfully, and honor her life and legacy in creative and healing ways has been one of my life’s greatest gifts.
Click on the buttons below to learn about my mom Theresa’s life and legacy (obituary) and to watch the video of her celebration of life (which includes a mini gospel choir concert by the St. Joseph Catholic Gospel Choir she founded and directed for 53 years).
Community Virtual Circle Celebrating Theresa B. Gartin Leeke’s 85th Heavenly Birthday on November 10, 2024
On November 10, 2024, a community circle celebrating my mother Theresa B. Gartin Leeke’s 85th heavenly birthday was held. Theresa’s family, friends, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority sisters came together to honor her spirit, love, and presence in our lives. They shared how they have honored her legacy in 2024 and their plans for honoring her legacy in 2025 and beyond.
Gratitude Circles Honoring 1st Year Anniversary of My Mom Theresa’s Ancestral Ascension
Two virtual gratitude circles honoring my mom Theresa’s first year anniversary of her ancestral ascension were held on July 9 and 14, 2024. The circles gave everyone who is connected to my mom Theresa an opportunity to come together as a community and express gratitude for her ancestral spirit, love, life, and legacy through prayer, meditation, reflection, and sharing. Watch the videos below to learn what happened.
July 9th Gratitude CIrcle
July 14th Gratitude Circle
Celebrating My Mom Theresa’s 84th Heavenly Birthday
I honored my mom Theresa’s spirit and 84th heavenly birthday (November 10) with three online meditations during our sorority’s Founders’ Day Month in November (also known as RHOvember).
The meditations I led focused on three of my mom Theresa’s life lessons about spirit, self-care, and service. Watch the videos below.
Meditation on Spirit, November 3, 2023
Meditation on Self-Care, November 10, 2023
Meditation on Service, November 17, 2023
SPECIAL EVENT: Virtual Community Celebration of My Mom Theresa’s 65th Sigmaversary in 2024
A virtual community celebration was held to celebrate the 65th Sigmaversary of my mother, loving + wise + well ancestor, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Soror Theresa B. Gartin Leeke on April 22, 2024.
My mom Theresa joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s Alpha Chapter at Butler University on April 26, 1959.
My Mom Theresa’s Podcast
Ananda Leeke 