Telitha Brunzel Respress, 87, formerly of Smithfield Street, New Castle, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 20, 2010.

She was born in Columbia, SC on July 11, 1922 and was the second daughter of five children to Albert and Mala Kaiser Jackson. At a young age she moved to New Castle, PA where she spent her young adult life. She accepted Christ into her life and was a member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church. She graduated in June 1940 from the New Castle Sr. High School and attended several colleges. She later worked as a Central Supply supervisor technician for over twenty years at the Jameson Memorial Hospital.

Telitha relocated to Chicago in 1977 for a better job and new life. She worked as the Central Services manager at the Olympia Fields Hospital in Matteson, IL until the age of 74. She was a member of the New Faith Baptist Church International and served as a member of the Benevolence Ministry Board, a Bible School teacher, and a Deacon. Telitha touched the lives of everyone she came in contact with. She worked untiring in the Prison Ministry, visiting several local women's prisons and teaching bible classed in those facilities on a weekly basis. She also loved to attend the Redeeming Love Church pastored by Elder Murray Fleming.

Telitha enjoyed her life and spent quality time with her family and friends. Family meant everything to her and she cherished her daily talks with her sister and the weekly dinner dates with her son and daughter-in-law. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and being active in church ministry. She was a loving mother, sister, and friend that was admired and loved by all.

Telitha will be sadly missed by her sister Archie Waits of Chicago; daughter, Brunzell Blackwell of Oakland, CA; three sons and four daughter-in-laws, Melvin and Paula Respress of Chicago, Reverend Torrance and Dr. Jacqueline Respress of New Castle, Albert and Angel Respress of San Antonio, TX and Shirlene Respress of Country Club Hills, IL, aunt Evelyn Kiser of Pittsburgh, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

Telitha was preceded in death by her former husband, Thomas Respress; two sisters, Zipporah Bell and Helen Bell; three children, Thomasene Miller, Robert Respress and Barbara Respress and several grandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 25, 2010 in Country Club Hills, IL.

Local arrangements by the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 941 S. Mill Street.