If you don’t know Teresa Burnett, you probably don’t live in Monahans, TX or any surrounding community. She was raised in Artesia, NM where she grew up with her parents, Joe and Karen Hodges, and three younger siblings, Scott, Kelly, and Amy. After graduating Artesia High School, she attended South Plains in Levelland, TX where she met and married Johnny Burnett. Shortly after marrying Johnny, they moved to Monahans where she raised her two children, Kandace and JW, and enjoys every moment with her four grandchildren, Caitlyne, Thomas, Rian, and Kate. Teresa has many amazing qualities, but three stand out more than others: passion, selflessness, and energy. Teresa loves the town of Monahans and its citizens, and if you give her the time, she will bend your ear about Monahans and the many things it has to offer!
Passion is described as an emotion that brings you satisfaction, so much that you get lost in what you do. Teresa may have been raised in Artesia, NM, however there is no doubt that the blood in her veins is green. The amount of time she spends thinking, planning, and organizing things in town describes her passion for her community, a trait that you won’t find in many people. This trait is shown through the countless boards on which she serves, charity organizations in which she helps raise money, the commitment she has to the Monahans Lions Club, and the love that she has for her family. There isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t talk about something that her kids, or grandkids have accomplished, or what she gets to go see them do. The same goes for the town of Monahans and its citizens. Her passion does not go unnoticed when you hear people talk about her and the many things she has done, including the numerous awards she has been given, with one of the highest honors being the “Woman of Distinction” award she received from the Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest.
Selflessness is described as someone that is more concerned with the needs and wishes of someone other than themselves. This character trait defines Teresa more than any because of the time and effort she puts into everything she does. This is not reflected only at the Monahans Chamber of Commerce, but her friends and family as well. As Mom and Grammy she puts all of her needs and wants aside to fulfill the needs, wants and wishes of her children and grandchildren. Teresa gives to her community just like she gives to her family, this is because she considers her community to be her family. She has given to every fundraiser, blessing boxes, pie auction, and many other things behind the scenes that many people don’t even know about. If you need help with anything she will go to the ends of the earth to help you get it, or if she has it, she will give it to you without question.
Energy is described as having strength to be able to sustain physical or mental activity. Many people look at children and say, “I wish I had about ½ the energy that kid has!” Teresa has the energy of three children put together! We see Teresa running around town going from one place to the other without fail. Her energy can often be contagious if you are feeling up to it! The Broadband project is one of the highest honors that reflects her energy. Teresa spent countless hours and resources getting the money and the plans for the Broadband project, which she was honored with an award from the state of Texas! If you know Teresa, you know it is very hard to keep up with her, she doesn’t know how to slow down. When she completes everything with the chamber, she still has the energy to play with her grandchildren, keep them on the weekend, or attend their events at school.
Teresa’s passion, selflessness, and energy make her who she is. There isn’t another person around that can do what she does and love it as much as she does. Many people have a passion for their work, or their family, but Teresa has the qualities to fulfill both work and family life. Without Te
