Teresa Figgins

Teresa Figgins, born and raised in Huntington, WV, graduated from Huntington High School and attended Marshall University. She went on to become a Teacher’s Aide in the Cabell County Schools system, from which she retired in 2012.

Teresa has always had a love for music and has been involved in numerous musical opportunities for over 35 years. She has attended several national workshops and seminars, using her keen ear and directing skills to help others enhance their voices and singing abilities.

In the mid-80s, Teresa founded her first community choir called H.O.A.M. (Huntington on a Mission), which performed across the Huntington area for several years before disbanding. She also started a Single’s Ministry Group in 1986 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, which ran until 2004 due to health issues.

During her recuperation in 2005, Teresa was inspired to start another community choir. This choir includes singers from all around the TriState area and presented its 1st Unity in the Community concert September 2006. To date, the choir is still active and presents annual concerts.

Teresa’s contributions to her community have not gone unnoticed. In 2008, she was honored by WSAZ as a Hometown Hero for her outstanding community service and was recognized by Governor Joe Manchin during the 3rd Annual Unity in the Community concert in 2009. In 2015, she was selected as one of the Humanitarian Honorees for Women’s History Month by the Full Gospel Assembly. In 2018, she received a Proclamation from the Mayor of South Point, OH, recognizing her as the founder of the Unity in the Community Choir, as well as a Proclamation from Huntington Mayor, Steve Williams; acknowledging September 29th as Teresa Figgins/Unity in the Community Day in the city of Huntington, WV.

Teresa is currently an active member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as the Minister of Music over the Mass Choir and Praise team. She leads “Giving Christ First Place”, a women’s bible study group dedicated to pursuing wellness of the mind, body, and soul. In 2023, she became the Health and Wellness Chair at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where she teaches line dance and Tai chi (with light meditation) classes.

When not busy with ministry and wellness obligations, Teresa can be found in the kitchen making jellies, jams, and her sought-after Resa’s Chow Chow.

Teresa has been a shining light in her community for years, and she also shines within her family. She is the wife of Donald Figgins, the daughter of the late Virginia & Lewis Harris, Jr., the mother of 3 daughters (Michellina Williams, Tereka Eanes, and Tosha Roberts), and the grandmother of 5 boys and 1 girl. She attributes all her success to God and acknowledges that without Him, none of it would be possible.