Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Teasley.
Hi Lydia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I created the Ron and Marie Teasley Foundation in 2020, the year that my Mom passed. The foundation honors their life and legacy of great success and service in Detroit.
My Mom grew up in Hannibal, Missouri as the daughter of Hannibal’s first African American owner/publisher of his own newspaper. It was there that she developed her love of Journalism.
After moving to Detroit she attended Northwestern High School. It was there that Mom met my Dad, Ron Teasley, a star student/athlete. Thus the love story began with 71 years of a beautiful marriage.
My Dad attended Wayne State University, received 2 degrees there. And was on the baseball team where he still holds the all time batting record. He also played baseball in the Canadian ManDak league, with the Toledo Cubs, Detroit Wolves and with the Negro Baseball Leagues. Dad is currently the 2nd oldest living player. from that era. Dad worked in Detroit Public Schools for 35 years. He returned to his beloved Northwestern as a teacher & championship coach. Through the foundation, we award scholarships in baseball and Dad mentors young athletes.
My Mom worked at the Michigan Chronicle newspaper as the Women’s Editor for 25 years. Her career allowed her to travel extensively and attend many celebrity events. She won over 20 awards for her work in Journalism including several NNPA awards (National Newspaper Publishers Award)
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was been pretty smooth due to the cause of educating and assisting our youth to further their studies. The biggest struggle would be getting grants or funding to create learning opportunities for students in Sports and Journalism.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Montessori Teacher in Oak Park, MI. I have taught for 30 years. My passion is teaching students and hoping to leave an impact as my parents did for the next generation.
I am most proud of creating the foundation which allows me to honor., preserve and educate others about the legacy of my parents. My 2 brothers also assist in the foundation as Vice Presidents.
What sets me apart is the caring, hands-on nature of my life. My family believes in service and community values, this is what I was taught early on. My Dad and I attend as many events as he is up to. Or I will represent him at events honoring his legacy. I am currently in Atlanta, Ga. representing Dad at the 2025 All Star Baseball Game.
What makes you happy?
I am most happy with my daughters and granddaughters. They all live in Georgia so I travel there often to visit.
My daughter Arin just received her Masters degree and works as a Quality Manager at WellStar Health Systems. She is also an amazing Mom, wife, volleyball Mom, basketball Mom and fitness guru. Her husband is a Manager for State Farm and a basketball coach.
My youngest daughter Autumn is an Engineer at Stanley Black & Decker. And she is the owner of FallforyourTravels, a successful travel agency in Atlanta. Autumn has been a contributing writer for travel news and featured in local magazines.
My granddaughters are rising stars in academics and sports. Each playing their favorite sport and excelling in many extracurricular activities like 4-H club, Student council and theatre.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ronteasley.com
- Facebook: Ron and Marie Foundation
