Tessa RaeShun (Birdine) Pettigrew

Tessa RaeShun (Birdine) Pettigrew was born on August 17, 1977. She transitioned to eternity on March 31, 2023. 

A native of Dallas, Texas, Tessa graduated from Berkner High School in 1995. Her journey spoke volumes of determination for success. Prior to her graduation, she gave birth to her first child, Tre Jackson, and with her continued focus on education despite being a young mother, she remained resilient and responsible in being a parent and student.

While attending the University of North Texas, she gave birth to her second son, Joshe Jackson. She continued her focus on education and graduated in 1999 with a major in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Business. She went on to work for major businesses, including Zales Corporation as an Assistant Buyer, JCPenney Corporation, Inc., as a Direct Inventory Analyst, and One Technologies, LTD, as an Internet Marketing Analyst.

During her career, Tessa felt a strong desire to reach back into the community to help the younger generation find their way to success. She began to participate in campus involvement programs and activities at Berkner High School which prompted her interest in teaching. In pursuing her new life’s purpose, while volunteering at her alma mater in October 2002, she caught the eye of fellow alum, Nathaniel Pettigrew, who had recently returned home from his military tour of duty in the United States Navy. After dating for a little over a year, the two united in matrimony on July 10, 2004, at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she was a member for many years. After the birth of their third child, Mason Pettigrew (born August 15, 2006), Tessa received her first teaching opportunity at Berkner High School in August 2008. In addition to being in the classroom, Tessa was involved with the dance team, AVID, and DECA. She expanded her role in campus leadership to become a mentor teacher for new teachers and a classroom career and technology instructor of marketing and business courses. She also developed a special mentoring program for female students. Tessa and Nathaniel went on to have twin daughters, Anaula and Brielle Pettigrew (born May 31, 2011). Tessa continued her education, receiving her Master’s degree in education in 2016. She then made the move to Berkner’s rival school, Lake Highlands High School. She was an Assistant Principal at Forest Meadow Jr. High before returning to Lake Highlands High School. It was there where Tessa was a mentor teacher, department chair, and ultimately a beloved principal to the senior class.

Tessa was preceded in death by her father, Homer Lavern Birdine, Sr., in December 2021. Those left to cherish precious and lasting memories include her husband, Nathaniel Pettigrew; mother, Melba McGaha; children: Tre Jackson, Joshe Jackson (Grace), Mason Pettigrew, Anaula Pettigrew, and Brielle Pettigrew; grandchildren – Tre DeAnthony Jackson, Jr., Avianna Giselle Jackson, Myles Eli Jackson, and Mallory Jackson; brothers, Homer Lavern Birdine, Jr. (Alison) and Tyson Timms (Tiffany); as well as a host of extended family members and friends.

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