By Bee Dee Clay
Herbert Dennard can’t quite recall if it was spring or fall when he and his walking buddy, Benny Lester, first ran into Sister Theresa Sullivan at Central City Park, now Carolyn Crayton Park, during one of their early morning exercise walks. What he does remember, however, is the magnetic presence of Sister Theresa, who, in her usual way, had them engaged in a lively conversation before they knew it. She met no strangers, and that day, her focus was on a topic dear to her heart—lifting the homeless of the community.
As they walked, Herbert noticed something about Sister Theresa: she was constantly bending down to pick up any paper or trash she passed along the way. Her dedication to even the smallest acts of care was contagious, and soon he and Benny found themselves following her lead, collecting litter as they walked. Sister Theresa’s influence was subtle but powerful, and that day, it became clear to Herbert that she was a force for good in the world.
Sister Theresa Sullivan, who served as Director of Daybreak under DePaul USA, has dedicated the last eight years of her life to transforming the lives of the homeless population in Macon-Bibb County. Through her leadership, compassion, and tireless efforts, she has left an indelible mark on the community and its most vulnerable citizens.
Under her visionary guidance, Daybreak has grown from a small initiative to a comprehensive resource center offering shelter, healthcare, meals, and essential services to those in need. But Sister Theresa didn’t stop there. Through her advocacy, the Sheridan Center and Respite Care Facility were established, as well as the Central City Apartments, providing long-term housing and support to individuals and families who would otherwise be without a place to call home.
Herbert Dennard, like many in the community, was inspired by Sister Theresa’s unyielding dedication. Her passion for service was contagious, and soon, Herbert found himself not only volunteering but joining the Board of the Daybreak Day Resource Center. Sister Theresa had a way of drawing people in, showing them that no problem was too big to tackle if everyone played their part. She made the work of serving others seem like a privilege, and her influence brought together leaders and residents alike to fight for a common cause: the betterment of the human race.
Now, Sister Theresa is embarking on a new adventure. She has left Macon to assume the position of Executive Director of The Daughters of Charity International Project Services in Detroit, Michigan. While this is a great loss for Macon-Bibb County, it is an exciting new chapter for her to continue her mission of service on an international level. Her work in Detroit will no doubt benefit from the same vision and energy that transformed lives here in Macon.
Though her departure leaves a void in our community, Sister Theresa’s legacy lives on in the programs she built and the lives she touched. Herbert Dennard cherishes the friendship he developed with her over the years and remains committed to carrying forward her work here in Macon. He looks forward to developing a strong working relationship with her successor, Sister Deborah, who shares the same spirit of care and compassion for the less fortunate
As we bid farewell to Sister Theresa, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can make. Her tireless service has not only transformed the lives of the homeless but has also inspired countless others to take up the mantle of service. Sister Theresa may now be in Detroit, but her heart—and her legacy—will always remain in Macon.
