Beatrice Collard and James Taylor of Peonia, Ky., were happy to welcome Virginia, the first of their 12 children, on Aug. 26, 1911. Her education began in the public school of Oklahoma, a small school near Peonia. She spent the first year of high school at Peonia and completed the last three years at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. After graduation, Virginia spent a year at home helping her mother. She entered the novitiate at Mount Saint Joseph on August 15, 1929. She received the Ursuline habit and became Sister Jean Teresa.
After her temporary profession, Sister Jean Teresa began her teaching apostolate at Sacred Heart School in Wilhelmina, Mo. Throughout the years, she taught in both parochial and public elementary and secondary schools. She taught in Kentucky at Cloverport, Howardstown, Lebanon (St. Charles), Curdsville, Fredericktown (High School), Holy Cross (High School), and Loretto (St. Francis High School). She also served as librarian at several schools. She was recognized as an excellent teacher and librarian as well as an understanding friend. In her gentle peaceful way, she touched the lives of students, faculty and parents.
Sister Jean Teresa retired from active teaching and spent four years as the assistant to the community treasurer. In 1981, she was confined to the infirmary for nursing care. She eventually became entirely helpless. After years of patient suffering and willing acceptance, she peacefully died on March 26, 1988, the Saturday before Holy Week. Father Anthony Shonis, chaplain, celebrated the funeral Mass on March 28. Sister Jean Teresa’s remains are buried in the convent cemetery.