Theresa Tien-Cheng Chueh Yang

Theresa Tien-Cheng Chueh Yang, age 87 (and according to the Chinese calendar, 88 - the most auspicious age) of Hunan and Taipei, passed peacefully in Kennesaw, GA, on Thursday, Jan 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 16, 1937, in Nan Yue, Hunan, China, she was the daughter of highly respected Republic of China General Chueh Han-Chien and socialite OuYang Ru. During her childhood, she lived in various places with her family throughout China, learning new Chinese dialects as they moved. When the Chinese Leader Chiang Kai-Shek asked her father to relocate with him to Taiwan, the family moved to Hualien, Taiwan in 1949.

Theresa graduated from National Taiwan University in 1961, with a B.A. in Political Science. She spent the following two years teaching at Taipei College of Education. In 1964, she was awarded a Fellowship by Indiana University President Elvis J. Stahr, so she traveled to the United States for graduate school. She received a M.A. in Audio/Video Education from Indiana University in 1966.

Though Theresa met David Yang on her very first day of college in Taiwan, they followed different paths before reconnecting in America. On August 18th, 1965, Theresa married David Yang; they were the first international couple to marry at the Texas A&M All Faiths Chapel. Two years later, they had their first child, Allen. In 1968, the Yang family moved to Tennessee, where Dr. David Yang would teach Civil Engineering at the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM). That same year, they had their daughter, Benita.

Together with David, Theresa was known in Martin for their businesses: the Chinese American Café on Lindell St, the T&D Custom Framing shop, and the Pacer Skating Center. They loved hosting, and they often opened their home to UTM’s international students to celebrate both American and Chinese holidays. Theresa would spend days preparing wonderful dishes in advance. Theresa was also a realtor for Century 21 Overton Real Estate. She loved her work, getting to meet members of the community and help people with the listing or buying process . She received their Top Realtor Award 14 years in a row.

As a devoted philanthropist, she regularly contributed to charity and community initiatives, such as healthcare and infrastructure improvements in her hometown Hunan region. As a result, a bridge, school, tuitions, medical supplies, and more were made available to residents.

She was incredibly dedicated to encouraging her children, and then her grandchildren, through all their endeavors and education. In Martin, her children were regularly featured in the local paper for their academic and musical achievements. Benita and Allen both attended the Georgia Institute of Technology. Allen graduated with a master's degree in electrical engineering and works in the Federal Communications Commission. Benita’s degree is in Industrial Engineering, and she worked as a project manager with Southern Energy before shifting her focus to caring for her parents and family. With Theresa’s continued love and support, her grandchildren have also grown and excelled as scholars and creatives: Stella Yang, Computer Science graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Claire Yang, Computer Science graduate of U.C. Berkeley; Hope Kutsche, Industrial Design graduate of Georgia Tech; Jackson Kutsche, Actuarial Science student at Georgia State University; and Lydia Yang, Computer Science student at Carnegie Mellon University.

Theresa and David retired to Kennesaw, GA in 1999. She became an active member of the Atlanta Buddhist Association, took loving care of her grandchildren, and traveled the world with her family. When her daughter’s husband was diagnosed with cancer, Theresa applied herself to supporting him and his family throughout his treatment - researching a cancer-fighting diet, exploring and practicing healing meditative exercises with him, and making healthy meals.

She has always maintained a fervor for life. Through her retirement, she taught her grandchildren Chinese, spent time writing Chinese articles to record her family legacy, went for walks with her dog, and cooked with family and friends.

Theresa cared fiercely for her family, loved her community, and laughed as often as she could. She will be remembered very fondly by all whose lives she touched.

Preceded in death by: her parents General Chueh Han-Chien, OuYang Ru; her brothers Chueh Ding-Chen, Chueh Chi-Cheng, and her sister Chueh Pei-Cheng.
Living survivors: her husband Dr. David Yang of Kennesaw, GA; her children Allen Yang (wife Hong Yang) of Centreville, VA, Benita Yang Kutsche (husband Bill Kutsche) of Kennesaw, GA; and her grandchildren: Stella, Claire and Lydia Yang; Hope and Jackson Kutsche.

Murphy Funeral Home in Martin, TN is in charge of arrangements

Private Services will be held for the Family.