Teri Willingham

On August 5, 2022 while surrounded by her loving family and friends, Theresa (Teri) Lynn Willingham, age 65, died peacefully at her home in Adamsville, TN.  Teri fought a short but fierce battle with cancer. In typical “Teri fashion,” she was a true warrior and demonstrated both strength and beauty.
 
Teri was born January 28, 1957 in Eleria, Ohio to Paul and Marge Rothgery. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Jonesboro AR. Teri was a graduate of Jonesboro High School and Arkansas State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. From 1978 until her retirement in February 2022, Teri tirelessly served her patients in hospitals located in Jonesboro AR, Corpus Christi, TX, Memphis, TN, and Bolivar, TN. During her tenure, she spent 15 years working with children at LeBonheur Hospital and 20 years working in the Emergency Department. As a nurse, she demonstrated skill, talent, and grace under pressure while caring for thousands of patients. Her 40-year career was challenging but also rewarding. In addition to her patients, she worked with a number of talented peers whose friendship she treasured.
 
Teri was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, Gammy, and friend, caregiver, and co-worker. She made the people she interacted with feel important and loved. Regardless of blood relation, those who knew Teri felt like family.
 
Teri met her husband and best friend Howard Willingham in 1989. They were married on February 3, 1993 and worked to build a life together that included traveling, golfing, fishing, riding motorcycles, enjoying their grandchildren, and, most importantly, enjoying each other. Although Howard often received the dreaded “eye roll,” he was her rock. Teri loved Howard with her entire heart. Teri and Howard gracefully blended their families and raised four children together. Chris, Clay, Katy, and Daniel were shining stars to Teri and absolutely her proudest accomplishment. When the children were grown, her grandchildren brought her joy. “Gammy” as she was known by Cassady (13), Harper (9), and Morgan (7), were loved and adored beyond measure. She took full advantage of the joys of grandparenting by hosting “Gammy Camp,” taking them on adventures, letting them eat whatever they wanted whenever they wanted, sleeping in her room, and watching movies while having late night dessert. Just like her own children, she made each grandchild feel special and unique.
 
In her spare time, Teri enjoyed golf, sewing, cross stitching, crochet, reading, learning new skills and crafting. She adored the outdoors and enjoyed spending time at the lake and basking in the glory of nature. Her sense of humor was both incredible and unique and only added to her beauty. Her laugh could light up the room.
 
Her family is comforted in knowing she is in heaven with God, her mother, her father, and her sister. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
 
She was preceded in death by….her father, Paul Rothgery; her mother Marguerite Rothgery; sister Ginny Norris; and nephew Cory West.

She is survived by…her Husband, Howard Willingham; step son, Chris Willingham; son Clay Qualls; daughter Katy Kitchens(Chesley Kitchens); son, Daniel Willingham; granddaughter, Cassady Willingham; grandsons, Harper Kitchens and Morgan Kitchens; brothers, Larry Rothgery, Rick Rothgery, and Steve Norris; sister, Polly Stone(Rick Stone); as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

Information about services…Service will be located at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Savannah, TN. Friday August 19, 2022 at 2pm. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN or to American Cancer Society.