Ms. Theressa “Teesi” Stanford Barnes, age 45, transitioned on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at Emory University Hospital-Midtown, Atlanta, GA.

Theressa Willette Stanford Barnes was born on November 4, 1976, in Langdale, Alabama, to the parents of the late William Henry Stanford, Sr., and Theressa Yvonne Stanford. She peacefully transitioned on February 23, 2022 at the Emory University Hospital-Midtown, Atlanta, GA.

She was affectionately known as “Teesi” to her family and friends, but she was remembered by her big beautiful dimples on her cheeks, dark thick curly hair, big smiling eyes, and a giving heart. She was the “baby girl” of the house until she became a big sister to her brother, William “Stan” Henry, Jr. She loved her family, and would do anything for her family and friends. To most who knew her, she would give the shirt off of her own back to help others.

Many of the values that “Teesi” learned came from a lifeline commitment to her church family, St. John Community Missionary Baptist Church, Lanett, Alabama, as well as her father’s church family, Pleasant View Baptist Church, Salem, Alabama. She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age, joining and serving as a faithful member of the St. John Community Missionary Baptist Church throughout her life. She began service very early as a small Sunbeam member, then moving to Red Circle and continuing to grow into a Matron. Her commitment also included her service as a youth and young adult usher, a Sunday school musician and secretary and most notably, her involvement in the youth, young adult, and senior choir. She continued to remain a faithful servant as a senior choir member and youth director throughout her church membership. “Teesi” was always proud of what she called “The 12.”Referencing a number associated with Chambers County, she began her education in “The 12”, within the Chambers County School System where her father was a well-known principal and educator. She later moved to the Lanett City School System where her mother and other relatives were educators. Throughout her school-age years, she was known by her peers and school community for her involvement as she participated in cheerleading, pageants, and chorus and named, Miss Lanett High in 1994. Many knew “Teesi” for her distinct singing voice. She was mentored by many music directors, such as the late Mrs. Gloria Adcock (Lanett City Schools), the late Mrs. Rose-Marie Carmichael (private instructor), and later by Dr. Joel Jones. (Director of Choral Activities, Alabama State University).

After graduating from Lanett City Schools in 1994, “Teesi” accepted a music scholarship to Alabama State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Much like her high school experience, “Teesi” was also actively involved on her college campus. Because of her strong values in family and service, she was inspired to join the Beta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Shortly after college, she continued her devotion to family as a wife and mother. She was blessed to have two children, Aven Campbell Barnes and Ashlyn Yvonne Barnes. In many ways, Teesi re-lived her childhood experiences through her children; they too were interested in sports, cheerleading, church groups and organizations. She went on to walk in her mother’s, father’s, and many other relatives’ footsteps by pursuing a career in education. She was employed for 21 years by the Chambers County Board of Education where she taught fourth grade at Huguley Elementary School.

Many who knew her, can attest to much of her interests in family, church, and education. She left a piece of herself with each person she helped and each life she touched.

Although she was preceded in death by her father, William H. Stanford, Sr., she leaves to cherish her memories to two children, Aven Campbell Barnes and Ashlyn Yvonne Barnes; a loving mother, Theressa Yvonne Stanford; one brother, William H. “Stan” Stanford, Jr., of Greensboro, North Carolina; uncles, Arthur Cumberlander of Lanett, Alabama; Howard (Sandra) Cumberlander, Jr. of Lanett, Alabama, and Rudolph Cumberlander of Indianapolis, Indiana; aunts, Rosetta Cumberlander of Indianapolis, Indiana and Glaydell Cumberlander of Columbus, Ohio; one nephew, William “Trip”H. Stanford III of Greensboro, North Carolina; adoptive parents, Mr. Jesse Jackson (Bo-Bo) and Mrs. Hattie Jackson of Lanett, Alabama; a special cousin, Joseph Haynes of Salem, Alabama, and a special cousin and caregiver, Patricia Brooks of West Point, Georgia; a host of relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, March 4, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. EST on the Grounds of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Eric Dowdell, Pastor, Eulogist, Overseer Gary Fanning, Rev. Charles Trammell, Rev. S. Dewayne Drakeford, assisting.

Interment will follow in the St. John Cemetery. Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the mortuary.

Arrangements are entrusted to M. W. Lee Mortuary of West Point, GA.