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Obituary For Theressa “Teesi” Stanford Barnes
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.
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My deepest condolences to Mrs. Stanford and family.
Condolences to the family at the loss of Theresa, may cover you with his love at this difficult time. Stan we are praying for everyone.
Love Monroe & Patricia Miles North Carolina
Teesi, And God shall wipe all our tears. There shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the old order of things have passed away. REV 21:4 Teesi, I am so glad that we spent a little time together and talked. I enjoyed every minute of it. It brings me back to that old song trials dark on every hand and we may not understand. All the ways that God will lead us to that promised land. All the saints of God are gathered home. We will tell the story of how we've overcome. And we will understand it better by and by. My prayers are with the entire family, especially cousin Yvonne and your children. Love you Teesi🥲🥲❤️ Poo-Poo
You had such a sweet presence about you, always calm and positive. I thank God for allowing our paths to cross at Huguley School. I am praying for your children, family, friends and students.
I love you Teesi always & forever ♡
Teesi I remember when I first met you and Tameka Braswell (you used to say her whole name) back at Bama State. Y'all greeted me like we grew up together and always made me feel the same. You always had encouraging words for me and for so many others. Teesi thank you so much for being more than just a cousin. You were more like a sister to me and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we will all miss your big beautiful smile, and giant loving heart. The Bible says, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord...so cuz I know you got the best seat in the house. Be sure to save a spot for the rest of us Cumberlanders. We love you and miss you Teesi...see you on the other side. -Terry Harrison Jr. and Family
I'm lost for words one of the sweetest beautiful kind and loving person you can ever meet our beautiful sister Theresa Teesi Stanford Barnes.. sis we will miss you that beautiful smile it broke our Heart 😒😞😢to loss you we are praying 🙏🏽 for your two children and your Mother and Brother and your Best friend Keisha A.Stephens Ross our baby sister..Teesi we love you and God know we will miss you.. you will forever be in our Heart ♥️ sis .. rest sister you're not in pain any more you're in God care. Teesi I Love you... you will forever be our sister our Mother and. Annie p. Stephens loved you so did Keisha our baby sister your best friend and all of the other sister along with me Love you and your family.. R.I.P my beautiful sister we will always love you😓😥😒praying for your family I Love you sis.. this is a hard pill to swallow Heaven got a Absolutely beautiful Angel 😇😇😇😇
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family. I remember my last conversation with Teesi. I remember her courage & strength amid the adversity she was facing. Her beautiful smile and personality defined who she was a person. Not doubt we all will miss her. Jesus promises @ Acts 24:15 that we have the hope of being reunited with our loved ones like Tessi.
This still hurts my heart so bad. Prayers for your family during this difficult time and the days to come. I remember your smile as my classmate and also your impact on my own son as his teacher. He loved you. I know you will be sorely missed 🙏🏼🙏🏼
My heart truly aches knowing that you are no longer with us. However, I find comfort and peace knowing that you are resting in God's arms. Rest peacefully my sweet sweet Soror. - Courtnie B. Tate
Teesi, You were one of a kind with a genuine beautiful heart. I don't think I ever saw you mad or upset with anyone. Your smile would light up the entire world. I will cherish the memories of laughter as teenagers on into adulthood and especially the past 2 years when we reconnected. I truly love you Teesi. Rest on sweetcakes!!
Teesi we are praying for your family. But God knew that you were tired and ready to rest!! Rest on sweet lady you are in His arms now.
Teesi!!!!! Where do I begin because I am currently at a lost for words and my heart is broken. I am going to miss our 3+ hour long conversations. I will forever cherish the time we had and the fact we never ended a conversation or text without saying, I love you !!! Teesi I love you forever and always!!! Rest easy my Angel but most of all my friend!!
Heaven has gained an amazing Angel. Prayers and condolences to the family. Rest well Teesi.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I'm lost of words to hear one of my teachers from elementary school has passed. You will be truly missed. I always loved seeing your smile when all of us kids walk into your classroom, just brightened the room. You were more than just a teacher, you were a friend. You may be gone but you will not be forgotten.
I'm lost of words to hear one of my teachers from elementary school has passed. You will be truly missed. I always loved seeing your smile when all of us kids walk into your classroom, just brightened the room. You were more than just a teacher, you were a friend. You may be gone but you will not be forgotten.
Rest up sweet friend! There was never a time that I seen you and you didn't have that gorgeous smile on your face! You fought hard and long. You have your wings i know! Fly high Teese fly high!!!
I'll always remember the love you had for me. You was more than my Elementary teacher. You treated me like I was one of your own. I love you and miss you. Heaven truly gained one of the most caring, sweetest Angel!!! 🕊💚🕊
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