Teresa Shirley Ford, 81 of Whitwell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6. She was born on December 22, 1943 to the late Ottis and Hazel Shirley.
Teresa’s favorite hobby was spoiling her two granddaughters, Emma and Brooke. She also enjoyed being outside tending to her flowers, taking care of her pets and spending time with family and friends. Before graduating Whitwell High School, she was a varsity basketball player and football cheerleader. Following her graduation from Edmondson Business School, she worked for General Electric, as well as several local banks.
She is preceded in death by her parents, the late Joe Ottis and Hazel Holloway Shirley, as well as her sister, the late Carolyn Shirley Boyd.
Teresa is survived and missed by her husband Bill Ford Jr. of 61 years, and her children Greg (Laura) Ford of Whitwell, Julie Ford, and (Charles) Phares of Seattle, WA. She will be forever remembered by her granddaughters Emma Ford and Brooke Phares, as well as her niece Jamie Richards (Micheal) Morgan.
Teresa’s family & friends served as pallbearers.
Services were held on Sunday, August 17 at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Cecil Baxter who officiated. Burial was followed in the Pine Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. CDT and Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 11:00am to 2:00 p.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to Reed Funeral Home on 11675 Hwy 28, Whitwell, TN. Phone number is (423) 658-5516.
The Marion Tribune – August 21, 2025