Teresa Harris Obituary

Teresa L Harris

April 4, 1959 -

July 16, 2025

ERWIN - Teresa L. Harris, age 66, of Erwin, Tennessee, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, completed her courageous 18-year battle with cancer on July 16, 2025. With peace and grace, she entered into eternal rest, welcomed at the gates of Heaven by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There to greet her were her cherished husband of 40 years, Robert L. Harris, her steadfast companion and the love of her life; her parents, Louise (Haynes) and Clifton Garland; her baby sister, Lisa Lynch; and many treasured family members who passed before her. We can only imagine the joyful celebration that awaited her arrival.

A lifelong resident of Unicoi County, Teresa began working at Nuclear Fuel Services in 1981. Over the years, she formed deep and lasting friendships with coworkers who became like family. Teresa's greatest joy came from being "Mama" and "Nana." She and Robert built a home overflowing with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love, a haven where their children were raised and their grandchildren were cherished beyond measure. Their life together was a testament to enduring love, quiet strength, and a faith that held them steady through all of life's storms.

Teresa never took one moment with her family for granted. She delighted in decorating her home, working in her yard, and most of all, making cherished memories with her grandchildren. Whether it was cheering at ballgames, building blocks, playing with Playdough, or simply sitting together watching Stitch or Bluey, every moment with her grandbabies brought her joy. Her legacy of love lives on in their laughter, their stories, and the gentle values she lovingly nurtured in each of them.

She leaves behind a legacy of love in her three children and six grandchildren:

Daughter: Nia Rice (Billy) – children: Johnathan and Jackson, Daughter: Katherine Bagby (Jared) – child: Elliana, Son: Nicholas Harris (Shae) – children: Logan, Luna, and Broncs. She is also survived by: Sister: Rossanna Aldrich (Jeff), Their children: Richard Thomas (Rae) – children: Phoenix, Tenley, Blaize, AJ, and Tiernee, Stephen Wilson (Natosha) – children: Zion and Saige, Mother-in-law: Mary Katherine Brown (Mack), Sister-in-law: Tanya Griffith (Keith) – children: Megan and Adam, Brother-in-law: David Harris.

The family extends a special thanks to Teresa's aunt Charlotte Rice, whose unwavering love, support, and care throughout Teresa's illness was an incredible gift. Charlotte honored a precious promise made to Teresa's mother, Louise, a kindness and devotion the family will always treasure.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Teresa L. Harris in a funeral service to be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, July 21, 2025, in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home. Teresa's cousin, Reverend David Effler will officiate, and a message will be provided by her longtime friend, Reverend Craig Shelton. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 4:00 pm on Monday, July 21, 2025, and will continue until service time at Valley Funeral Home. A graveside committal service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Edwards Branch Cemetery. Those attending the committal service should meet at the cemetery by 10:50 am on Tuesday for the service. Pallbearers will be her son, sons-in-law, grandsons, and nephews: Nick Harris, Jared Bagby, Billy Rice, Johnathan Rice, Logan Bowling, Richard Thomas, and Stephen Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children in honor of Teresa's beloved granddaughter, Luna Harris.

Teresa was the heart of her family, a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud Nana. Her 40-year marriage to Robert was a testament to enduring love and faith, and together they built a life centered on family. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created, the love she shared, and the generations who will carry her spirit forward.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Teresa L. Harris through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave., Erwin, TN. 37650. (423)743-9187.