Teresa Evon Cotham, 58, born on April 4, 1966, in Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on November 15, 2024, in Thayer, Missouri, surrounded by loved ones in her home. Teresa was married to her high school sweetheart, Kenny Cotham, in 1983, and the couple celebrated 41 years together. They were blessed with three children: Brett, Brandon, and Cecily.
Throughout her life, Teresa was known for her vibrant spirit and a variety of hobbies. She enjoyed crafting, shopping, listening to music, sewing and she proudly held the title of being undefeated in checkers. In her youth, she was an avid athlete, excelling in softball, basketball, and volleyball. She was also a talented short-stop in a coed league, showcasing her competitive spirit.
Teresa had a deep spiritual faith, serving as a Sunday School teacher at Mammoth Spring First Baptist Church for many years. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family and spoiling her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Ken Cotham; her children, Brett Cotham and partner, Jessica, Brandon Cotham and wife, Keesha and Cecily Mills; her grandchildren, Spencer, Chase, Chance, Miles, Lucy and Cianna; her sister, Sherri Atkisson and husband, Steve; her niece, Caitlin Carey and family; along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many loved ones.
Teresa is preceded in death by her parents, Eris and Barbara Westmoreland; her grandparents, Rufus and Flora Westmoreland and Herbert and Louenne Smith. Her warm heart, joyful spirit and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Shiloh Grand Gulf Church in Thayer, Missouri.
Inurnment will be on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Shiloh Grand Gulf Cemetery, Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
Shiloh Grand Gulf Church and Cemetery
426 County Road 378
Koshkonong, Mo, 65692
- This address will take you to the church if you use gps
November 19, 2024 @ 11:55 am
So sorry to hear, she was always such a beautiful person inside and out. I feel really sorry for the entire family.
November 19, 2024 @ 12:39 pm
I am so sorry. My heart and prayers go out to Kenny and the whole family. Teresa was not only a beautiful person on the outside but on the inside as well. RIP My Friend
November 19, 2024 @ 11:40 pm
Hey yall cousin Don westmoreland here sad i cant be there but currently in rehab from a fall.Teresa will b missed even if we have not spoke in a bit.Lord keep u all.
November 19, 2024 @ 12:51 pm
Kenny and family, I am so sorry to hear about Teresa. She will truly be missed by all who knew her. Take comfort that she is in the arms of Jesus. My prayers are with you all in your sorrow.
November 19, 2024 @ 2:17 pm
Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Teresa feels a genuine loss in her passing. My prayers & love go out to you during this sad time.
November 19, 2024 @ 3:21 pm
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
November 19, 2024 @ 5:10 pm
So sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing. My condolences and prayers for comfort and peace for the entire family! God bless!
November 19, 2024 @ 6:52 pm
It’s always hard to hear of the passing of someone who shaped even the smallest moments of your life. Teresa was Sherri’s older sister, Sherri and I were friends from the time she moved into her 6th street home and became my walking partner to and from elementary. Teresa was like the epitome of cool in my eyes. I can still remember the summer, I was young and awkward, laying out with Sherri – covered in our baby oil on silver mats (who thought that was a good idea?!), and drinking their mom’s world-class SWEET iced tea. Every once in a while we would see Teresa and Sonja Deckard, the queens of cool, strolling by like a walking advertisement for TEEN magazine:). I’d look at them and think, “One day, maybe I’ll be that cool.” (Spoiler: never happened.)
To Sherri and the whole family, I’m sending you love and all my warmest memories of those days. Teresa was a bright light who shined a little on all lucky enough to know her. She’ll always be remembered with kindness, admiration, and a touch of awe. ❤️
November 19, 2024 @ 7:33 pm
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
November 19, 2024 @ 9:17 pm
There are just no words… Sending heartfelt prayers for the family…. She will be missed by so many and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
November 20, 2024 @ 1:51 am
My deepest condolences to all. Brett, Brandon & Cecily, I know how your hearts hurt, lean into the Lord and each other. Daniel, Colton & I send our love.
November 20, 2024 @ 2:54 pm
She was in my conductor class with the railroad. A very nice person. Condolences to the family!
November 23, 2024 @ 4:41 pm
To our sweet Teresa’s family, to know her was to love her!! Her smile was contagious, and she was a wonderful person. Watching the slide show today, you could see how much love she had for all of you. I absolutely loved the poem, and the song Cecily picked out and her words she spoke about Teresa were just Beautiful. I know she was so proud of her kids and her grandchildren. I couldn’t help but smile with all the Elvis songs. I just want to let all of you know that she made a positive impression on me in my younger years that’s going to stick with me the rest of my life. Her Dyersburg, TN family loved her so much and we are going to miss her. We will be praying for all of you in the days, weeks, and months to come. Love and Hugs to you all. ✝️
November 23, 2024 @ 6:48 pm
Teresa’s smile lit up any room she walked into. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for Kenny and the rest of the family.