Theresa Lawrence Haygood

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Theresa Lawrence Haygood, age 71, of Auburndale, Florida, on Friday, February 20, 2026, in Lakeland, Florida. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many.

Theresa was born on July 2, 1954, in Winter Haven, Florida, to Tula Belle and J D Lawrence. She was a lifelong resident of Auburndale and a 1973 graduate of Auburndale High School. She was one of three sisters.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her oldest sister, Joan Combs. She leaves behind her loving daughter, Kimberley Lawson; son-in-law, Terry Lawson; and her cherished grandson, Jacob Lawson. She is also survived by her sister, Denise (Ron) Fenk; and several nieces and nephews; and her best friend of 61 years, Janis (Bobby) Steadman.

Theresa worked for 13 years at Publix Supermarkets in the bakery, where she developed her love for baking and cake decorating. She later became a cosmetologist and spent over 40 years helping others look and feel their best.

Theresa was truly a people person who loved being around others. She enjoyed hosting, cooking, shopping, scrapbooking, traveling, and wearing her bling. She expressed her love for family and friends through her cooking and the memories she preserved in her scrapbooks.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Church of God, 3025 US-92 W, Winter Haven, Florida 33881. In honor of Theresa, guests are encouraged to wear red, their bling and bring a side dish for a potluck meal to follow as we celebrate her life.