Theresa N. Jean-Pierre Coy

Theresa Nadege Jean-Pierre Coy was an exemplary wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and advocate who was cherished by her family, friends, and countless others. For the past several years Theresa courageously battled cancer, winning multiple times and living her life to its absolute fullest throughout. Theresa transitioned to her heavenly home on April 11, 2022, at the age of 41.

Theresa was raised in New York surrounded by her extended Haitian family. Theresa’s experiences advocating for her loved ones served as the impetus for her to become a social justice advocate and attorney. Theresa graduated magna cum laude from Florida A & M University with a double major in Political Science and Public Administration. She earned her Juris Doctorate from Stetson University College of Law. As a member of Stetson’s Moot Court Board, Theresa earned the First Place Best Oral Advocate Award at the E. Earle Zehmer National Moot Court Competition. Theresa would graduate with a Certificate of Concentration in Advocacy and was bestowed the Victor O. Wehle Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy by the University. She would later go on to serve as a Trial Advocacy Adjunct Professor with Stetson University College of Law. The Hillsborough County Bar Association Trial & Litigation Section also recognized Theresa’s brilliant legal mind by naming her the recipient of the James “Jimbo” Kynes Memorial “In the Trenches” Award for Criminal Trial Practice for her excellence in criminal litigation. Theresa was the first African American recipient of this honor since the award’s inception in 1989.

Theresa’s faith-filled life was replete with love, laughter, adventure, and unimaginable success. Theresa’s incredible and highly accomplished career began as an Assistant Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County. Her respect and love for everyone with whom she interacted was apparent in her professionalism and advocacy as she defended indigent citizens in criminal cases. Theresa met and exceeded every professional goal she set for herself, including the establishment of her own firm in 2010. Jean-Pierre Coy, P.A. handled a variety of criminal matters including some of Tampa Bay’s most high-profile trials. Theresa would go on to serve as a guest commentator for Court TV providing valuable insight on some of the most scrutinized criminal trials across America. Later in her career, the former assistant public defender returned to public service as a prosecutor by leading the Conviction Review Unit of the State Attorney’s Office, 13th Judicial Circuit.

Theresa was a visionary force whose leadership and commitment to the administration of justice transcended all boundaries. Theresa was recognized by the Florida Bar for zealously defending a client during a federal drug trafficking trial while experiencing excruciating pain caused by the return of cancer. That same year, the Criminal Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Association presented Theresa with the 2020 Marcelino “Bubba” Huerta III Award for professionalism, dedication to pro bono service, and her diligent work in the pursuit of equal justice. In addition to service within her profession, Theresa was a pillar of strength in our local community. She proudly served on The City of Tampa Mayor’s African American Advisory Council advising local leaders on issues impacting Black communities in the city. Theresa was also named a 2019 Candidate for Woman of the Year Award by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society shortly after her diagnosis. Finally, during the pandemic, Theresa fulfilled her dream of becoming a member of the highly esteemed public service organization, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Theresa’s impact on everyone she touched is immeasurable and will be felt for years to come.

Above Theresa’s personal and career ambitions stood her unwavering commitment to family. She was immensely proud of and grateful for the beautiful life she created with those who loved her the most. Theresa was also steadfast in her faith and was a devout member of The Pentecostal Church of God of Jesus Christ, Incorporated where she served as secretary and treasurer. Left to cherish Theresa’s memories forever are her devoted Husband, Travis J. Coy, beautiful Son, Thaddeus J. Coy, and faithful, bonus Son, Travis “TJ” Coy, II; her loving Mother, Marie Cécile (Ernst “Toutou”) Mercure Thomas, and kindhearted Father, Ernst (Therese) Jean-Pierre; dedicated Sister, Marjory (Gregoire) Mercure Blain; doting Brothers, Steve L. Delly and Bryan Jean-Pierre; Aunt, Marlene (Roger) Jeanty; Uncles, Jean Carnot (Esther) Mercure, Edouard Mercure, Fritz Chérubin (Vivianne), Antoine Fresnel (Yolaine) Jean-Pierre, Michel Frantz (Tulienne) Molaire; and caring cousins as well as godchildren. Her church family and dear friends also mourn the loss of Theresa, our brilliant star.