Teresa Simmons

Her spirit lives on in her son Christopher, who loved her dearly and made her last years (and before) special.

I got to know Terry through her son Christophe, my best ever student at WIU! After Christophe graduated, we stayed in touch and got together whenever he came back to Macomb. In the meantime, Terry would keep me posted on their ongoing travels. So sorry to hear the news; she had been in my prayers since I learned of her illness. Rest in peace!

As a next door neighbor of Terry my first memory of her is that when she first moved in she came over to my house with a plate of cookies. I told her that I should have been the one who brought her a plate of cookies as she was the new neighbor. She just laughed and said to enjoy. She was always so friendly and kind. May she rest in peace and her family find comfort in the legacy of family history and her many travels she left behind.

Forever I will cherish the many and long conversations with Terri. Hearing about the world through her experiences was a gift I will forever treasure. Terri was such an amazing lady. So brave, so fearless and strong. Her love for her son Chris was so empowering and fierce. I too witnessed his love and honor for her as he so diligently and carefully watched over her care. We all are richly blessed to have known her. She is truly missed and forever cherished.

The world has been robbed of an amazing human being - a kind, caring, compassionate, strong, intelligent woman who loved travel, art, caves, animals, and her son above all - you truly did have a beautiful soul. My dear friend, I remember some of the cards you would send me of old ladies in their 80s and 90s and you would write an inscription that said that would be us - still traveling, having fun, laughing and joking, and as you put it "going strong". It pains me to know that you will not get to experience those years. I know that you had more memories to make. I know that you´re with God, you´re not in any more pain, and you´re with your dad. Christopher - know that you were the best thing your mother ever did. And that she adored you. She could be a tough mom, but that has formed you into the accomplished incredible man that you are today.

The world has lost a beautiful soul. I have been friends with Terri all of my adult life. We could always pick up where we left off, even though some time may have passed. We had wonderful conversations-kids, family, art, travels, school, college days...I will miss her dearly. Chris, you were her great joy. Thank you for taking good care of her this past year. Prayers.