Theresa "Teri" Johnson Leinbach

1964 - 2018

Theresa "Teri" Johnson Leinbach obituary, 1964-2018, Charleston, SC

Theresa "Teri" Johnson Leinbach

1964 - 2018

BORN

1964

DIED

2018

Theresa "Teri" Leinbach Obituary

Visit the Legacy Remembers website to view the full obituary.
Theresa "Teri" Johnson Leinbach, 54, ended her three year battle with leukemia on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 surrounded by her family. Her last case has been won. She has fought a good fight. She has finished the race. She has kept the faith. She has attained her reward. She has moved on to a happier place. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 in Northbridge Baptist Church, 1160 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends may attend a visitation Friday evening, May 18,2018 in J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Pkwy from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Teri was the mother of Taylor Mackenzie Leinbach and the daughter of Theresa Taylor Johnson and the late Benjamin Earle Johnson both of Charleston, SC. She is also survived by her brother, Preston West Johnson, her sister-in-law, Rhonda Murray Johnson, and her nephew and niece, Preston West Johnson, Jr., and Alexa Lanier Johnson. In addition to her family, Teri is survived by countless loyal and fun-loving friends who loved her well and supported her in innumerable ways throughout her battle with leukemia. Teri was a 1982 graduate of Middleton High School where she proudly served as class President. She graduated from the College of Charleston in 1985 with a BS in Business, and she obtained her Juris Doctorate Degree from The University of South Carolina School of Law in 1991. She was a member of the South Carolina Bar Association and was a lifelong member of Northbridge Baptist Church where she provided legal counsel and served as a youth Sunday school teacher for many years. On March 28, 2018 she was appointed as a magistrate judge for Charleston County. This appointment was a source of great joy for her in her final months. Teri lived life fully prior to her illness. She was passionate about her career, time spent with friends, traveling, kayak or boating trips to the Morris Island Light House, and her pets. She also parented and fought cancer sacrificially for her 'Baby Bird', Mackenzie. She was beautiful, spontaneous, fashionable, funny, and compassionate. She had a soft spot for the underdog as demonstrated by her many selfless acts of kindness extended to others. She was a bright spot to all who knew her, and she will be dearly missed. For those wishing to make memorial contributions in lieu of flowers the family wishes that they be made to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, 81 Gadsden Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or The South Carolina Chapter of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 941 Houston Northcutt Blvd #203, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Theresa "Teri" Leinbach's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 17, 2022

Karen Geppert Saunders posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2020

debi scott posted to the memorial.

September 20, 2018

Dana Lee (maiden) Banks posted to the memorial.

Karen Geppert Saunders

February 17, 2022

Hello, this is Karen Geppert Saunders. I was a classmate of Teri's at Middleton High school. I recently re-connected with old friends and stumbled upon Teri's Memorial. I am so sorry for your loss. Teri was our class president & i was our class' art chairman, so we worked together on the homecoming float & many huge spirit posters created in my parents' driveway. Teri was a born leader, and I knew even then that she would lead a stunning & remarkable life. I can see by the beautiful tribute video that she was adored by her family and friends. May God bless you all.

debi scott

May 9, 2020

We all miss your smiling face..MAY YOU BE IN PEACE today..

Dana Lee (maiden) Banks

September 20, 2018

I just recently found out about Teri's passing. I'm am so saddened by this! Teri and I were college roommates for our first two years at CoC. I don't have one memory that she wasn't apart of! She was one of a kind! So smart and ambitious! She brought so much laughter and fun to my life. I remember even biking from campus to her parents home just so we could get something to wear for a Halloween party. She was adventurous, my friend and I loved her! Although I left Charleston, and we drifted apart, I have always told my girls about my random roommate, the funny, beautiful girl that made my college days some of the best in my life!!

Randy Crouse

June 1, 2018

As teenagers, Teri and I were very close friends, sharing many happy experiences together. Her selfless consideration for the feelings of others, genuine kindness, love, and refined mannerisms set Teri apart from others. While many years have passed since we talked, Teri left on me an indelible impression of what a truly wonderful person should be. The world is a better place for having known Teri, and will continue to be through the memories of those she knew and influenced. I am deeply saddened by her passing and will always treasure our friendship. A special place is reserved in my heart for Teri.
Mrs. Johnson, I offer my condolences.

Randy Crouse

Randy Crouse

June 1, 2018

As teenagers, Teri and I were very close friends, sharing many happy experiences together. Her selfless consideration for the feelings of others, genuine kindness, love, and graceful mannerisms set Teri apart from others. While many years have passed since we talked, Teri left on me an indelible impression of what a truly wonderful person should be. The world is a better place for having known Teri, and will continue to be through the memories of those she knew and influenced. I am deeply saddened by her passing and will always treasure our friendship. A special place is reserved in my heart for Teri.

Mrs. Johnson, I send my condolences and would be honored to assist you in any way possible during this trying time.

Randy Crouse

Robert Sutton

May 23, 2018

Very sad news. Teri was a wonderful person and she will not be forgotten

May 22, 2018

We were so sad to hear of this. She was a beautiful, smart lady! Sending our love!
Tammy, Ken, Michael and Tradd Teigen

May 19, 2018

I was so very sad to read that Teri has passed away. Prayers for her family.

Mikell Scarborough

May 19, 2018

So sad to hear of Teri's passing- she was certainly a beautiful person inside & out. She will be sorely missed. Peace be with her and family at this time.

Earle Ashbaugh

May 19, 2018

My earliest memory of Teri was our moms talking over the back fence on the day that Elvis died. From then, memories are continuous through high school graduation. We all lost a beautiful friend with Teri's passing. My prayers are with you all.

Carol Duncan

May 19, 2018

I have such happy memories of Terri and her precious family. They were all such an inspiration to me. God has welcomed another one of his children home!

Ellen Matheson

May 19, 2018

Fly with the Angels, Teri. You are free and you are healed. Godspeed.
My deepest condolences to those who knew and loved Teri. May comfort be found in the memories you share.

Much love,
Ellen Matheson
Middleton Class of 1982

Barbie Campbell (formerly Whitley)

May 18, 2018

Being in high school with Terri, I still remember so many times painting pep rally posters on her Mom and Dad's driveway in Sandhurst. We used to have such a good time doing those!

Terri was such a sweet, lovely girl inside and out. We must trust that Terri is in heaven where she belongs, looking down on her family and friends. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with her Momma and her family.
All my love, Barbie Whitley

John and Devon Gamble

May 18, 2018

My name is John Gamble,I am also a 1982 Middleton graduate.I did not know Teri,however I could tell that she was a person who loved life and was very active at Middleton.I would like to send my condolences to her family.

Chris Scatliff

May 18, 2018

So sad, but as says the song, our hearts will go on. Bon voyage, Teri! You are in our prayers.

Bob Black

May 18, 2018

A very good lawyer, beautiful and perceptive. One remark she made to me influenced my career. I remain in her debt and will remember her favorably.

Penny Ray

May 18, 2018

Teri you will truely be missed by many. We didn't get to hang out much after you moved from Stono Park but I often thought of you and the good times and laughs we had growing up. God bless your family. May you Rest In Peace. God speed my friend.

Debi Scott

May 17, 2018

RISE HIGH...I know God has already gotten you and your daddy..NO MORE SUFFERING..May you both REST IN PEACE...We all will miss you.

Frankie Gray

May 17, 2018

Teri , so beautiful , Kind, Caring , loving ! You will be greatly missed !

Sandra Penton

May 17, 2018

Theresa your family has been through so much, but I know our Lord will carry you through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you and we love you.

Paulette Burn Klingel

May 17, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. I have not seen Teri in many years but have always thought of her as such a nice person. My thoughts and prayers are with Teri's family and friends, especially her beautiful daughter. RIP Teri!

Boe Campbell

May 17, 2018

I only met Teri a couple of times, and found a connecting feeling with her. She was such a warm and comfortable person to be around. When we looked each other in the eye we felt each others legitimacy. I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I knew she was fighting her Leukemia, but I felt like, in today's time, she might beat it. Godspeed to a very lovely, bright, lady! Condolences to the family....

Jane Griffin

May 17, 2018

See my Facebook post.

Debi Campbell Scott

May 16, 2018

Lord..what a nice person she always was..never a mean thing to say about anyone..I have known her since we were in the 5th grade..How to really say GOOD BYE to a wonderful lady..you will be sadly missed..may you reach our HEAVENLY FATHER...Bye Teri.

Sharon Bernard

May 16, 2018

I met Teri almost two years ago. She was always so kind and always thinking of others. Although she was enduring so much with her illness, she never complained. I was truly saddened to hear that Teri lost her battle. Although I only knew her for a short while, I had the opportunity to talk with her on many occasions. Mackenzie, I want to say that it was very clear how proud she was of you and how much she loved you. I will be praying for you and your family in the days ahead. Sincerely, Sharon Bernard

Betsy Polk (formerly Rice)

May 16, 2018

Theresa, Preston, and Family,
I'm terribly sorry to hear of Ben and Teri's passing. Mom and Dad have updated me for years about our Northbridge Family, and particularly Teri's accomplishments. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Pam Greco (Jarrett)

May 16, 2018

so very sorry for the tragic loss of such a wonderful, kind and beautiful person....

Herbert Kearse

May 16, 2018

I knew Terri as a friend that I attended both C.E.Williams Middle School and Middleton High School. She will be missedD

Jim Triplett

May 16, 2018

I am blessed to have known Teri and be able to call her my friend. She will continue to live in our hearts. She had a deep personal relationship with God, a saving faith in Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit was surely with her every step of the way. I find comfort in knowing she is now eternally healed in Heaven where there is no more hurt and no more pain. I morn the loss of my precious friend, but I celebrate her life. I can just see Teri smiling down upon us from Heaven, and I think she would want all of us to know this is not Goodbye, but I will see you again one day!

Debi Campbell Scott

May 16, 2018

Lord..what a nice person she always was..never a mean thing to say about anyone..I have known her since we were in the 5th grade..How to really say GOOD BYE to a wonderful lady..you will be sadly missed..may you reach our HEAVENLY FATHER...Bye Teri.

Tammi Mendiola

May 16, 2018

Rest in Peace

Laree Hensley

May 16, 2018

Forever in our hearts. You will most certainly be missed.

Emma DeMuth

May 16, 2018

Ms Teri I will never forget practically growing up in your condo! Your energy was always the best. You raised such a strong, fun, and kind daughter that I am proud to call one of my lifelong best friends. I know you will be watching over her and the rest of us from heaven! Lots of love and I will see you again, Emma

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel

3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC 29414

Make a Donation
in Theresa "Teri" Leinbach's name

How to support Theresa "Teri"'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Theresa "Teri" Leinbach's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Theresa "Teri" Leinbach's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 17, 2022

Karen Geppert Saunders posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2020

debi scott posted to the memorial.

September 20, 2018

Dana Lee (maiden) Banks posted to the memorial.