Teresa Ann Wilson

On the night of January 28 at 10:40pm, Heaven got a whole lot louder because Teresa Ann Wilson showed up. There’s no doubt she made an entrance that raised some eyebrows and turned some heads. For one, they had probably been expecting her sometime that morning but if you knew Teresa you knew, “she didn’t do mornings” and she was always fashionably late...

Teresa was born in Dahlonega, GA. on April 21st, 1966 to her parents Robert Truelove and Frances Sosebee Truelove both of Dahlonega, GA. and on her father’s 20th birthday no less!

Teresa grew up in Dahlonega all of her life and attended Lumpkin County Schools. She was known for her beautiful red hair and outgoing personality.

Teresa was married three times. And had four children. Who she is survived by; Son-William Harkins, daughter-in-law Melissa Harkins, Daughter-Tammy Lynn Chester, Daughter-Rebecca (Becky) Chester and Son-Cason Wilson. Grandchildren; Jewel Harkins, Ben Chester, Delana Chester and AJ Sullens. Her mother, Frances Truelove and sister, Carol Sue Truelove and sister-in-law Kristi Truelove. Her paternal grandmother, Geneva Truelove. Along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and treasured friends.

Preceded in death by Father; Robert William Truelove. Material Grandparents, Garland and Modell Sosebee. Paternal grandfather Benny Truelove. Ex-Husband and life long friend, Eddie Chester.

In the Bible we’re told that we’ll have a new glorified body. Well, if Teresa got any say so on her’s, we know for a fact she ordered the tannest, most vibrant, flawless smile, hair and nails did one that heaven could muster. Is there pink glitter and Harley’s in paradise? There is now.

A Breast Cancer Warrior. Teresa was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer and given just a maximum of 2 years to live in May 2014. She made it her life’s mission to beat those odds and so she began her 5+ year FIGHT. She battled, fought and became a warrior in the eyes of all who knew her. People would often ask her, “Are you sure you have cancer?” Teresa could hide her pain well. She hoped that her strength, courage and determination to fight the cancer in her life would inspire all who knew her for the rest of their lives for any battle that they may face.

A woman, tough as nails. Kind and loving as they come. Gracious, generous, funny and beautiful. Her door was always open, her children’s friends were like her adopted kids. She was forgiving and loyal. Teresa was well diverse and layered. She fixed her own cars, did her own handiwork and fought her own battles. And Lord did she fight. Teresa didn’t just exist, she lived. She danced like *everyone* was watching. And they usually were, as on any given Friday and Saturday night she could be found at Paul’s in Helen on the dance floor. When Teresa lived in Panama City Beach she could be found on the bar at the local watering hole. (And that is supposed to say ON the bar not at it. That is not a typo).

Selfishly we wish she could have stayed. (And not just because of her black eyed peas and cornbread *but* have mercy, no one will ever fix them better. We are going to miss them). We’re going to miss the crazy crafting and the ridiculously good bargains she would find at Goodwill’s and thrift stores. No holiday will ever be the same, no one will ever decorate with as much enthusiasm as Teresa. There might be dressing at thanksgiving but it won’t be *her* dressing with her cornbread...it won’t be the same...(life won’t be the same)...we’ll just have to add more salt...that’s what Teresa would do. For her, salt was a food group. No, for her, salt was a lifeline. Not only did it feed her body but also her soul. The beach would call to her and the salt water in Panama City Beach is where she found healing and rest. The salt air, redemption and strength.

“Ye are the salt of the earth...ye are the light of the world...” -Phil 2; 13-14

How appropriate that she loved it. Salt adds flavor to food. Teresa added flavor to life. Teresa taught those around her that it’s okay to be “a lot”. It’s okay to be the loudest or the quirkiest. It’s okay if every day you get up and you have to fight. Fight maybe even yourself, fight maybe even your mind...that’s okay. Don’t give up. It’s okay to lean on other’s but make sure you’re building your own strength too. It’s okay to cry but don’t wallow. Teresa would often say, “buck up”. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to be down, just don’t stay down. Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

The highlight of the year for Teresa was the Thunder Beach bike week rallies in Panama City Beach FL. Where her love of the beach and motorcycles came together. She loved the rumble of a Harley but even more she loved to ride. She loved the freedom she had with her hair whipping in the wind and the enormous smile on her face. For her, it was really not about the destination, it was always about the love of the ride. The adventures yet to be had, and the friends she had yet to meet along the way.

Teresa loved and lived for her four children, “Son” William, “Middle Child” Tammy Lynn, “Bec Bec” Becky and Her Favorite “Buddy bud” Cason.

Jewel, Ben, Delana and AJ. You carry a little piece of grandma with you. Since the beginning of time, she was meant to be your grandma and you, her living legacies. Don’t be afraid if your mind starts to forget or your memories get dull. That’s the beautiful thing about legacies, she lives on through you. As you get older little things will hit you and you’ll remember small things about her that you hadn’t thought of in years. Sometimes you’ll laugh. Sometimes you might cry a little. And sometimes you’ll just close your eyes, breathe in her essence and ask that someone pass the salt. Especially if it’s thanksgiving and there’s dressing.

The family would like to say a public and most sincere thank you to Lorrie Demark and Keelan Jenkins. Two selfless human beings that helped care and love on Teresa in her final days on earth.

Thank you to all of the beautiful people who contributed thoughts to this remembrance of Teresa.

A celebration of life for Teresa Ann Wilson will be held at the Dahlonega Funeral Home on Saturday, February 8th, 2020 from 5pm-9pm with a tribute to her life at 7pm. The celebration of her life will continue until 9pm following the tribute. (Casual attire)

Arrangements by the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home 20 Gibson Road Dahlonega, Georgia 706-864-DOVE (3683)