Teresa Shirley Ford, 81, of Whitwell, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. She was born on December 22, 1943 to the late Ottis and Hazel Shirley.
Teresa's favorite hobby was spoiling her two granddaughters, Emma and Brooke. She also enjoyed being outside tending to her flowers, taking care of her pets and spending time with family and friends. Before graduating Whitwell High School, she was a varsity basketball player and a football cheerleader. Following her graduation from Edmondson Business School, she worked for General Electric and several local banks.
She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Joe Ottis and Hazel Holloway Shirley as well as her sister, the late Carolyn Shirley Boyd.
Teresa is survived and missed by her husband of 61 years, Bill Ford, Jr. and her children, Greg (Laura) Ford of Whitwell, and Julie Ford (Charles) Phares of Seattle, Wa. She will be forever remembered by her granddaughters, Emma Ford and Brooke Phares, as well as her niece Jamie Richards (Micheal) Morgan.
Teresa's family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Services will be held on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m. CDT in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Cecil Baxter officiating. Burial will follow in the Pine Grove Cemetery.
Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are by Reed Funeral Home, 11675 Hwy. 28, Whitwell.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 5-8 p.m. CDT and Sunday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to MARC Animal Resource Connection.