Teresa Ann Madison departed this world on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, at her home in Lake Charles surrounded by her family.
Teresa was born on Sept. 19, 1946, in DeRidder. She graduated from Merryville High in 1964 and briefly attended McNeese State University.
She was working as a medical transcriptionist at Fort Polk when she met her soulmate, Jay, who was stationed there. Teresa converted to the Catholic faith during their engagement. They were married on Sept. 23, 1967, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in DeRidder. Jay and Teresa drove to Coos Bay, Oregon soon after, where they lived for three years. In the fall of 1970, they returned for five years, moved to Center, Texas for four years, and finally to DeQuincy in 1979, where they lived for the next 37 years.
Teresa loved her faith and was very active in church activities. She taught 2nd grade CCD, was a CCD Coordinator, served as an Extraordinary Minister of Communion to shut-ins, and was very active with the Ladies Alter Society. She was parish secretary for 28 years at Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church in DeQuincy and had a special fondness for the Blessed Mother Mary.
Teresa is survived by her husband, Jay; her daughters, LiAna Gary (David) and Lara James (Mason); grandchildren, Stefani Chandler (Ryan), Ginger Bergan (Theodore), and Miller and Bree James; sister, Eloise Marze (Gilbert); and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Addison Burl and Annie Rae Whiddon; her brother and sister-in-law, Tresmer and Frances; and sister, Helen Thompson (Joe).
Visitation was held on Monday, Dec. 20, at University Baptist Church from 4-8 p.m. with Rosary starting at 6 p.m.
A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church starting at 10 a.m., under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Rev. Levi Thompson officiated. Burial followed at Cannon Cemetery in Merryville.
(Paid Memorial)
