Teresa LaShell Jones Dodson

Life’s Reflections

Teresa Lashelle Jones, affectionately called “Rese,” was born on June 24, 1977, in Memphis, TN, to Jesse and Bertha Jones.

At the tender age of 9, Teresa’s faith in Christ became a cornerstone of her life. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, this being a testament to the depth of her spirituality and the profound impact it had on her life.

Teresa completed her studies in the Memphis City School System and graduated from Fairley High School in 1995. Her passion for cosmetology led her to obtain her license, and she quickly established herself as a talented hairstylist, building a loyal clientele that followed her throughout her career.

Growing up in a loving and close-knit family, Teresa had two older sisters, Carolyn and Carmela Pitts, as well as two older cousins who were more like brothers, Darwin Washington and George Rose Jr. They shared a special bond that was strengthened by the love of their late grandmother, Flocella Rose who raised them to value and treasure the true meaning of family. Teresa built everlasting relationships with Larissa Lanier and Cisiro (Trell) Parker, whom the family also acknowledges as her sisters. Sharing similar loving characteristics as her mother and grandmother, Teresa was a beautiful and affectionate soul who effortlessly created friendships that she held close to her heart.

Teresa’s life was filled with love and dedication towards her family. In 2005, she married her high school sweetheart, Danny Dodson, and together they were blessed with three beautiful children - Danny Dodson Jr. (Dede) and twins Kyle and Kyla Dodson. Teresa’s love for her children knew no bounds, and it was evident in her selfless and nurturing nature for them. She extended her care and affection to her bonus children, son Denzel Chaffen, and her oldest niece, Morgan Pitts, with the same love and dedication. Teresa was an impeccable mother, and her children meant the world to her. She would go above and beyond for them, no matter what.

Teresa was also a wonderful aunt and godmother who thought the world of her nieces, nephews, and godchildren, Miranda Wilkerson, Landon Wilkerson, Taylor Wilkerson, Morgan Pitts, Porsha Dodson, Hailey Parker, Jasmine Perry, Alakai Hubbard, Dreme Henderson, and a host of many, many more, whom she cherished dearly.

Teresa was preceded in death by her father, Jesse Jones; grandmothers, Flocella Rose and Catherine Jones; grandfathers, aunts, and uncles; and her very best friend, Tony Richardson.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalms 23

Order of Celebration

Saturday, May 18, 2024 10:00 A.M.

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church 60 S. Parkway East • Memphis, Tennessee 38106

Reverend Dr. Eric Winston, Sr.

Musical Prelude..............................................................................................................................NGIC

Processional.........................................................................................The Family of Teresa L. Dodson

Musical Selection........................................................................................Pastor Christopher Williams

Scripture Readings:

The Old & New Testament.........................................................Reverend Patricia Owens

Prayer...........................................................................................Minister Teresa Bonner

Musical Selection...........................................................Reverend Willie B. Walker

Expressions of Love

Larrissa Lanier

Reverend Willie B. Walker

Acknowledgements....................................................................Juanita Robinson

Musical Selection....................................................Pastor Christopher Williams

Eulogy.............................................................................Rev. Dr. Eric Winston, Sr.

The Committal

Recessional

As I Sit In Heaven

As I sit in heaven and watch you everyday

I try to let you know with signs I never went away I hear you when you’re laughing

And watch you as you sleep I even place my arms around you

To calm you while you weep

I see you wish the days away

Begging to have me home

So I try to send you signs

So you know you are not alone

Don’t feel guilty that you have

Life that was denied to me

Heaven is truly beautiful

Just you wait and see

So live your life, laugh again

Enjoy yourself, be free

Then I know with every breath you take You’ll be taking one for me

Rese

To My Daughter, Rese

“Mother is so Proud. I love you and miss you. As you transitioned, I witnessed the happiness and satisfaction you were experiencing. It was so beautiful to see you smiling at the end of your beginning. I remembered “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man. The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

Love you so much Baby Girl, Love You Forever!!!!

“We little knew the day that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories. Your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.”

Carolyn and Cammie

Of all the special gifts in life, however great or small, to have you as our Auntie was the greatest gift of all. May the winds of love blow softly and whisper in your ear, “We love and miss you, Auntie, and wish that you were here.” Deep in our hearts, your life is kept to love and cherish, not forget. No more tomorrows we can share but yesterdays are always there. A silent thought, a secret tear, keeps your memory ever near in our hearts forever.

Love Your Nieces & Newphews

Morgan, Taylor, Miranda and Landon

The Family

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of day If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch

If my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart, rejoice with me, God wanted me now, He set me free.