Teresa Jayne Brunson

Teresa Jayne Wooden was born May 9, 1956 in Pikeville TN to Clemants and Adair Reed Wooden.  She departed this life on November 5, 2022 at her home in metro Atlanta.  She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Clemants Wooden Jr. and her stepfather, Robert Philip “Uncle Bob” McElynn.  She is survived by her husband Randy and her mother Adair, both of her home, son Justin (Courtney) Brunson of Atlanta, daughter Marty (Justin) Gates of Canton Georgia, grandchildren Scarlett Gates, Joseph Gates, Annabelle Brunson, Rowan Gates, Cullen Gates, and Charlie Brunson, brother Trevor (Cindy) Wooden of Dayton TN, sister Sharon Reynolds of Riceville TN, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

She and Randy met as juniors in high school, married in 1976, and together enjoyed a lifetime of experiences.  She exercised her gifts of accounting and administration both at home and at work, though her great loves were family, the beach, and the holidays - with food.

Even as a young adult, she had picked up the moniker “Mother Teresa” for her care and concern for others, and especially younger ladies who needed a mom.  She gladly opened her home and her heart to those who needed the love and care of a family.  She treasured her grandchildren, just as she had her children.  She needed her mom and Granna fix every couple of weeks as going a month without seeing her children and grandchildren was far too long.

Favorite memories for her were the beach trips to St. George Island, and especially those which involved her parents, her children, and her grandchildren.  Reading under an umbrella, playing with the grandchildren in the sand, meals on the porch, games together after dark, all were favorites.

Teresa always looked forward to the holidays, as it meant time for her extended family, to make meals, and to enjoy both family and food together.  She spent much time gathering, wrapping, and placing gifts, making sure all family members had something that they wanted.

She was a master of the kitchen arts and enjoyed sharing her gifts and abundance with others.  When her children were in high school, they could fill the house with visitors for Sunday lunch simply by telling their friends that their mom was making a meal.

And in all this, her quiet calmness, confidence, and competence showed through.  It was obvious from her demeanor and the example she set that she walked with Jesus.  We will miss her though knowing full well that we will see her again.

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.  Many women do noble things but you surpass them all.  Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Proverbs 31: 28-31

“Blessed in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”  

Psalm 116:15

In lieu of flowers,donations can be made to any of the following organizations, all of which were near to Teresa’s heart.

Assist International – www.assistinternational.org

Obria Medical Clinics – www.supportomcg.org

Spring Vale Christian School – www.springvale.us