of Memphis, TN

November 16, 1950 - December 27, 2024

Teresa Williams ''Yaya'' passed away in the early afternoon on Friday December 27th, 2024. She passed in the care of her doctors alongside many family members at St. France's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Yaya was born in Shaw, Mississippi on November 16th, 1950 to the late Joseph and Levia Galtelli.

Yaya had a long career as a nurse who started out working in the surgical department then moved on to home health where she retired to spend time with her family and grandkids. Teresa was a devoted catholic and a member of the St. Michael's Church of West Memphis, Arkansas.

Yaya enjoyed keeping busy, nothing was going to slow her down. If she was not cheering on one of her grandchildren with her custom made signs, she was working in her flower bed, traveling the United States or taking care of someone. She also enjoyed watching True Crime, watching her grandchildren swim in the pool, or bragging on someone she loved. She truly had no bad bone in her body and would give the clothes off her back to help someone in need. Yaya was the definition of lighting up a room when she entered it, her presence was known regardless of the situation. Her laughter and conversation were contagious. She lived the life that she was supposed to live and she lived it to the fullest. Her soul will forever linger and will remain in the hearts of everyone that was blessed with the chance to to call her friend, mother, daughter and sister. She was everyone's 'Yaya' and will always be remembered as such.

Yaya is survived by her husband, Craig Williams of 45 years; her two children, Kelly Kearney (Daniel) and Charli Fortenberry (Jamie) and their 6 six grandchildren, Mason, Miller, Matthew, Matti Grace, McGuire and Milligan. She was also survived by her two brothers and two sisters, Paul Gatelli of Madison, Mississippi, Anne Brooks of Oakland, Tennessee, David Gatelli of Drasco, Arkansas and Maria Wolfe of West Memphis, Arkansas. Yaya was also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com