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.
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27 Condolence(s)
Susan Simpson
Sunday, January 5, 2025
Teresa was a wonderful wife, mother YaYa and friend. If you knew her you couldn't help but love her. She had strength and resilience like no other. I will miss our 4 hour phone calls and visits. She will be missed by so many. She will forever be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with Craig, the girls and all that loved her.
Gail Taylor
Saturday, January 4, 2025
I just heard of Teresa’s passing. I had the privilege of working with her back several years ago. She was so bubbly, upbeat and a very good nurse. By condolences to her family and friends. Remember her as the wonderful person she was.
Amy Jones
Friday, January 3, 2025
Mitch and I are truly saddened by this news. We are praying for peace and comfort from the Lord in this terrible time. She was a very good friend. We know she is walking with her Heavenly Father.
Susan Kay
Friday, January 3, 2025
I was one of Teresas care givers in St. Petersburg, Florida and I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. I hope you find comfort in the memories you and your family shared with this very special lady. God Bless
Helen Mathis
Friday, January 3, 2025
I had the pleasure of meeting Teresa many years ago at one of the QLA Conferences in Clearwater, Florida. Never had the opportunity to get to know Teresa, but I know from her beautiful smile that she loved everyone and everyone loved her. Loved hearing her Tennessee accent. What I remember the most is that Teresa made beautiful wreaths. She had so much talent. My condolences to Craig and the family. She will be missed.
Peggy Perry
Friday, January 3, 2025
Oh Craig, girls, and the rest of Teresa's precious family, Where do I begin I met Teresa and Craig at a group function about 10 years ago. I was a stranger to this event, but Teresa was one of the first people that introduced herself to me. I was immediately drawn to her and we have stayed close ever since. We struggled together with some health issues and supported each other through our ups and downs. This earthly realm has lost a wonderful and precious human being, but our heavenly Father has gained a true angel. Our condolences to Craig, Teresa's daughters, and to the rest of her family.
Vince and Peggy Perry
Wayne and Marelle Jacks
Friday, January 3, 2025
Although we are still in shock and sadness , we know Teresa is enjoying her heavenly home. She will be so missed by all who knew her. We send our love to Craig and her family. RIP dear friend.
Lorna Chennault
Friday, January 3, 2025
My deepest condolences, praying for you all!
I will remember and love Teresa always
she was one of my nursing mentors and friend
Charlie (Bumper) Price
Thursday, January 2, 2025
I hated to hear this news today. I have fond memories of Mrs. Teresa. Us kids all use to come over to visit, eat and swim. Bunches and bunches of us. And the more the merrier for her. Her obituary reads true. She was always so nice, pleasant, and always welcomed you with a smile. My condolences to all of the family.
Gina Stevens
Thursday, January 2, 2025
My condolences to the whole family as I knew Teresa through her daughters and her niece. She prepared all the food for my wedding 27 years ago. She was a wonderful person.
Robbie Jordan
Thursday, January 2, 2025
We traveled with Craig and Teresa and had lots of fun. We met them in the early 80s. I love Italian food and Theresa was an authority when making and eating that kind of food. She and I both grew up in the flatlands of Mississippi and we knew what it was like to do without, but we survived. Theresa loved being a nurse and loved to talk nursing. She was a good one. She loved her family. Thanks for the good times.
Dentie and Becky Doyle
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Craig, our hearts go out to you and your family because we know how much all of you love Teresa. She was an active, full-speed ahead person who could do whatever she set out to accomplish! She will be missed.
Debbie Hill
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Wonderful person and nurse. I taught her nursing. I fill honored to serve as part of her honor guard at the funeral.
Debbie Jones
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Loved talking to her when our girls were cheering together and throughout the years. She was a very special.
Julia jones
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
I’m so sorry for the loss of dear Teresa. She was such a sweet friend. I pray God will comfort all of you and give you peace. My love and prayers
June Galtelli Acuff
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
I saw my cousin, Teresa, quite often in my thoughts and prayers and dreams, and felt quite close to her. But, sadly, not very often in person. I didn’t get to see her at Johnny’s funeral because I cannot drive over the bridge.
Fortunately, my dear Teresa, I will be attending Friday, because our cousin, Glenda is picking me up.
I have tears dripping on this phone and lumps in throat just trying to type a message. I’ll sign off believing that you are in heaven and can read my thoughts. God continue to bless your family.
Your cousin, June
Mary Frances McAnally
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
So sorry to hear this. Praying for the family.
Maria
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
This picture was supposed to be the winner of “Best Yaya On Earth” instead now it is the “Best Yaya in Heaven”. I am going to miss everything about you. You comforted me you protected me and many other traits that you left me with but most of all the memories . They say time will heal but they are wrong it is memories we all have of you . Rest In Peace my sweet sister I love you.
Mary Frances Crosthwait
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Oh I am so sorry to hear this. It seems like I just saw her not long ago. I remember goods times with her years ago. My prayers are with all of you at this time.
Barbara Robbins
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Kelly, please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jordan Hicks
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Praying for the family during this extremely difficult time.
Misty Nichols
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
My deepest condolences to the many family and friends of Ms. Teresa. She always supported her family's dreams and ambitions. I'm so grateful to have had her presence in my life for a little while. She was always so fun to be around. The world is much less bright without her here. My prayers will be with you all. Charli, I know she was your everything and I am so very sorry, friend. What a tremendous loss to your family, her many friends, and this community.
Maria
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
This picture was supposed to be the winner of “Best Yaya On Earth” instead now it is the “Best Yaya in Heaven”. I am going to miss everything about you. You comforted me you protected me and many other traits that you left me with but most of all the memories . They say time will heal but they are wrong it is memories we all have of you . Rest In Peace my sweet sister I love you.
Susan Galtelli
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
What beautiful words to be remembered by. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find peace. Mark and Susan Galtelli
Emily
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
I sure will miss her! She went out of her way to make sure I knew she loved me.
Kelly Krout Henderson
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
My deepest condolences for your family, your Mom was always kind to me as a kid at St. Michael’s. I am holding you in my prayers in the coming days and weeks.
Margaret Stringfellow
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
I'm so sorry for your loss
Ms.T was a sweet friend