Teresa Alane Williams Shelton

Teresa Alane Williams Shelton “crossed the rainbow bridge” as she would say, on June 30th, 2022, at the age of 59. Her spirit lives on through her daughters, Cara Beth Shelton-Harper and Alexa Adelaide Little; her granddaughters, Alana Beth Spriggs and Ziona Adelaide Harper; her sisters, Pamela Ann Causby and Wanda Beth Glemaud; her nieces, Olivia Lauren Harvey and Sophia Grace Glemaud; her nephew, Christian Hunter Glemaud; her grand niece, Elise Airlie Harvey; and many other dear family and friends, some furry and some human, that have shared her path along the way.

Teresa is enjoying a reunion with her parents, Bruce and Juanita Williams, and her beloved aunt, Marjory Unrath.

Teresa was born January 31, 1963, in Morganton, North Carolina, where she spent most of her life. She resided in Pamlico County, North Carolina for the past eight years where some of her favorite moments have been spent with her seven-year-old granddaughter, “Lana Bug,” the person that has the honor of calling Teresa “Nana.” Teresa found happiness in many aspects of her life, but being a grandmother was what brought her immense joy.

Teresa spent the majority of her adult life in the restaurant industry; she was a server who truly served. For every order she took, she made someone smile, and she took the time to truly see and get to know her customers, so much so that they would come back time and time again and request her. She never met a stranger, especially four-legged ones that wandered onto her porch or backyard; she earned the nicknames “Dr. Dolittle” and “Crazy Cat Lady” with pride, and caring for animals was her true passion. She dreamed of traveling the world and going on epic adventures. She was special and unforgettable– a woman that went her own way, beat to her own drum, and embraced her gypsy spirit. Anyone in her presence felt comfortable being exactly who they are and weren’t afraid to share a story and a laugh because Teresa gave them permission to do so through her own vulnerability, humor, and genuine nature. She knew struggle and inspired others to discover their own resilience and strength.

“We ourselves feel what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop”- Mother Teresa. This quote hung in Teresa’s living room as a daily reminder of our gentle, yet powerful impact and the small differences we can make in the world. Let us live this reminder as we honor Teresa. The ocean is definitely less these days without her, and she will be deeply missed.

The family will be honoring and celebrating this beautiful woman’s life privately, and possibly in a hot air balloon, but there are many ways we can all memorialize Teresa Shelton every single day: Feed a stray cat, or preferably 17, or any other animal in need of love and care. Have a scotch straight up or a glass of white wine. Learn the Thriller dance by Michael Jackson. Laugh loudly and often. Post hilarious and slightly inappropriate memes on Facebook. Enjoy some foods that are really not good for you but very delicious such as a combo from McDonald’s, a Little Debbie cake, or a few plates at your local Chinese buffet. Buy some treasures at a thrift store- even better if it is another purse you do not need, a pair of hippie pants, or some flamingo or sunflower home decor. Sing your heart out to anything by Fleetwood Mac, Pat Benatar, Lennie Kravitz, or Elton John. Allow yourself to sit and do a whole lot of nothing and do not feel guilty about it, not even a little. Go outside and search for a four-leaf clover. Take the time to ponder life over a nice cup of coffee. Make sure to take all the napkins and condiment packets from your local fast food establishments. Tip your server well and show appreciation for their service. And love your people, hard and with intention; call them every day, even if it annoys them, and tell them how proud of them you are and how glad you are to be in their lives. Hold your babies a little tighter, let those hugs linger just a bit longer, and allow kindness to lead your way.

If you would like to contribute monetarily in honor of Teresa, please consider donating to Colonial Capital Humane Society in Pamlico County, or spend time volunteering your time at your local animal shelter.