Teresa Ann Ferguson was born December 5, 1954, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Roy and Jewell (Williams) Ferguson. She departed this life on May 13, 2021, in Springdale, Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Jewel.
She is survived by one brother, Tracy (Belinda) of Eminence; two nephews, Nathan (Brittany) Ferguson and Josh (Amber) Ferguson; and one great Niece, Avana Ferguson.
Teresa’s family roots run deep within the history of Reynolds and Shannon Counties, but her parents had moved to Eminence by the time she was born. Teresa grew up known by and knowing everyone in Eminence. Her parents had the hotel while she was small and she and the other kids in town stayed into lots of fun and mischief. There was a snapping turtle catch, a couple of donkeys that made her so mad she cried, and memories and laughter without end. Most importantly there was a procession of dogs through the years that were dear to her heart. She continued to enjoy pets through Dr. Pol’s program in later years.
Teresa was a member of a long winning volleyball team in high school and continued her athletic activities in softball afterward. In high school, as everywhere she was, Teresa was full of mischief without end but was able to talk her way out of anything.
After high school, she attended school briefly in Kansas City but returned to Shannon County for her work life. She worked in restaurants, at Angelica, in various stores, and a machine shop. She brought to these jobs a bright intellect, organization, organization, organization, but above all, she brought the gift of laughter to co-workers, customers, and whoever came by.
Each of us has a Teresa story, or maybe several. There was the puzzle she worked on and worked on, and eventually, a friend produced the missing piece. She learned not to play poker with Tracy and her dad. She had a wicked wit, a soft heart, a political persuasion that was very firm, and a kind soul.
Graveside services will be held Monday, May 17, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at New Eminence Cemetery in Eminence, Missouri, with Pastor Randy Ferguson officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
