Teresa Gourley Farris

Teresa Gourley Farris left our world on February 16, 2021 of complications from COVID-19. Teresa was born on May 17, 1952. She leaves behind a dedicated husband of 27 years, Bob Farris. Four sons, Brian Hughes (Susan), Jeremy Hughes, Jason Hughes, and Casey Brown. She was a second mom to the siblings who grew up under her love and care, Roxane Edgerton (Jeff), Rebecca Webb and Johnny Gourley. Teresa was also loved by her many nieces and nephews and other family members.
She was absolutely adored by her 5 grandchildren - Mary Ashleigh (Manny), Daniel (Samara), Joshua, Max and Ava, and 2 great grandchildren - Kensley and Paisley. The feeling was mutual. She lived for her grandbabies.
There has never been a more generous person than Teresa. She was determined to make any personal sacrifice necessary to get you whatever you needed or wanted. Especially if it was carried by Walmart. It was a bonus to her if she could find it in the clearance section.
Teresa had a gifted creative mind, and poured her creativity into the cakes that she made. She crafted characters and structures of all shapes and sizes, and made the icing herself. She looked for an opportunity to tell you how many pounds of sugar and how many sticks of butter were in the addictive concoction you were about to devour.
Her early life -before she was adopted at 6 years old- was one of poverty, so her life goal was to ensure that no one in her presence was ever hungry. Ever.
But her favorite thing about life was people. She loved being around people. She lit up the room with her very presence and was determined to be the center of attention. Teresa also had no filter, and there was no limit to what she might say, confess or ask you about. All of this came out of a deep sense of authenticity and fairness. She put everyone above herself.
Her legacy will be with us for generations. We will miss her terribly. And we will never be the same without her.
Due to COVID-19 Teresa’s celebration of life will happen outside at Passion Community Church’s Powhatan Campus (address below) on Saturday 2/20/2021 at 1pm. A link to the live service is provided in the service details. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PCC’s benevolence fund to help families in need. 4480 Anderson Hwy, Powhatan, Va 23139.