Today, we gather to honor our Teresa, a woman whose life was a testament to love, resilience and boundless generosity. Born in Greenwood, South Carolina, Teresa came to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1965 with her mother, Ruby Tolbert Smith and her three siblings, Johnny6, Jackie and Angie. They resided in Flag House Projects, and she made Baltimore her home, proudly becoming an East Baltimore girl at heart.

Teresa graduated from Mervo in 1980 and continued her education at Baltimore Community College, earning her Cosmetology degree in 1983.

She was blessed to be a mother of two strong and beautiful daughters, Corinne and Jasmine.

Every day, Teresa played her numbers her famous numbers, 1026 and 822 in honor of her brother and sister. Teresa adored her plants, her family and every moment of joy. And as much as she loved, life, she loved us, her family, her friends and especially her beloved best friend, Jason Routhier, known as "Roomie", who came into our lives thirty-three years ago.

As Teresa entered eternal rest, she was welcomed home by those who had gone before her; grandparents, Willie and Zina Gaskins; father, Johnnie Tolbert; stepfather, Frank Smith; beloved aunt Annie Mae Gaskins; brother, Johnny Tolbert and sister, Jackie Tolbert.

Teresa leaves behind her mother, Ruby Tolbert Smith; uncle, David Gaskins; aunt Mattie Gaskins; sister, Angela Tolbert; daughters, Corinne Hurt and Jasmine Johnson; three grandchildren, Talia Hurt, Tanasia Christian and Tristian Christian; three great-grandchildren, Zariah Chambers, Jeremiah Brogden, and Faith Benton. She also leaves behind her two nephews, Tyrell Hider and Isaiah Tolbert; nieces, Zina and Markeva Tolbert; and her beloved best friend, Jason Routhier, along with all her family, work family, neighborhood family and most of all, all of you for showing up today, honoring her, and carrying her spirit forward.