Teresa Raye (Cook) Redden

Teresa Raye Cook Redden, 56, departed this life on Tuesday October 22, 2024, following a rugged run with cancer. Born November 12, 1967, in Mullens, WV, Teresa leaves her husband Thomas “Tommy” Redden and her son, the pride of her life, Dr. Jacob Redden, to forever miss her. Teresa’s loving parents and constant supporters, Thomas Ray and Ina Mae Cook of Itmann lost a piece of their hearts when Teresa left us.  She also will be missed by her brothers, Michael (Denise) Cook of Itmann, Eddie (Mary) Cook of Sherman, Texas, and her brother-in-law, Timmy Redden of Pineville. Teresa had no biological sisters but stole the hearts and became “one of the girls” with her sisters-in-law Debby Books, Cindy (Riley) Brooks. Sherry (Don) Morgan, Becky (Timmy) Lafferty, and Vicky (Dennis) Nelson.  Her mother-in-law Janice Tolliver of Mullens lost a daughter when she said goodbye.  She also had a special “sister” Krista Pauley Kessinger.  Extended family includes eighteen nieces and nephews, twenty-five great nieces and nephews, and three great great nieces and nephews as well as numerous cousins. Teresa was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father-in-law Jack Tolliver, brother-in-law Gary Brooks, nephews Eddie Cook and Isaac Nelson, and a great niece Zoe Nelson.

Teresa loved her family and devoted her life to being the best mother she could be. She was the organizer of all thing’s family centered. She planned parties, events, menus, and even made family calendars.

Second only to the devotion to her family, Teresa was a dedicated employee who served seniors at the Council on Aging and All Care Community Services for thirty-one years. She also worked for the state of Florida Division of Wetlands which gave her the opportunity to not only meet Jimmy Buffet but sparked a lifelong love and fascination with sea turtles. Teresa had a huge heart and loved all animals, leaving behind a very special pair of rescue dogs, her beloved Max and Molly. Known for her holiday decorations, people would often comment publicly that they look forward to seeing her over the top decoration posted on social media.

She was a fierce fighter when it came to her battle with cancer. She never complained and didn’t want her pain to show. She was relentless in her pursuit to overcome the disease saying only “I got this.”  She never shed a tear or complained to people about her suffering.

Teresa was an eclectic individual. She loved the outdoors, hiking, kayaking, and spending time at the family camp in Monroe County. She was independent, head strong, and hated surprises. She loved to read, was a Disney fan, and collected Alewine Pottery. She would watch or read crime shows endlessly. She loved diverse music and would listen to everything from classic rock to alternative music. Teresa had a love for travel and was always ready for a road trip across the state or a flight across the country. She enjoyed road trips with her cousins Robin, Angie, Dana, and Jodi. She also enjoyed family cruises to the Bahamas. Teresa was full of life despite a seventeen-year journey with cancer.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Southern WV for the care provided during Teresa’s final days, making it possible for her to pass peacefully at home.

A visitation service will be Friday October 25 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Itmann United Methodist Church.  Memorial Service will be Saturday October 26 at 1:00pm also at the church. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Beckley. Arrangements by Evans-Calfee Funeral Service.

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