Theresa Arlene Williams was born on April 11, 1959, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Hazelene Cash and the late Morris Cash. She peacefully departed this life on July 7, 2026, at the age of 67.

Theresa attended and graduated from Benhaven High School in Johnsonville, North Carolina, in 1977. During her younger years, she developed a love for basketball and was known to be a talented player. While still in high school, she also drove a school bus, an early reflection of her independence, responsibility, and willingness to care for others. Her competitive spirit, strength, and determination were qualities that stayed with her throughout her life.

In the late 1970s, Theresa moved to Plainfield, New Jersey, with her husband, Joe. Plainfield became her home, and it was there that she built her life, raised her family, and remained until her passing.

Theresa was a devoted mother to four children: Teikoa, Joe, Michael, and the late Melissa.

She was also a loving grandmother to seventeen grandchildren, whose lives and accomplishments brought her great pride and joy.

For 30 years, Theresa worked for Baker & Taylor in Bridgewater, New Jersey. She was a dependable and hardworking woman who believed in doing what was necessary to provide for and support her family.

Theresa was known for her strength, resilience, honesty, and unwavering love for those closest to her. She supported her children and grandchildren in their goals and endeavors and remained present in their lives. She made it a priority to support their athletic events, school activities, and extracurricular pursuits whenever she could. Whether she was cheering from the stands, checking in afterward, or encouraging them along the way, she took pride in being involved and showing up for the people she loved.

She had a protective spirit and was the kind of person who would always try to make a way for her family.

Though she was known for being outspoken and firm in what she believed, those who knew her understood that her heart was rooted in love, loyalty, and family. She leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, sacrifice, and devotion that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives she touched.

Theresa was preceded in death by her father, Morris Cash, and her daughter, Melissa Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Joe Williams; her mother, Hazelene Cash; her children, Teikoa Washington (David) of Italy, Joe Williams (Shaquila) of New Jersey, and Michael Williams (Charis) of Houston, Texas; her seventeen grandchildren; her siblings, Alberta McEachin (Gerald Sr.), Delores Googe (James), Michael Cash (Emma), and Morris Cash III; and a host of extended family members and many friends.

Theresa’s life was a testament to endurance, family, and love. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always carried in the hearts of those who loved her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Matthew 25:23

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