Theresa Swope-Barnes' Obituary
On May 9, 1956, in Chattanooga, TN, God blessed Matthew Lee and Frankie Lee Swoopes with the birth of a daughter, Theresa Antionette She was the 5th born of this union that would ultimately be blessed with 9 children. Theresa received early education in Chattanooga, TN and attended Riverside High School. Immediately following graduation, Theresa moved to Nashville TN, attending Tennessee State University. She later moved to Washington DC, where she embarked on a career in politics working for Presidents Carter, Reagan and Bush I. It was in DC that Theresa met the love of her life Alphonso Barnes, and their union was blessed with a “darling” daughter Allyson Corinne. After 15 years in politics and following the passing of her beloved husband, Theresa returned to the South, settling in Atlanta GA. It was here that she became a faithful, active member of Travelers Rest Missionary Baptist Church, Morrow, GA and realized her true calling…to be an aid and constant support to all those around her. She was the other mother for so many. At her time of death on January 5, 2025, Theresa was back home in Chattanooga, TN doing what she loved most, being a caregiver and offering support and comfort to her family and extended loved ones. Some of her favorite times were her Tuesday lunches with her nephew “My DJ” and hanging with her best friend Jackey Ware-Brooks and “the Old Lady Gang” (as she affectionally called them). When God called Theresa home, she reunites with her mother, Frankie & father, Matthew; great grandparents, Ida & Ernest; grandparents Mary & Nathan, Corine & Ernest, Husband Alphonso; brother, Ronald; sister, Nadine; Nephews Kenrick and Kenneth Jr. and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins who proceed her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory: 1 daughter Allyson C. Barnes (Heather) Atlanta GA; step-daughter, Dawn Hillie (James); 3 grandchildren Kimberly (Darren), Kevin, and Darius Brandywine, MD., 3 sisters Susie Petty, Chattanooga TN, Sandra Hammock, (Kenneth Sr.) Radcliff KY, Latoyta Swoopes, Chattanooga TN.4 brothers Matthew Swoopes Jr. (Edna), Donald Swoopes, Ernest Swoopes, Chattanooga, TN, Leonard Swoopes (Evora) Indian Head MD. 1 aunt, Jean Fox, Roxbury MA and a host of nieces and nephews along with extended family and friends with whom she shared a very special bond. She will lie-in-state on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. Burial in Highland Memorial Gardens.
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