In Memory: Teresa Ann Watterson, 22

Editor's note: the following obituary is from Lakeside Funeral Home.

On April 5th, 2018, Teresa Ann Watterson, 22, peacefully left this earth far too soon, not only for her formidable and feisty spirit, but also for those of us who knew and loved her. Teresa grew up in Roswell and attended school in Cherokee County, graduating from River Ridge High School in 2014.

She played the clarinet in junior and senior high and joined the marching band her freshman year. She was invited back as an alumnus to travel with the band to England in order to march in the 2016 London’s New Year’s Day Parade.

From a very early age, Teresa had a natural talent for art, creating sketches, paintings and crafts throughout her life. However, her greatest passion was horseback riding from the time she first got on the back of a horse. She started training and competing at eight years old, becoming an accomplished rider through sheer determination, hard work and trainers who challenged her.

Teresa joined the University of North Georgia Equestrian Team upon entering college, becoming High Point Rider at multiple events and finishing 7th at Nationals in Advanced WTC in the spring of 2016. She combined her love of art and riding by creating personal videos that highlight her many years of training and competing. Just as in life, no matter how many times she was thrown, she got right back up and never stopped. She had an unrelenting attitude when faced with what would be her toughest battle – the fight for her life.

Teresa is survived by her mother, Lori Watterson,;father and stepmother, Paul, Sr. and Lisa Watterson; brother, Paul Watterson, Jr.; maternal grandmother, Patricia Cortese; paternal grandmother, Maryjane Watterson; aunt and uncle, Mary Louise and Donald Koedam; uncles, John and Greg Watterson; and cousins, Nicholas, Hannah, and Katie Koedam. Teresa also left behind many, many, friends as well as her devoted canine companion, Maddie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Teresa's name to St. Baldrick's Foundation to conquer childhood cancers. The family received friends on Saturday, April 14 and held a memorial service at 2 p.m. in the chapel at Lakeside Funeral Home.

Lakeside Funeral Home is honored to help the family with the arrangements. Those wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.lakesidefuneralhomega.com.

Image via Shutterstock