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Teresa started on her peaceful journey of a lifetime on July 15, 2023, to meet her Lord and Savior. After battling cancer for 3-1/2 years she was ready to go to her eternal home. She fought hard to stay with her family but spoke often of God’s plan, her excitement to glorify him, and the honor to touch the hem of his garment when she arrived. “It’s not about me; it’s about my Jesus!”
Teresa was born in Elizabethton, Tenn., to the most gracious parents in the world; the late Johnie Claude and Helen W. Wilson Bennett. Her life was spent in Elizabethton with the exception of a 3-1/2 year hiatus when she lived in the Outer Banks that allowed her to fulfill her passion for the ocean and receive a dream life with her husband, Curtis L. Cannon aka Putzy. She has always said she fell in love with him on day one and that never stopped. She has described him as being more than she could have imagined – loving, caring, and wrapped her in his arms until the very end. They were married for 36 years and in love for 39.
Being a child of God, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend meant the world to Teresa and she made everyone feel loved and appreciated. She strived for excellence in everything she tried and was so very talented. As a master floral designer she created beauty and works of art for each and every client she worked with. When she designed she put her heart and soul into it making it personal for each bride to make their day perfect and to every grieving family to provide them with joy and beauty in a time of sorrow. Her award winning designs and dedication to her profession made her well known in the Tri-Cities. She was also an avid crafter making/designing jewelry and home décor as well as a lover of wildlife. While in the Outer Banks she volunteered with N.E.S.T., a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles and other protected marine wildlife on the Outer Banks of North Carolina from the Virginia line to south of Nags Head.
Teresa is survived by her husband, Curtis L. Cannon; his sisters, Robin Benfield and Janie Deloach, and extended family. They combined their families at an early age and kept the love growing to include the following: Fur baby: Tootles and the late Binksy; Beautiful daughter, Melissa A. White and caring husband, Roger; Motivating son, Christopher Cannon and gracious wife, Dr. Esha Cannon; Great Animal Whisperer, Joshua Allen DuVall and adorable wife, Nicole; The Protector Son, Detective Johnnie Allen DuVall and blessed wife, Martha; Daughters of her heart: Rebekah Thompson, Cari Estep, Holly Hess, Joni Bennett, Hope Tolley, Keri Jones, Julie Griffth, Hannah Freeman, Ashley Montgomery and Dawn Montgomery; Sons of her heart: Todd Estep, Brian Estep, Jonathan Bennett, Peter Hess, Robert Tolley, Ryan Thompson, Ryan Nave, Jamie Norris, Scotty Montgomery, and Joey Montgomery; Grandbabies: Pride and Joy, Carlos Antonio Gomez DuVall, Man of God and Future Doctor, Rylan White, Smarter than most, My Whipper Snapper, Lucas White, Master Fisherman and Chef, Caleb Anthony DuVall, Tennis Pro and Scholar, Alexander Prescott Cannon; Grandbabies of Heart: Brian Estep, Brianna Estep, Mally Keith Estep, Gracie Jo Estep, Tilly Mae Estep, Cole Bennett Hess, Gemma Lee Hess, Ella Hope Tolley, Rose Maria Thompson; Sister: Beauty Queen and Bestie, Joan Claudia Estep; Brothers: Giver of All, Johnie Joe Bennett and Grower of Beauty Tony Curtis Bennett and his sweet wife, Susie; Brother and Sisters of Heart: Robin Benfield (Putzy’s oldest sister) introduced me to my forever husband!; Nurse Diana Tolley – my other 1/2 from day 1!, Dedicated love and lifelong friendship, Patricia Breeden, Sweetest giving fisherman and pro golfer, Ronnie Breeden, Beauty and Childhood Memory Maker, Patty Walsh and Kim Sandora; Zion Baptist Church congregation – Teresa was a dedicated member and loved her church family with all of her heart. Her brothers and sisters there carried her through the hardest of times and kept the prayers flowing. She has always said if you need to feel love come visit us at Zion. You will meet the best people on this side of Heaven and when God shows up you will know it and never want to leave!
Special Friends and Thank You to: Tennessee Cancer Specialist team – Dr. Tumkur, Abbie, Sandra, Amy, Robin, Amanda, Jessica, Brittany, and Dawn; Nurses Tiffany, Becky, and Eric at Johnson City Medical Center; Hospice Nurses; Richard Sharpin, Charlene Wagner, Patti Sharpen, Late Cecil Clark, Late Sylvia Bradwell, Mark Vest, Sara Broyles, Walt Engel.
Special Love and Appreciation to Pastor Dr. Alan King, his precious wife Shelly, and sweet son Caleb King.
A celebration of Teresa’s life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, July 21, at Zion Baptist Church with Dr. Alan King officiating. Music will be under the direction of the Zion Baptist Church Choir. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 until 2 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow in the Bennett Cemetery in the Dennis Cove Community. Active pallbearers will be Ronnie Breeden, Robert Tolley, Todd Estep, Jonathan Bennett, Ryan Nave and Peter Hess. Words of comfort can be sent to the Cannon family through our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 (423) 542-2232, is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Teresa Gail Bennett Cannon.