Teresa Tumbleson

Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Teresa Tumbleson

SIKESTON — Teresa Tumbleson entered her forever home in glory on Dec. 1, 2021.

She was born May 26, 1967, in Sikeston, to the late Charles and Janet (Norton) Wilburn. She spent 28 years working at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, where she served as an Area Supervisor for over a decade. During these years, she yearned to be a force that changed, not only the system, but every life she came in contact with. When she wasn’t meeting someone’s physical needs or attempting to save the world from behind her desk, she spent her time trying new recipes, coming up with ideas for the book she hoped to write, binge watching Netflix shows, typing out Facebook posts, or watching the Cardinals (despite her disdain for their announcer, Jim Edmonds).

She was a member of Miner Baptist Church, where she served in outreach ministries like Passion Play and Judgment House during the years, she was able. Her church meant a great deal to her, but her life’s true ministry took place through Facebook-it was her way of telling her story and making people laugh. Whether she was telling the tales of her kids and Mr. T or discussing the hard truths of life, death, and faith, her unmatchable humor and wisdom kept readers on their toes. She used each post as an outlet to encourage her friends, while also displaying Christ’s love for us. Even when she had hard days in her struggle with cancer, she was still writing, leaving behind statements like these that give us comfort today: “If I don’t make it through this, please don’t question why the miracle did not come. I have been living my miracle.” These posts, and the faith behind them, were a testimony to everyone she encountered.

On July 30, 1988, she married Curtis Tumbleson, also of Sikeston, who survives of the home. They had one son, one daughter-in-law, and one daughter: Spencer and Sarah Tumbleson, and Emily Tumbleson, all of Sikeston.

Other survivors include: one brother-in-law: Bert Perry of Sikeston; two nephews: Justin and Ryan Perry of Sikeston; two great nieces: Sophia and Madelyn Perry of Sikeston; two aunts and one uncle: Libby Norton of Sikeston, and Peggy and Cleo Beeson of Advance.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister: Michelle Perry.

She lived her life by 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. The new has come.” Knowing that she had a clean slate via Christ’s sacrifice propelled her daily life, while also giving her hope that she would reside in an eternal home someday. Teresa leaves behind many words and memories that will forever remain in our hearts. She is not gone for good but waits just inside the Eastern Gate over there.

Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Miner Baptist Church, where funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. under the direction of Ponder Funeral Home of Sikeston with Rev. Mitch Jackson of the Miner Baptist Church officiating.

A private interment will be held at a later date.

Pallbearers will be: Justin Perry, Ryan Perry, Spencer Tumbleson, Reese Beeson, Jim Kerber, and Dan Ahlfied.