Kathleen Baker Tesh

While listening to Carrie Underwood singing, "Come Home Come Home", Kathleen Baker Tesh left her earthly body to be greeted by her heavenly Father on October 31, 2021. Outliving one brother and eight sisters; surviving breast cancer, she died at 96. She was born in Harnett County to Richard and Cora Baker.

After 31 years she retired from the Accounting Division at NC Revenue. She is predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Benjamin S. Tesh Sr.

She is survived by son, Ben Tesh Jr. (Jayne) of Raleigh and daughter, Kay Harton (Bob) of New Bern, three grandsons; Ben Tesh III (Katie) of Greensboro, Chris Harton (Britt) and Kasey Harton (Mary Beth) all from New Bern, along with three great grandchildren; Nora Tesh, Henry Tesh and Robbie Harton.

Before moving to New Bern in 2005 to be near her daughter, she resided in the same house in Northside Raleigh for 54 years. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church (Raleigh) but attended Garber United Methodist Church until her health declined.

Cooking and baking were a delight to her provided dad stayed out of the kitchen. When the youth at Garber did barbeque fundraising, they could count on her for cakes especially; lemon poppy seed. You could find her cutting and wrapping slices and on occasions joining the assembly line with the youth. Kathleen loved to shop but make sure you have plenty of time if you went along. She collected bells and anything with butterflies. At her death she had well over 300. Flowers brought a smile to her face especially; pansies and the azalea circle in her front yard. She enjoyed traveling with her daughter and son-in-law. The joy of her life was watchin her three grandsons grow into adult men and getting married. At 90 she was the flower girl for Chris and Britt's wedding.

She will be remembered for being a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, as well as, always having a listening ear to both youth and adults. Kathleen loved to talk and never met a stranger. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Cotten Funeral Home, visitation one hour prior. She will be laid to rest with her husband on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Raleigh Memorial Park Cemetery.

Flowers are appreciated but donations may be made in her honor to: Shriner's Children's Hospital, 950 W Faris Rd. Greenville, SC 29605.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Kathleen Tesh.

The next time you are walking and see a butterfly or look at a pansy, smile and think of Kathleen.