Teresa Burnett James

Teresa was an amazingly generous and loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, and friend. To say she lived her life to the fullest is an understatement. After she was physically unable to travel on her own, she became an active and beloved part of the Memphis Jewish Home community. Teresa was a lifelong giver of herself. For over 30 years, she worked with wounded veterans at the Memphis VA Medical Center as a neurology technician. She was patriotic to her core and felt proud to serve those who served. She retired in 2018, but during her time at the VA she established lifelong friendships and bonds with her colleagues. She was generous with her time and love.

Teresa was very much loved by her grandchildren, Yates, 6, and Celeste, 3, who know her only as their “Gigi.” She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, and her warm personality and sunny demeanor will live on in the hearts and memories of her many, many family and friends.

When you miss her, take comfort in the sunset, gaze at the stars, and marvel at the moon. You can feel her presence at a Blue Angels air show -- always one of her favorites. If you’re sad, she’d want you to savor your favorite sweet treat and enjoy some coffee in the sunshine. Look for her at the beach, with the sand between your toes, in the Cardinal at your doorstep, or the beautiful Tulip Poplar outside your window. She’ll be at every holiday festivity and in every shade of gold and auburn as the leaves change colors in autumn.

She is survived by her daughter, Hayley James Day of Raleigh, NC, her sister, Toni Burnett Fisackerly and nephews Brent and Kirk Fisackerly, all three of Bartlett. She was a lifelong Memphian, and her city will be a little worse off without her wonderful smile and unmistakable laugh. We’ll miss you, Gigi.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13 followed by funeral service at 10 a.m. at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N Germantown Pkwy, Bartlett, TN 38133. Following the service, please join us for a celebration of Teresa’s life at The Memphis Jewish Home at 1 p.m. Memphis Jewish Home is located at 36 Bazeberry Rd, Cordova, TN 38018.