Teresa James

Teresa James -Kurly

“Rita”

December 15, 1958-September 29, 2025

Teresa was born December 15, 1958 in Chicago IL. to Ernest James and Rosie Lee James who preceded her in death. She was the eighth child of ten children. Her sisters Renee Myrick, Linda Grace and Dinell Grace-Williams preceded her in death as well as her brother William Grace Jr.

Teresa graduated from Englewood High School and later attended and graduated from Kennedy-King College, receiving her associates degree. Teresa worked as a bus aide and teachers aide, most of her career in Chicago and Bloomington Indiana. She also worked in a shelter helping and assisting the homeless.

Teresa was a believer in Christ Jesus and was baptized in the name of Jesus. She was a long-faithful member of the Apostolic Church of Deliverance in Chicago under the leadership of pastor Deborah Reed. She served in the church's outreach ministries, feeding the hungry and homeless. She was also a part of the evangelism team.

Teresa met, fell in love with and married Joe Kurly (Preceded her in death) in Bloomington Indiana.

Teresa’s favorite things to do were to go out shopping, eating and reading. She was in tune with her appearance and self care. She was a snazzy kind of lady. She had champagne taste and a good eye for fashion. She enjoyed reading and learning new things. She also enjoyed cooking and trying an array of seasonings. What she liked the most was spending time at family gatherings eating and talking with her children, grandchildren, great grandsons and her siblings whom she loved with all of her heart.

On Monday 29, 2025 Teresa transitioned to be with her heavenly Father. She leaves behind her Loving Daughters LaRecia ‘ReRe’ James-Ziegler, Audrey James (Leon Jr) and Sade’ James. Grandchildren, Destiny, Dominique, Tyree, Patrick Jr ‘PJ’. Prestin, Prince Pierre, Sierra ‘Cece’, Aureon, Leon III ‘Ja-man’. Trevon, Dwayne Jr. ‘Lil Wayne’, Lovette, DeNasje’. Her great-grandchildren, Liam and Khalil: her siblings Terry (Katie), Jerry, Rose ‘Dill’ Anthony (Ingar), Kevin ‘Kip’: Childhood friends Gary Tucker and Pamela Hughes.

She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

John 14:1-3

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God: believe also in me. My father’s house has many rooms: I am going there to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me. That you also may be where I am.

Poem: “Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep”

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush.

I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there, I did not die.

By: Mary Elizabeth Frye

Acknowledgement

The family of Teresa James - Kurly would like to thank all friends and family for your love, support and well wishes. May God’s face shine upon you and may he grant you peace, be blessed.

Memorial service and Repass will be held at:

Event Space: on Saturday October 18, 2025, at 3p.m.

1260 W. 103rd St

Chicago, Il.

Parking in the rear