In loving memory of Teresa Gay Pipkins, 61, of Columbus, Georgia, who passed away at her home on January 18, 2026, surrounded by her children after a courageous battle with cancer. She is now at peace in the arms of her Savior.
Teresa was born on April 18, 1964, in Columbus, Georgia, at The Medical Center (St. Francis Hospital), to Leroy Nelson Pipkins and Linda Gay Pipkins (Martin).
Teresa was preceded in death by her father, Leroy Nelson Pipkins, and her mother, Linda Gay Jones.
She is survived by her children: Donny (Jessica) Norman of Columbus, Georgia; Ashley (Chris) Williams of Atlantic, Iowa; and Amber Pipkins of Columbus, Georgia. She was a devoted grandmother to Emma, Kennedy, Finn, Brennan, Grayson, MacKenzie, Aaden, Kira, and Nathan Jr.
She is also survived by her stepfather, Ken Jones, and stepmother, Marie Walters; her brother, Les (Terese) Pipkins; her sister, Amanda (Brian) Dublin; stepsisters, Samantha Gay and Jennifer Story; cousins, Price (Michelle) Martin and Ashley (Jason) Ceravone; and her nieces and nephews: Rachel (Guil) Pipkins, Sydney Dublin, Annina Dublin, Riley (Caroline) Bailey, Michael Dublin, Thomas Dublin, and Sadie Dublin.
Teresa had a soft spot for her fur-children, treating each one as a valued member of the family. She would take home any animal she could and had a heart that overflowed with generosity. Even when she had little, she always found a way to help others. She was sensitive yet formidable, never tolerating disrespect and always standing firm in what she believed. The love she had for her children and grandchildren was unmatched.
She was passionate about her role as Assistant Manager at Wild Bill’s Jewelry and Pawn, where she worked for over 20 years. Teresa loved to prank her co-workers—really, she loved to prank everyone. No one was ever spared: not her children, grandchildren, pets, friends, or even the occasional customer. Her children have spent the past few days laughing about the jump scares they endured growing up, which have made them formidable pranksters themselves. Her jump-scare legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren.
Teresa’s final year was difficult, but her unwavering faith and love of God kept her spirit strong. One of her favorite scriptures was John 3:16:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
We rejoice knowing she is safe with her glorious Savior, clothed in Christ’s perfect righteousness, and has begun her eternal life in Heaven.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m., at Striffler-Hamby, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia, 31907. Interment will follow at Parkhill Cemetery, Memorial Mausoleum. Presiding over the funeral services is Pastor Leonard Akers from Local Church Canton, located in Canton Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local no-kill animal shelter or sent to the family to be given to a local no-kill animal shelter. Memorials may be sent to:
Ashley Williams, c/o Teresa Pipkins Memorial
1307 East 7th Street
Atlantic, Iowa 50022
