Teresa Lynn Barber

Teresa Lynn Barber, 62, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at her home with her family by her side. She was born on July 13, 1963, in Chattanooga, TN. Teresa grew up in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, and graduated from Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School in 1981. She lived most of her life in Chickamauga, GA, but spent the past few years living with family in East Ridge, TN.

Teresa dedicated many years of service to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, where she worked as a Corrections Officer before retiring. She was known for her dedication, loyalty, and caring nature, both in her career and personal life.

Teresa was happiest when surrounded by family and friends and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved spontaneous road trips, thrift store shopping, and yard sales. She was also an avid fan of television shows and movies, especially NCIS, The Rookie, Criminal Minds, and Castle. Teresa was also a devoted supporter of President Donald Trump.

Teresa’s laughter, personality, and love for those around her made every gathering brighter. She will be deeply missed for her contagious smile and sense of humor. Family meant everything to her, and she dearly loved her grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them.

Teresa was preceded in death by her Granddaughter Kaylee Barber; her parents, Thomas and Wanda Gaddis; her paternal grandparents, Betty and Alfred Gaddis; her maternal grandparents, Anna and Ozie Ostrum; her aunts and uncles, Lorene and Jim Newman, and Louise and Thomas Ostrum; and her brother-in-law, Andy Harris.

Teresa is survived by her grandchildren; her brother, Kenny Gaddis (Buffy); her sisters, Cynthia Williams (Michael), DeAnna Douglass, and Michelle Fletcher (Travis); and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Tennessee Oncology, Dr. Frank Kimsey and staff, and Gentiva Hospice for the care, compassion, love, and support shown during such a difficult time.

A special thank you goes out to all the men of the East Ridge Fire Department for your help, love, and support over the past year. We do not know how we would have made it through this without each of you.

There will be no formal services or visitation.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Teresa with her family at http://www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with her arrangements.