Theresa Elizabeth Jefferson

Theresa Elizabeth Jefferson, of Parrish, Florida, was born on September 1, 1976, to Thomas H. Thompson and Diane C. Lynch in Rockaway Park, New York, and peacefully passed away with her family at her side on September 23, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Florida, after a long but courageous fight against ALS.

She grew up in Valley Stream, Long Island, New York, graduating from Valley Stream South High School in 1994. After graduation, Theresa became interested in nursing and teaching, so she first became a “candy striper” hospital volunteer. However, she soon realized she couldn’t handle the sights and smells, and so she chose teaching instead. In 1999, she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from St. John’s University in Queens, New York, and a Master’s Degree in Reading in 2002. From 1999 to 2004, Theresa was a 3rd grade teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy in Woodhaven, New York. In 2004, she relocated to Parrish, Florida, with her former husband, Robert Taphouse, who preceded her in death. There, she began her 21-year journey with Rowlett Academy.

Theresa taught Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade at Rowlett Academy. Her students were her life and passion, and that passion extended beyond the classroom; she attended dance recitals, graduations, weddings, and even hosted end-of-year pool parties for her students and their parents every summer. As any of these parents will tell you, at the culmination of two years in Theresa’s classroom, it was an emotional time for them, Theresa, and her students as they moved on to the next grade and teacher. She loved every student as if they were her own and deeply cared about their success. Many of her students often returned years later to see her and remind her of the pivotal role she had played in their success. For Theresa, these tangible impacts and influences held great significance. Theresa indeed set the bar high as a teacher and will certainly leave a lasting legacy, inspiring others. Rowlett Academy also played an important role in Theresa’s life in 2017, when her husband, Steve, asked for her hand in marriage during their live morning news segment, surrounded by the school community she loved so deeply. Her boys Dylan and Brandon also attended Rowlett Academy from Kindergarten through 5th grade, allowing them to witness firsthand Theresa’s love and compassion for her school and students.

Theresa was always known for keeping her nails in sync with the seasons, classroom themes, and holidays, whether it was Fall, a bee theme, or Christmas – her nails consistently reflected these changes. Her favorite nail color, however, was turquoise. She also amassed a collection of Tervis and tumbler drink cups that matched any occasion, typically accompanied by iced coffee from Dunkin’ or Starbucks. She loved everything made by Rae Dunn, and loved shopping at stores such as Target, T.J. Maxx, and Five Below. She also loved eating at restaurants with her friends and family, such as First Watch and Cracker Barrel, and enjoyed her Sargento’s snacks, as well as anything chocolate – especially Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Kit Kats. She always liked to randomly pay someone’s bill at a restaurant as a nice gesture. Theresa’s favorite holiday was Christmas, and she thoroughly enjoyed decorating with her family as some of her favorite Christmas movies played in the background, such as National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Elf, and Home Alone. She also loved how her cat, Bentley, would lie under the Christmas tree after it was put up. She also loved traveling to new places with her family, as well as having date nights and anniversary celebrations with Steve. Theresa enjoyed visiting New York every summer with Steve and her boys. Theresa was beautiful and so full of life, which was taken too soon by a devastating disease, robbing her family and friends of a vibrant soul whose light shone wherever she was.

Theresa was preceded in death by former husband Robert “Rob” Taphouse; father, Thomas H. Thompson; paternal grandparents, Charles “Pop Pop Charlie” Thompson and Dorothy “Nana” Stelz; maternal grandparents, Thomas “Pop Pop” and Anita “Grandma” Lynch; paternal Uncles, Charles “Butch”, John, and Robert “Buddy” Thompson; and Aunts, Dorothy Wood and Gail Mongelli.

Theresa leaves behind her loving husband, Steven Jefferson of Parrish, Florida, and her twin sons, Dylan and Brandon Taphouse, also of Parrish, whose lives she shared with her late former husband, Robert “Rob” Taphouse; stepson Zachary Jefferson of Parrish, Florida, who affectionately called her “bonus mom”; and her mother, Diane Thompson of Parrish, Florida. She is also survived by her brother, Thomas D. Thompson and his wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson of Spotsylvania, Virginia, and their sons, Aidan and Tristen Thompson; her brother, Brian Thompson of Lindenhurst, New York, and his sons, Landon and Nathan Thompson; her Uncle Wesley “Wes” and Aunt Marlyn Thompson of Port Charlotte, Florida; her Uncle Kenneth “Kenny” Thompson of Port Charlotte, Florida; and her Aunt Betty and Uncle Dave Feddern of Breezy Point, New York. Theresa’s extended family includes numerous cousins and countless friends who were family to her in both childhood and adulthood. She also leaves behind her cherished cat, Bentley, whom she lovingly referred to as her “furry daughter.”

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the ALS Association at the following link: http://web.alsa.org/goto/TeamTJ2026 in honor of Theresa’s strength, spirit, and unwavering courage throughout her battle. Additionally, everyone is invited to join family and friends for the annual Walk to Defeat ALS event on April 11, 2026 at Payne Park in Sarasota, Florida, in memory of Theresa and her fight against ALS.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 18th, as an open house from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to come and go, sharing memories and refreshments in honor of Theresa’s life and legacy. The gathering will take place at Rowlett Academy’s Flynn Hall, located at 3500 9th Street East, Bradenton, Florida 34208.