The community is mourning the loss of Teresa West Smith, who passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the age of 53. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and woman of faith, Teresa leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and unwavering dedication to others.
For nearly three decades, Teresa served as both an employee and professor at Walters State Community College, where she spent 29 years helping shape the lives of students and colleagues. Her commitment to education extended far beyond the classroom, as she became known for her encouragement, mentorship, and genuine care for those she taught and worked alongside.
Teresa was also a faithful member of Hillcrest Baptist Church for more than 20 years. Together with her husband, Hank, she devoted the last five years of her life to ministering to college students, treating them with the same love and support she showed her own family. Her servant-hearted approach to ministry touched countless lives and reflected the deep faith that guided her daily life.
In 2016, Teresa was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, a challenge she faced with remarkable courage and grace. In August 2025, she publicly shared her need for a kidney transplant, receiving an overwhelming outpouring of support from friends, family, students, church members, and strangers moved by her story. Though she never knew the exact number of individuals who contacted donor services on her behalf, she remained deeply humbled and grateful for the compassion shown to her throughout her journey.
Those who knew Teresa describe her as someone who consistently placed the needs of others before her own. Whether helping a student, supporting a friend, serving her church, or caring for her family, she approached every responsibility with kindness, humility, and love. Her positive spirit and steadfast faith inspired everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Frank and Eva West, and her father-in-law, Carl Smith.
She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Hank Smith; her sons, Casey Smith and wife Moriah, and Aaron Smith and fiancée Abbey Butler; and her cherished granddaughters, Adley and Hallie. She is also survived by her brothers, Sammy West and wife Fleeta, Mike West and wife Marsha, and Terry West; her brother-in-law Chuck Smith and Teresa Murph Smith; her niece Christina West; and her special cousin Donna Calfee and husband Don.
Family, friends, colleagues, students, and fellow church members will remember Teresa for her generosity, unwavering faith, and the countless lives she touched through her work and ministry. Her influence will continue to be felt through the many people she encouraged, taught, and loved throughout her life.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church, followed by funeral services. A graveside service will take place on Saturday, June 6, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Cemetery.
As loved ones gather to celebrate her life, they will remember a woman whose faith never wavered and whose favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”—served as a guiding principle throughout her life.
Teresa West Smith will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered for her faith, service, and the extraordinary impact she made on her family, church, students, and community. Her legacy of love and devotion will endure for generations to come.
