Teresa, along with her mother and 2 sisters, moved to Houston in 1955 to be near her grandfather, aunts, and uncles. While in High School, she was babysitting for a couple and was asked by the husband if she would write to his brother, who was serving in the Army. She wrote to the soldier in France and started a friendship that developed into romance and ultimately marriage to her husband of 62 years, Ben Runnels.
Teresa was a veracious reader and for years would read a complete novel overnight. She loved murder mysteries and at last count, she had some 3,000 books in her possession and had given over 2,000 books to libraries. She was also a talented oil painter until she started developing arthritis in her hands and had to give it up. Teresa loved Christian music especially Southern Gospel. She also loved other music genres;
Cajun (Doug Kershaw), Rock (Rod Stewart) and Classical (Luciana Pavarotti and Andrea Boceli).
She never minced words and one always knew what she was thinking because she would tell you. She loved her family, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her 4-legged babies. Her very best friend for life was Jerrie Kay Lecompte, whom she met in school at the age of 13. Teresa was a lifelong Christian and a member of Onalaska First Baptist Church, Onalaska, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Tawanna McGrath and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her husband, Ben Runnels, 2 sons; Scott Runnels and Craig Runnels, 2 grandsons; Dustin (Taylor) Runnels and Jordan (Dianna) Runnels, 5 great grandchildren, sister; Deborah Lea, 2 special nieces (Tara Bowen & Heather Norris), nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A Visitation for Mrs. Runnels will be held at Pace Funeral Home in Livingston, Texas, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 5:00pm- 8:00pm.
A Celebration of Mrs. Runnels will be held at Onalaska First Baptist Church, 463 South FM 356, Onalaska, Texas, 77360, on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 10:00 am, with Rev. Don Wilkey officiating.
She will be laid to rest at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77038, on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 2:15 pm.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and nephews: Brent Bowen, Chad Norris, Hayden Norris, Eric Payne, Dustin Runnels and Jordan Runnels.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to: Onalaska First Baptist or SPCA Polk County, Livingston, Texas.
Condolences(5)
Wes Mccullers
Sherman, TX Thursday, February 8, 2024 Rest in peaceKen Hinson
Longview, TX Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Ben, so sorry to hear about Teresa. She is so kind and such a sweet compassionate lady. Julie and I are lifting you and your family up in our thoughts and prayers for God's comfort and peace today and in the days to come. Celebrate her life and cherish all of the precious memories you have shared. She will always hold a special place in your heart and thoughts. Remember you will see her again in Heaven. May God bless you and keep you.Our heartfelt condolences,
Ken and Julie
Phillip W. Terry
Phoenix, AZ Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Thinking of you alwaysPaula Brady
Sevierville, TN Tuesday, February 6, 2024 My sweet cousin Teresa so many childhood memories. You made the best tuna sandwiches. You will forever live in our hearts until we meet again. I still have the family tree book you made for everyone. It is still a prized possession. Memories of you only 18 years young and Ben as teenagers in love - Magical.62 year marriage is almost unheard of today-Inspirational Thank you for the love and memories
James Roberts
Edmond, OK Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Ben, I'm so sorry to have learned of Teresa's passing. Please know that Lisa and I will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.With our love and deepest sympathy,
James & Lisa Roberts