Teresa Michelle Bennett, 60, was a loving daughter, mother, and grandmother. She left us on December 18th, 2021 after an extended battle with cancer.

Teresa was born on May 13th, 1961 to Hilda and Edwin Bennett of White Sulphur Springs.

She graduated with a degree in education, which, coupled with her innate kindness and selflessness, allowed her to help countless children for the next 40 years. Always the biggest advocate for the underdog, Teresa was drawn to the at-risk and special needs among us, aiding those who needed it the most with the greatest fervor.

As a mother and friend, Teresa was always the first to congratulate or to console. Her enormous heart preceded her everywhere she went, and allowed her to make effortless friends, whether it was a smoke with strangers outside an event...or talking her way out of eating somebody's food off their plate whom she thought had abandoned it.

Always the individual, Teresa was a gallery of nail art, a curator of unique clothing, and at the bleeding edge of extremely curly hairstyles. When the SVELTE license plate pulled up to your home, you were in for a great conversation, a strong hug, and a movie night where she might ask questions about fundamental aspects of the movie that had been clearly established in the first few minutes.

While Teresa was a wonderful friend and supporter, she truly excelled as a grandmother. She had a gift for kindling the imagination and burning brightly through craft projects - and taking off just before those projects had to be cleaned up. Her big heart overflowed for her grandchildren, and NanNan leaves a gap that will be impossible to fill.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Bennett and ex-husband (but still constant companion), Milton Dean Serreno.

She is survived by her mother, Hilda Bennett; children, Ashley Vallandingham, Amanda Serreno, Austin Serreno, and Adam Smith; grandchildren, Tyler Meadows, Rei Vejnoska, and Camden Smith; brothers, Randy Bennett and Tim Bennett; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Teresa did not want a formal funeral - however she was never one to turn down a party. Therefore a celebration of her life will be held around the time of her birthday in May. Fuzzy boots and excellent rings will be key to the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, please consider continuing Teresa's work by donate to The Miracle Project. The Miracle Project provides fully inclusive theater, film, social skills, and expressive arts programs for individuals with autism and all abilities. themiracleproject.org/donate.

The Wallacee & Wallace Funeral Home handled the arrangements.