Teresa Watkins Ray, 62, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026.

Born on December 1, 1963, in Jackson, Mississippi, Teresa is the daughter of Cleo Watkins and the late Dan Watkins. She grew up with her roots deeply planted in both her family and her faith. These values would carry her throughout her lifetime. She graduated from Brandon High School in 1980 and would go on to live an exceptional life.

Teresa was devout in her faith to our Lord Jesus Christ her entire life. While not born into the apostolic faith, she found her church home in the Pentecostal tradition in 2011, and she was a member of Jesus Name Tabernacle and Parkway Church. She always served as an example of what it looks like to take a walk with Christ. Teresa’s love for her family was always abundantly clear. She loved to spend time with her children, Kristin and Jacob, as well her grandchildren, Autumn, Kodi, and Willow. Whether it was gathering at her home for a meal or going to the grocery store to explore, Teresa’s cup continuously overflowed by how proud and fulfilled her family made her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dan Watkins. She is survived by her mother, Cleo Watkins; her siblings, Jarrel Dwayne Watkins and Patricia Ann Keith; her children, Kristin Michelle Barnes and Jacob Erin Bankston; and her grandchildren, Autumn, Kodi, and Willow Barnes.

Visitation for Ms. Teresa will be held on Monday, February 9th at 10-11am at Freedom Pentecostal Church, with a funeral service commencing at 11 to be officiated by Bro. Jason Dillon. A graveside service will follow in the church cemetery. 

Serving as pallbearers will be: Jacob Bankston, Jason Morrison, Mark Leach, Mike Leach, Jarrel Watkins, and Tucker Coolman. 

Funeral services under direction of Ott and Lee Funeral Home of Brandon