Teresa Joyner

Teresa Joyner, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Eau Claire, Michigan, with her loving family by her side. Born on April 6, 1960, in Morehouse, Missouri, Teresa crafted a life characterized by deep affection, boundless kindness, and unwavering dedication to her loved ones.

Teresa’s supreme joy was her role as a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her adoring mother, Erlinda (Zepeda) Gonzalez, and her cherished children: Ronald (Angela) Joyner, Tabitha (Paul) Jones, Sabrina (Chad Messenger) Yeager, and Teresa (Ovidio Rivas) Joyner. She was a proud grandmother to sixteen grandchildren — Brittany, Robert, Ronald Jr., Iker, Chloe, Angelo, Ian, Isabella, Cameron, Joshua, Paul Jr., Dominick, Xzavier, Shane, William, and Zoie — and a doting great-grandmother to Nancy, Eleanor, and baby Keen. Teresa also leaves behind her dear siblings: Joe Gonzalez, Cathy Armstrong, Victor Gonzalez Jr., Virginia Gonzalez, Dolores (Randy) Brower, Frank (Jane) Gonzalez, Rome (Sandi) Gonzalez, and Linda Ann (Dewayne) Moore. She was preceded in death by her father, Victor Gonzalez, her grandson Wayne, and her brother Raul Gonzalez.

Throughout her life, Teresa was a paragon of steadfast commitment and service in her career as a staff assistant at a university. Her heartwarming presence always brought a unique warmth to the campus and inspired many with her innate ability to make everyone feel valued. Colleagues and students alike will fondly remember Teresa for her caring nature and ready smile.

Her Christian faith was a guiding light, and she lived her beliefs through her actions, demonstrating compassion and kindness in every task she undertook. Teresa's life was underscored by an unshakeable positivity that endeared her to all who were fortunate enough to cross her path.

Teresa’s interests reflected her zest for life and love for her family. She was happiest when going to the movies, an activity where she could unwind and share moments of joy with those she held dear. Her passion for shopping online was matched only by the gratification she found in vesting time with her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy. Music was her solace, and her home was often filled with melodies that echoed her cheerful spirit.

Those who knew Teresa would unanimously use words such as "loving," "generous," and "kind" to describe her. She was a friend to many, known for her ready laughter, engaging conversations, and the remarkable ability to see the good in every situation. Teresa’s legacy is one of unconditional love, a life spent nurturing the bonds of family, and the many hearts she touched with her kindness.

Teresa Joyner lived a life of purpose and passion, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those she touched. Her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her. As we say farewell, we celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who was truly a gift to us all. Teresa’s memory will be eternally cherished, her stories retold with fondness, and her love felt always.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Teresa's memory to the family to help with funeral expenses.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowerman Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A public visitation will take place on Friday January 16 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Bowerman Funeral Home in Eau Claire, Michigan. A funeral service will be held the next day on Saturday January 17 at 11:00 AM at Bright Star Tabernacle in Eau Claire, Michigan. Following the service Teresa will be laid to rest at Shanghai Memorial Cemetery in Eau Claire, Michigan.