Nona Mae Watts Teel peacefully passed away on September 30, 2023, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital, at the age of 80.
She was born on October 21, 1942, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, the daughter of the late William Edward and Alma Bagwell Watts.
Nona possessed an unwavering thirst for knowledge and obtained a bachelor's degree from Mississippi State University. Her education served as the foundation upon which she built her successful career and laid the groundwork for her continued personal growth.
She began her career as a medical technologist at what is now Baptist Hospital in Columbus, MS. She also taught science at Mt Pleasant Christian Academy before returning to her medical technologist career at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN. Nona later retired from the Jackson Clinic after moving to Jackson, TN. Her contributions to the field have left an indelible mark on the lives she encountered throughout her professional journey.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Nona found great joy in various hobbies and interests. An avid sports fan, she passionately cheered on the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the New York Yankees. While she herself never played tennis, Nona adored watching it in person or on television. She also treasured yearly trips with her sister and cousins, creating cherished memories that will be forever held dear. The fall season and Christmas were her favorite times of the year. She enjoyed collecting Nutcrackers and decorating for the holiday season. Nona and Carl reared their family in Mt. Pleasant, MS where they were members of Carey Chapel Baptist Church where Nona was an active member of the WMU and taught Sunday School. Nona and Carl also served at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Bethany Baptist Church in Potts Camp, MS, and Unity Baptist Church in Jacks Creek, TN. Upon moving to Jackson, TN Nona and Carl joined West Jackson Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the WMU. She also volunteered her time with Birth Choice of Jackson, TN
She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, above all else, family meant the world to Nona. She shared an unbreakable bond with her husband Carl Teel of Jackson, TN for fifty-nine years. Together they created a loving home that radiated warmth and unconditional love. Nona's sons, Jerome Teel and wife Jennifer of Jackson, TN, Alan Teel and wife Connie of Jackson, TN, and Patrick Teel and wife Cherylon of Nesbit, MS, were the pride and joy of her life. Her sister Fay Garner and husband Norris of Hot Springs, AR were always by her side, supporting her through thick and thin.
Nona's legacy extends through the generations she leaves behind. She was a doting grandmother to Brittney Churchill and husband Brandon, Trey Teel and wife Catherine, Matthew Teel and wife Madison, Gracie Teel, Allison Teel, Caroline Teel, Greg Teel, and Clark Teel. They brought immense joy to Nona's life and enriched every moment they spent together. Additionally, Palmer Churchill, Davis Teel, and Stella Churchill had the privilege of receiving Nona's love as great-grandchildren.
In honor of Nona Teel's incredible life journey, a visitation will be held at West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, TN on October 3rd from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Another visitation will take place on October 4th from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Carey Chapel Baptist Church in Red Banks, MS. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM at Carey Chapel Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers to serve will be Trey Teel, Matthew Teel, Greg Teel, Clark Teel, Vance Garner and Blair Godsey.
Nona's memory will continue to inspire us in the years to come. Let us remember her for the wisdom she imparted upon us all and the unwavering love she shared with those fortunate enough to have known her.
The family kindly requests donations be made in Nona's memory to West Jackson Baptist Church, 580 Oil Well Road, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at www.westjacksonbc.org or to Carey Chapel Baptist Church, 170 Carey Chapel Road, Red Banks, MS 38661 or to Birth Choice of Jackson, 391 Wallace Road, Jackson, TN 38305 or online at www.yourprivatechoice.net.
Please join us as we celebrate the extraordinary life of Nona Mae Teel and remember her for the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305
731.668.1111 arringtfuneraldirectors.com
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Tuesday, October 3, 2023
4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)
West Jackson Baptist Church
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Central time)
Carey Chapel Baptist Church
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Carey Chapel Baptist Church
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