Friday, April 27, 2012

Teresa Jane

Teresa Jane Printup Putnam
July 31,1952 - April 26, 2012
Yesterday my BFF Teresa Jane died...after ten years of battling lung disease, Teresa Jane passed away peacefully in her own bed...at home.  My heart is broken into a million pieces.  40 years of friendship...This girl was the best friend anyone could have ever wished for.  We met while working at J.B. White's {now Dillard's} at the National Hills Shopping Center in Augusta, Georgia.  I was working in the Gift Wrap department and Miss Teresa was in Cosmetics.  While gossiping during a break {probably about some snooty girl}, we became  fast friends from Day 1.  Through the years, Teresa proved to be a loyal and trust-worthy friend, even during some of the lowest moments of my life.  She remained loyal to me even when I made terrible choices...she always had my back!!!

After I started my blog, Teresa would tease me and say "Oh your blog readers think you wear those prissy outfits everyday...Let me put some photos from my scrapbook of you on your blog...so your readers can see how you really dress!"  Whenever I would visit her, we would wear our stretchy pants for days on end...

In her memory, I'm proud to show y'all how we really dressed when I went to Georgia...stretchy pants!!!

Miss Janice and Teresa Jane...wearing our stretchy pants...at Teresa' s home in Augusta.

This is one of my favorites photos of young Miss Teresa Jane {on the left} with her beloved sistah Barbara {on the right}  Barbara loved her so much!

Teresa Jane's home in Evans, Georgia.   Even though she was very ill, she loved to shop online and decorate her home.  Y'all may remember in the past I have featured her guest bath with the black and white Hollywood movie star photos and also her gorgeous kitchen redo.  We were talking about a new valance for her kitchen window just this past weekend, even though she hadn't even been able to walk into her kitchen for a long time, but she still wanted it to be pretty.  She wanted black buffalo checks with roosters to coordinate with her MacKenzie-Childs accessories!

The men in Teresa Jane's life.  Her sweet boy Stoney and the love of her life, her husband J.D.  Bless J.D.'s heart, he so lovingly cared for her until the end!  My heart breaks for them both.


Teresa Jane's son Stoney will be married to Miss Sarah on Sunday, May 27, 2012.
Yesterday, on the day of her death, I received this precious card in the mail from Teresa Jane...

Even near the end of her life and barely able to hold the pen,  my friend  was thinking of me...thanking me for the flowers I sent her while she was in the hospital recently.  
With tears streaming down my face, I truly thank the Lord for my friendship with Teresa.  May she gaze upon the Lord face to face, and taste the blessedness of perfect rest.  May angels surround her and saints welcome her in peace.  Goodbye my friend...

57 comments:

Donna said...

What a loving tribute to a wonderful friend. You and she shared a marvelous relationship. Tears are welling up and I didn't even know her. Take care, Miss Janice.

Dee Stephens said...

Wow Janice.
My heart breaks for your loss so very much.
The only comforting thing you can think of is that she's not in pain anymore.
Cancer is an ugly thing and for anyone to suffer any longer than they have to is not something I wish on anyone.
So sad that she won't be around to see her son get married. I'm sure they'll have something special done in her honor.

Melissa Miller said...

I'm so sorry Miss Janice. She was a very sweet lady and had left me a few comments over the years. She will be missed.

Farrah said...

Okay, tears are streaming down my face, Miss J. You and her family have my prayers and deepest condolences! I'm sending you a big hug.

Farrah

Kristens Creations said...

I'm so sorry Miss Janice...sounds like you had a wonderful friendship. I know you will miss her so much. Sending my thoughts and prayers your way...Kristen

Bea said...

Sorry to hear about your loss, Miss Janice. What a blessing you received of such a good loyal friend. My heart goes to you and her family.

Anonymous said...

What wonderful memories. You will be able to keep her in your heart and mind and celebrate her love and friendship forever.

Gretchen

Sandra said...

So, so sorry Miss Janice. My heart hurts for you and her family. Your memories will give you comfort forever. XOXO

Miss Magnolia said...

How our hearts hurt when we lose someone so special in our lives. My God give you and her family strength as you lay your loved one to rest and may He wrap his loving arms around each of you as you live your life with her spirit in your hearts and precious memories of her lifetime.

JJ said...

Just a quick note to let you know that I am thinking about you at this time and will hold you, your family, and Teresa's family in my prayers. May you know peace. How blessed you were to have known such a wonderful friend.
Hugs to you.
JJ

Lori said...

I don't think anyone can read your post without shedding some tears. You two were more than just great friends. . .you were sisters of the heart. Sending prayers up for her family and you.

Lori S.

Unknown said...

Miss Janice--I have tears in my eyes. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a true testament of friendship and quite a tribute. May God wrap his arms around you and all who loved her.
~Laurie

DisneyCosmo said...

How lucky you both were to find each other. Friends like that are such treasures. I am so sorry for you and Teresa Jane's family.

Angela

A Texas Gal said...

I am so sorry for your loss and for her family and friends as well. I am sending you my thoughts and prayers.

JoJo Reilly said...

I am so sorry for you loss, Miss Janice. She seemed like an exceptional lady, my thoughts and prayers are with you and her family.

Kathie Truitt said...

Janice,

I went over to her husbands facebook page to leave a 'condolence' message (explaining to him that we were friends). I wanted to see photos so I could see them from his page..she was so very beautiful. But the thing that moved me the most? Her step-daughter had written a note on their to her Dad about how the best decision he ever made was to make this woman her stepmother. If you get a chance, please go read her note. It's just beautiful and such a wonderful, loving, tribute. Sending hugs to you, Miss Janice, from here in Virginia....

JulesTX said...

So very sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet friend. You and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

jeanie said...

Miss Janice,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around you and Teresa Jane's family and give you comfort and strength to get through the days ahead.

Jeanie

Preppy Pink Crocodile said...

Oh Miss Janice- I just read this update of yours on FB and had to rush over to tell you I am so sorry! Sending you love and hugs!

KK

Anastasia Schembri said...

My dearest Miss Janice,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Teresa Jane sounds like she was a wonderfully sweet soul and how lucky you both were to have spent so many years in each other's lives.
My heart aches for you today, will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
May she rest in peace.

Mona said...

A beautiful tribute to your beautiful friend. I'm sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and a hug Miss Janice.

Unknown said...

My heart is breaking for you and I offer my deepest condolences. You were both blessed to have shared a lifetime of friendship together. I'll be praying for you and her dear family. I hope and pray that y'all can find comfort in the Lord and each other and be able to celebrate the life, love and friendship you shared with such a special lady.

Barbara said...

Miss Janice,

Words cannot express my emotions after reading what you posted about my precious, darling sister, Teresa Jane. She was so much a part of me that I feel I have lost half of myself. You were always her dearest and closest friend, and it gave me great comfort in these last years of her illness that she had you in her life. What a blessing to have such a friend! Thank you, Miss Janice. From the bottom of my heart, thank you -- for loving my sister.

Teresa Jane's sister,
Miss Barbara

Her Preppiness said...

I am so very sorry.

Mrs. Kindergarten...aka...Madame Spoiled said...

My heart just aches for your loss. A true friend is irreplaceable. This tirbute to Teresa Jane was so very touching. I think you both were very blessed to have each other. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, all of you.

Love and Hugs,
Mrs. Kindergartene...aka...Madame Spoiled

Mocha Princess Aurora said...

I am so sorry for your loss! I'm sending Mocha Warm Fuzzies Your Way!

Fred Peters said...

Teresa and I worked together on the Butler High 30th reunion. When people walked into the ballroom it looked like a reunion thanks to Teresa's hard work. I will miss "Sister Teresa" very much.

Sonia said...

What a beautiful story you tell about your friend! She is beautiful!!! I'm so sorry for your loss...what a wonderful friendship you shared and I'm sure you have many lovely memories! Thanks for sharing...prayers and hugs to you!!
Miss Bloomers

Lisa said...

I'm so sorry, Miss janice. Teresa Jane sounds like a remarkable woman and a precious friend.

Sue said...

Miss Janice, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. What a wonderful, fun friend you had. Bless your heart. You are in my heart and prayers tonight.

AngelaV said...

I am so sorry. It's never easy to lose a loved one.

Preppy Girl Meets World said...

What a beautiful tribute. My heart is breaking for you and Teresa Jane's family.

May your happy memories with her comfort you at this time.

sle said...

Your friend sounds like a jewel! Thinking of you, Janice. I know you are thankful that she was your friend. May she rest in peace and grace.

linda said...

Oh my goodness. I am so sorry.
You and her family are in my thoughts and prayers today.
-linda,ny

My Cherie Amour said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. True friends are so hard to find these days. I recently lost someone very close to me and I know the hole in your heart that it leaves. Blessings to you!!!!!!

Tonya said...

So sorry, Miss Janice. Praying for you and for Teresa's family!

Tonya said...

So sorry, Miss Janice. Praying for you and for Teresa's family!

A Hint of Home said...

So sorry for your loss, Miss Janice. I've prayed for your dear friend.
Praying for you and her dear family.

ABC said...

What a beautiful tribute to a truly wonderful friend. Praying for you and all of those who love Miss Teresa Jane.

ABC said...

What a beautiful tribute to a truly wonderful friend. Praying for you and all those who love Teresa Jane.

Mary Beth said...

I am so sorry for you, Miss Janice. I hope that the memories of your lovely friendship will comfort and sustain you as you mourn your loss.

Thoughts and prayers to you and Teresa's family.

annie said...

A very loving tribute, Miss Janice.
I am so sorry for this loss.
May God comfort your heart and the hearts of her family.
Hugs...

Emelia DiCarlo said...

I am so sorry. May her Memory be Eternal. After a year of five family members we lost, most recently, my father, Thanksgiving, my heart breaks for you all too.God be with her and you.Prayers.

Rose said...

I'm so sorry Miss Janice. I will be praying for her family.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Miss Janice...I pray God surrounds you with comfort in your sadness and gives strength to your dear friends family and friends.

kjgatlin said...

Miss Janice,

I come to your blog often and I always love the way you encourage us women to be everything God meant for women to be--feminine, nestmakers, lovers of our husband and children, sassy, creative--so much more.
I am so very sorry about your friend. I have seen pictures of her home that you've shared and gifts she's given you that you use to look like the PERFECT hostess. You were blessed to have each other as friends. I'm sure you impacted her life just as much as she impacted yours.
May the God of all comfort bring you peace and healing as you rest in Him and adjust to life without Teresa Jane's presence. You well know she will always be there in memories and you can just imagine what she might be saying or doing. My heart reaches out to you in your grief.

For His eternal glory,
Jane Davis

Mimi said...

I'm so sorry to hear of Teresa Jane's passing. What a truly wonderful friendship you two shared and I know your heart is breaking just thinking of the empty days ahead without her. But please find comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering, is breathing so well again and is rejoicing in God's presence.

Deborah Montgomery said...

long time reader, but first time commenter. just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss.

WorthyStyle said...

I am so very, truly sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart breaks that Stoney's Mom will be watching his wedding from heaven. Sending lots of comfort to her family as well.

Glitterista said...

Miss Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. You and Teresa Jane's other friends and family will all be in my thoughts and prayers.

Kara said...

So sorry I missed your call, but you have been in my thoughts and prayers everyday and of course her family...

God Bless!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing your beautiful friendship.
Michele

Charlene@APinchofJoy said...

Precious friends leave such a hole in our lives with their passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings

Michelle said...

So very sad. I'm so sorry for your loss and for her family.

PoshMomma said...

So sorry. Wish I could hug you. Sending love.

Wifer said...

I am sending you the biggest hug possible. Praying for strength for you.

The Tuscan Home said...

I am so sorry, Miss Janice. My eyes filled with tears after reading your tribute to her. Prayers and BIG ((Hugs)) to you and her family. xoxo ~Liz