Teressa Smallwood

Teressa Riley Smallwood transitioned on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, to be with the Lord. She was the anchor of her loving family, a devoted wife to Stephon Sr., a loving mother to son Stephon Jr., Suga Momma to Quinten and Dezzy, an aunt, cousin, and a dear friend to many. Teressa was born and raised in Beckley, WV, to the late Alonzo and Evelyn Riley on January 5, 1962. The ninth of 10 children, she was the baby of her family until her younger sister was born 10 years later. Teressa accepted the Lord at a young age and was baptized at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Carlisle, WV, under the leadership of Pastor John H. Brown. Teressa graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1980, where she played the French horn in the marching band and sang with the Concert Choir. After high school, she attended West Virginia Institute of Technology and graduated with a degree in Human Resources. It was there at West Virginia Tech where the love of music introduced her to her future, loving husband, Stephon. Together, they traveled across the state singing at many venues with the Show Choir (Tech Singers) and Gospel Choir. They also sang as a duo, serenading many with their rendition of “My Endless Love.” Together, they founded the United Heritage Organization. After graduation, Teressa married Stephon on July 27, 1985, in Norfolk, Virginia. The Smallwoods relocated to Northern Virginia, where they eventually purchased a house and made their own home in Manassas. Teressa filled their home with love and warmth. She always blessed those she cared for with spirited conversation and songs, and her soul-satisfying cooking. She loved baking and was well known for her award-winning cookies, banana pudding, and famous pound cake. On July 20, 1990, Teressa and Stephon were blessed with the birth of their much-cherished son, Stephon Jr., they affectionately called Stevie. Teressa was incredibly proud of Stevie every day of her life. She was proud that he graduated from Virginia State University and is working in a field where he has great passion. Then, in 2017, Teressa gained her “Daughter- in-Love” when Stevie married ReKeisha Green. She constantly begged them while she prayed for a grandchild. On October 28, 2020, God blessed their family with twins, Quinten Nathaniel and Desmond (Dezzy) Jamal. They became her purpose and focus for life as she cherished every moment with them. She enjoyed "spoiling" and genuinely loving them with every ounce of her being. Employed as a leave of absence administrative specialist at KG&P Strategies in Ashburn, VA, Teressa brought 30+ years of Human Resources experience to the company. She always enjoyed being a beacon of light to her co-workers and aiding them in stressful and difficult times with her humor, smile, and concern. She also worked as a secretary for the London Town Homeowners Association for over 30 years. While in Northern Virginia, she continued her Christian Walk at Mount Olive Baptist Church (MOBC) under the leadership of Pastor Eugene Johnson (retired) and current pastor, Jonathan T. G. Wilkins, Sr. Teressa was a faithful member and served for many years with the Voices of MOBC, Women’s, and Mass Choirs, and the Praise Team. She also faithfully served as a member of the Accounting Team for 25 years. Teressa was the nucleus and historian of their large family. She always knew what was happening with everyone, from the eldest to the youngest family member. Teressa was a listening ear, a comforting friend, a trusted secret-keeper, and a wealth of sound advice. She was a Godly woman with a keen sense of humor. She loved to cook for and entertain family and friends. Her hearty laugh, warm smile, and quick wit will be greatly missed. Her passing was unexpected and will be felt greatly by those who interacted with her. In addition to her parents, Alonzo and Evelyn Riley, Teressa was preceded in death by her brother, Charlie Riley, who died in infancy, brother-in-law Mark Smallwood, sister Verna Edd, sister-in-law Danielle Smallwood, and father-in-law Isaac Smallwood. Those left to share her monumental moments are her husband, Stephon, Sr., her son, Stephon, Jr., and daughter-in-love, ReKeisha; two grandsons, Quinten Nathaniel and Desmond Jamal; her mother-in-law, Helen Smallwood; her siblings, Pamela Pierce of Philadelphia, PA; Shirley Staunton (Phillip) of Jamaica, NY; Carolyn Wilborne (Kevin) of Nitro, WV; Andretta Word (Dana) of Cleveland, OH; Pastor Clifford R. Riley (Marsha) of Columbus, Ohio; Vera Lloyd (Elliott) of Stafford, VA; Pastor Lonnie L. Riley (Pastor Regina) of Fairmont, WV; Alicia Warren (Kenneth) of Canal Winchester, OH; Rachel Riley Lavelle (Daniel) of Pittsburgh, PA. Her brothers-in-law, Isaac Smallwood, Jr. (Barbara), Gabriel Smallwood, and Jonathan Smallwood; and a sister-in-law, Concetta “Connie” Herbert, all from Norfolk, VA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Teressa Smallwood

January 5, 1962 - August 7, 2024