Teresa Hull Jones Smith

Renowned singer and beloved music and vocal instructor of 50 years, Teresa Jones Smith, age 74, left this world too soon on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

Teresa was born to Carl and Grace Jones on July 9, 1948, in Greenville, TN. Her passion for music began at an early age and bled into the hearts of all her students and loved ones. An extraordinary singer and multi-instrument musician, Teresa's profession was both to perform the music she loved, as well as instruct and craft the art of music with her students, through voice, piano and guitar.

Many of her students have excelled as top performers in their music vocations and professions, the list including country music stars, Grammy-award winning artists, TV and movie actors, Broadway actors and opera singers. Her pride and joy were in the success and individuality of these students.

Teresa was a constant encourager, a great listener, and a friend to all. She was intentional, supportive, and compassionate. Though there are many other attributes that depict who she was, Teresa is most remembered for her kindness, gentleness, tender heart, and zeal for music. Those who knew her best say, “Teresa was a bright light in this world that people were automatically drawn to.”

Teresa loved photography - doing photo shoots for her students and family, singing for the “Caravan of Stars” concerts with her daughter Lalania and brother Carl, traveling to watch her students perform on stages across the U.S., and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Her life was filled with love and laughter, and she treated everyone like family. Friends and family will agree that their lives were enriched because of her presence. Teresa was an inspiration and has left a legacy with us all.

Teresa is loved and survived by her husband, Dr. Charles Smith; daughter, Lalania Vaughn (Cary); son, Matthew Goodman; stepson, Greg Smith (Kim); stepdaughter, Jenji Rogers (Jeff); brother, Carl F. Jones III (Angel); three granddaughters, Logan Vaughn, Lexi Goodman, and Courtney Cassady (Austin); four grandsons, Colton Vaughn (Ashley), Curtis Saylor, Nick Smith, and Joseph Rogers, as well as two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, father, and her daughter, Bethany Noel.

SERVICES: The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the University of Memphis at Lambuth Chapel, 705 Lambuth Blvd., Jackson, TN. The burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens.

The family will be receiving friends on Sunday, November 27, 2022, from 11:30- a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the University of Memphis at Lambuth Chapel.

The family is requesting that memorial contributions be directed to the Music Department of the University of Memphis at Lambuth, 705 Lambuth Blvd., Jackson, TN  38305 or online at www.memphis.edu>lambuth . Along with your donation, please notate for the music department at the Lambuth Campus.