Teresa Dawn "Teri" Hatley

On the morning of January 22, 2025, with the earth blanketed with a beautiful layer of pure white snow, Teresa Dawn (Teri) Hatley died, leaving the earthly vessel of her battle-weary body behind. She was 70 years old. Teri was born March 20,1954 in Silver Spring, Maryland to Rev. Harold Rex Hatley and Evelyn Rebecca Ball Hatley.

In her younger years Teri helped raise Andrew Hall, John Hall, and Cynthia Hall serving as their beloved second mother with her then partner, Farris Allread. Teri later moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she was active in the Metropolitan Community Church, which was among the first to be fully affirming of the LGBTQIA community. Teri studied at Emmaus Bible Institute and was ordained within the MCC. After moving to Macon, she briefly co-pastored an MCC congregation.

Teri’s faith and the sense of community it provided was essential in Teri’s life. An active member of Centenary UMC, her welcoming personality helped open the door for many new members during the revitalization of the church in the mid 2000’s. With her gift of hospitality for all, Teri embodied the “All means All. Really” spirit of the church.

As a passionate activist she worked quietly, often behind the scenes, to live into her baptismal commitment to "resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves." She pioneered early efforts to initiate Pride events in Macon several years before its current iteration and continued to provide support and leadership championing the rights and inclusion of all.

Through her unique perspective, she utilized her art as a source of joy, meditation, and activism. She taught art classes within and beyond the church inspiring others to tap into their own creativity.

Teri retired from her position as a cashier at Publix to devote her time to helping others and traveling to Georgia’s many state parks where she loved to camp and explore. While at Publix it was not at all unusual to see a long line at her “station” while others were completely open. Her customers became her friends who shopped for groceries but went home with a word of encouragement and the smile she always shared.

Her family and friends wish to extend their profound gratitude to all those who cared for her in recent months, as she battled cancer and multiple complications. Our deepest appreciation goes out to the extraordinary nurses and staff of the Albert L. “Buddy” Luce Heart Center for their compassionate and skillful care during Teri’s final days.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00pm at Centenary UMC, 1290 College St. Macon, Georgia. Rev. Sara Pugh Montgomery will officiate. A reception will be held following the service in the Round Room adjacent to the sanctuary. Donations in memory of Teri may be made to Centenary UMC or to the donor’s charity of choice.

Sardis-Heard Funerals and Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements