Teresa Sifford

Margaret Theresa “Teresa” Sifford, 89, of Jonesboro, died Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her family.  She was born on May 3, 1931, in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Charles J. and Margaret Unzner. She had lived in Jonesboro since 1961.  Teresa was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, where she was the founder of the Blessed Sacrament Pre-School and Childcare Center.  Teresa was a graduate of Oklahoma University and taught school in Colorado before moving back to Oklahoma where she met Dewey on a blind date. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved cooking for family and friends and enjoyed trying new recipes. Eventually, she and Dewey joined friends in a monthly gourmet cooking club. Ballroom dancing was one of her hobbies for many years, dancing with her favorite dance partner, Dewey.  As an avid bridge player, she spent many hours conversing and playing cards with her friends.  She was very active in her community and served as a member of the St. Bernard’s Auxiliary and chaired the committee of St. Bernard’s Auxiliary volunteers at St. Bernard’s Village.  Teresa was very active in the Faculty Women’s Club at Arkansas State. She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Steven Charles Sifford; her brother, Charles Unzner; sisters, Marie Hillerman and Joan Luschen.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Dewey H. Sifford, of the home; sons, Mark Sifford, John Sifford (Jane) of Jonesboro; Charles Sifford (Susan) of Little Rock; Michael Sifford (Julie) of Jonesboro; daughters, Susan McDermott (Patrick) of Silver Spring, Maryland; Mary Calizzi (Peter) Magnolia, Texas; thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00, Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Alphonse Gollapalli officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are the St. Bernard’s Auxiliary.  Visitation will be from noon until 1:30 and the Rosary will start at 1:30, prior to the service.

For lasting memorials, please consider Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1107 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.  To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.