Teressa "Teri" M. Hughes

Teressa “Teri” M. Hughes, 71, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, surrounded by her family. A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Teri lived a life marked by her kindness, strength, and unwavering love for those around her.

She was born on October 18, 1952, in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Roy Earl and Fran Zimmerman. She spent her early childhood in Mendon, Massachusetts with her family until they moved to Punta Gorda, Florida in 1961. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1970 and made Punta Gorda her home for many years. While a young mother, she volunteered her time with the Pop Warner organization and enjoyed supporting her children in their numerous extracurricular activities. In 1989, she and her husband Tom moved their family to the Jacksonville area where she lived until her death. 

Teri is survived by her husband Thomas Patrick Hughes, Jr. She and Tom were married for 40 years and they enjoyed making memories with their blended family. She was a loving mother to Lori (Jamie), Trae (Stacy), Jason, Trevor (Heather), Adam (Sydney) and Trent (Caitlin). They will forever cherish the memories of her unconditional love and support. She was fondly referred to as “Dada” by Erika (Sean), Karly, Macy, Hunter, Jensen, Logun, Jaxton, Ally, Cutter, Camryn, Miley and her great-granddaughter Rae. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and teaching them different ways to express their creativity. Her siblings, Cherylann (Carl), Alan (Trista) and Michael remember her as a beloved sister who always stood by them through thick and thin. She was preceded in death by her brother Roy Earl Zimmerman III and her sister-in-law Kathy Zimmerman.

Teri's professional journey was as remarkable as her personal life. She and her husband dedicated many years building a successful business in Northeast Florida. Bartram Trail Surveying, Inc. was established in 1999 and for the last 25 years it has supported numerous youth sports programs in their community. Teri’s passion for her work was evident to all who knew her, and she was admired for her commitment and integrity.

Outside of her professional life, Teri was an avid seamstress and quilter. She loved nothing more than spending afternoons in her sewing room creating beautiful gifts for her friends and family. She traveled all over the southeast taking classes and learning new techniques. She enjoyed the precious family memories created every year during the family’s annual spring break trip to Disney – you weren’t allowed to come if you didn’t agree to wear the matching shirts made by Teri. Christmas was a treasured time for her and it brough her so much joy when the family would spend Christmas at their house each year.

Family was at the heart of Teri’s life. Her legacy is one of love, kindness, and strength. She leaves behind a family that adored her and friends who will miss her dearly. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Memorial services to celebrate Teri’s life will be held on September 7, 2024, at 10am at River Christian Church in Fleming Island and on September 13, 2024, at 11am at Sacred Heart Church in Punta Gorda. A celebration of her life will be held after both services. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Quigley House, a cause close to Teri's heart. You may donate using this link, or go to www.quigleyhouse.org, select donate from the top menu and then choose tribute gift. You will need to select an amount, submit and then select in memory of and put in Teri’s name.

Teri Hughes will be remembered for her generous heart, her unwavering love for her family, and her enduring spirit. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rest in peace, Teri. Your memory will forever be a blessing.