Mary Teresa Ware
September 25, 1958 — July 19, 2024
Mary Teresa Ware passed away on July 19, 2024 of an unexpected heart attack. She was 65.
Teresa lived her life in steadfast service of others. She was born to Bob and Peggy Ware in
Birmingham, Alabama on September 25, 1958 and was their first daughter after four sons (itself
an act of service). Teresa studied at Longwood College and earned her Master of Social Work
from Florida State University. She eventually settled in Jacksonville, Florida and was employed
by the US Navy. She served countless military families, first as a clinician and later as an
administrator who handled some of the Navy's most challenging counseling roles.
Teresa's family knew her as devoted, selfless, and always willing to help. She showed up to
relieve tired mothers, she stepped forward as the primary caregiver for her aging parents, and she
nurtured so many in their moments of need. We are immensely grateful for her grace and
constancy through both the happy days and the hard ones.
Teresa did not have her own children but was a bedrock of the village that raised her nieces and
nephew. She laughed at their knock-knock jokes (which weren't even funny the first time), she
proudly wore the shirts they made her (which were frightfully tacky every time), and she let them
stay up to watch for sea turtles and witness the beauty of the natural world. She listened to
them-really listened-with patience, encouragement, and unwavering love. Years later, they
would realize that this was her greatest gift. And when they had children of their own, Teresa
arrived at family gatherings with crayons and bubble wands. She was never too old or too serious
to get on the floor and play.
When she was not supporting her human companions, Teresa dedicated her time to animals. She
volunteered at the Jacksonville Zoo and delighted in projects like turning cardboard tubes into
edible toys for bonobos. She loved cats and adopted many throughout her life, finding a place in
her heart for even the grouchy ones (looking at you, Tigger). She couldn't bear the sight of
hungry strays and was known to keep a bag of kibble in her trunk just in case.
Teresa will be forever treasured by her surviving family, which includes her mother, six siblings
(Mike and wife Karen with daughters Naomi and Jessica, Steve and wife Helen with son
Stephen, David and wife Diana with daughter Vivica, Rita and husband Luther, Ellen, Margaret),
and many cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She did not like to be made a fuss over and
requested no memorial service, only that "anyone who wants to go out and celebrate should go
out and have a good time." We have chosen to honor Teresa by following her lead: by showing
up for someone, really listening, and extending a hand. We invite you to do the same if you feel
so moved. Teresa would be happy to know that even in death, she inspires compassion and
kindness.
Teresa lived her life in steadfast service of others. She was born to Bob and Peggy Ware in
Birmingham, Alabama on September 25, 1958 and was their first daughter after four sons (itself
an act of service). Teresa studied at Longwood College and earned her Master of Social Work
from Florida State University. She eventually settled in Jacksonville, Florida and was employed
by the US Navy. She served countless military families, first as a clinician and later as an
administrator who handled some of the Navy's most challenging counseling roles.
Teresa's family knew her as devoted, selfless, and always willing to help. She showed up to
relieve tired mothers, she stepped forward as the primary caregiver for her aging parents, and she
nurtured so many in their moments of need. We are immensely grateful for her grace and
constancy through both the happy days and the hard ones.
Teresa did not have her own children but was a bedrock of the village that raised her nieces and
nephew. She laughed at their knock-knock jokes (which weren't even funny the first time), she
proudly wore the shirts they made her (which were frightfully tacky every time), and she let them
stay up to watch for sea turtles and witness the beauty of the natural world. She listened to
them-really listened-with patience, encouragement, and unwavering love. Years later, they
would realize that this was her greatest gift. And when they had children of their own, Teresa
arrived at family gatherings with crayons and bubble wands. She was never too old or too serious
to get on the floor and play.
When she was not supporting her human companions, Teresa dedicated her time to animals. She
volunteered at the Jacksonville Zoo and delighted in projects like turning cardboard tubes into
edible toys for bonobos. She loved cats and adopted many throughout her life, finding a place in
her heart for even the grouchy ones (looking at you, Tigger). She couldn't bear the sight of
hungry strays and was known to keep a bag of kibble in her trunk just in case.
Teresa will be forever treasured by her surviving family, which includes her mother, six siblings
(Mike and wife Karen with daughters Naomi and Jessica, Steve and wife Helen with son
Stephen, David and wife Diana with daughter Vivica, Rita and husband Luther, Ellen, Margaret),
and many cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She did not like to be made a fuss over and
requested no memorial service, only that "anyone who wants to go out and celebrate should go
out and have a good time." We have chosen to honor Teresa by following her lead: by showing
up for someone, really listening, and extending a hand. We invite you to do the same if you feel
so moved. Teresa would be happy to know that even in death, she inspires compassion and
kindness.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Teresa Ware, please visit our flower store.