Grissom-Clark Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA

Obituary For Mrs. Theresa M. Baptiste

Theresa Juanita Mellieon was born on September 20, 1939 to Susie Andrews and John Mellieon in Plaquemine County, Louisiana. On December 12, 1939, Theresa was baptized at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Baton Rouge, LA in accordance to the rite of the Roman Catholic Church. At an early age, Theresa relocated to New York City with her parents and siblings when her father secured work with the railroad.

Growing up during this era was challenging, yet Theresa developed into a beautiful, intelligent and strong willed young woman. Upon finishing high school, she attended Brooklyn College where she obtained a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, she was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Omicron Chapter. As a professional, Theresa worked in the insurance industry for 29 years and later transitioned into the health care arena prior to her retirement.

On December 6, 1978, Theresa married Kelshall “Kelly” Baptiste. Married for 38 years, one son was born from this union: Michael Kelshall Baptiste. Theresa appreciated many hobbies and avocations. She loved to dance, cook and travel. She was a movie enthusiast and enjoyed staying up to date with the news and current events. She was a history buff. As a spectator as well as a participant, Theresa enjoyed sports; she was once on a swimming team and was an active member of a bowling league. Sharing her love of the theatre and the beach with Michael, she found pleasure in going to shows in Manhattan; at Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden or enjoying the cool ocean breeze at Coney Island, Riis Beach and Far Rockaway Beach.

In August 1988, the Baptiste Family relocated from Brooklyn, NY to Decatur, Georgia where Theresa resided until her passing. In this new community, she participated as a team mom for Michael’s Little League team and often served as a voting official during state and national elections. Most significantly, Theresa was passionate about her relationships with family and friends. Birthday celebrations were important to her and visiting and staying in contact with others was part of her regular routine. Those who love her knew her to be a most loving, bright and generous individual with a very warm and friendly disposition, even while preserving through adversities. The addition of a precious daughter-in-law and subsequently two grandchildren to her family made her life complete and added immense joy to her later years.

On Friday, June 9, 2017, Theresa went home to rest with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers: Enoch Smith, Alfred Smith, Milton Smith Jr., Tyrone Mellieon and Carver Mellieon. Left behind to cherish her memory are her husband, Kelly; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Tameka Baptiste (Charlotte, NC); her grandson and granddaughter, Taurence and Monét Baptiste (Charlotte, NC); her sister, Mildred Smith Joda (Centennial, CO); her niece, Kateri (Dwayne) Williams (Centennial, CO) along with a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and beloved friends. Theresa was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

Guest Book

We went to dialysis together. She had a great personality. I'll miss her

- Dorothy WheelerWheelerWe

You have my deepest condolences. May the love of family, friends, and Almighty God comfort you during your time of grief and afterward. (Ps. 83:18; Isa. 41:10) May the hope of a resurrection on a restored earth bring you peace. (Acts 24:15; Psalm 37:11, 29)

- P. Henderson

We were so sorry to hear about Ms. Theresa Baptiste passing. She worked diligently for many years with us as an Express Poll Clerk at the McWilliams Polling Precinct at Ousley United Methodist Church. We pray that God's continued strength and guidance be yours during this very difficult time. Emma Smith Mincey

- Emma Smith Mincey

"And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing." (1 Corinthians 15:26) God promises that he will soon wipe away and reverse the effects of this enemy that causes so much pain. Your precious Mrs Baptiste will be brought back to you and you will never have to experience the pain of losing her ever again. This is a promise from God! (Isaiah 33:24; Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 21:4,5) Jw.org

- Natalie

My deepest regrets and sympathy go out to the family of Theresa!

- David Clarke