Theresa Sibley

Obituary For Theresa Sibley

Theresa Sibley

Theresa Glendale Faith Higgs Sibley was born August 12, 1967, in Greenville, NC. She was the Criminal Court Appeals Clerk and supervisor for Fourth Circuit Court for 22 years, and 10 months. Historically making her mark, she was the first and presently the only African American female to hold this position within Knox County courts. On December 7, 1996, she married the love of her life Craig Sibley. They raised three wonderful sons, Rande, Devin and Quincey.

Theresa was a woman of God above all. She was fierce about her family – first and foremost her husband and sons – her siblings, and the entirety of her loved ones. If there was a family vacation/function to plan, She was at the head of those preparations, always. She was passionate about sports (a sports Mom for sure!). Mrs. Sibley was a professional in every facet of her life and carried a graceful aura that demanded respect, and edified class.

Theresa departed this life on February 6, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her mother, Addie Leona McCarter Higgs; father, William Henry Higgs; mother-in-law, Sophronia Barnes Carraway; sisters: Yvonne Higgs, Addie Elizabeth Higgs Arnold, Bulinda Kay Higgs (Tiny), Becky Mitchell, Wanda Higgs Lang, Violet Higgs Best; and brothers: William Higgs, James Curley Higgs, Kelly Steven Higgs (Steve), Dennis Angelo Higgs (Jody), Johnny McCarter (June), and Johnny McCarter (Bruh).

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband Craig Sibley; her three sons: Rande, Devin and Quincey; goddaughters: Angela Higgs and Genesis Sheppard; father-in-law, John Sibley; grandchildren: Aiden Christian Sibley, Isis Emory Sibley, Brody Connor York, Lyric Brajae Sibley, and Taytum Faith Sibley; sisters: Tammy Sheppard (Thomas Sheppard – (JT)), Deborah Higgs, Shelia Mitchell Taylor, Anne Fields (Oscar Field), Evelyn Dean Jenkins, Vernell McCarter Robinson, and Jennie Payton; brothers: Phillip Higgs and Victor Higgs; siblings-in-law: Lawrence Robinson, Debra Dyson, Cassandra Robertson, and Michelle Sibley Johnson; uncles/aunts-in-law: William (Shirley) Sibley [Dallas, TX], James (Bobbie) Sibley [Conroe, TX], Matalyn (Jack) Sibley-Gay [Beaumont, TX], Waymon (Jacquelyn) Sibley [Lake Charles, LA]; and a host of very close nieces, nephews and cousins to cherish her remembrance.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 12-1:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life Service to begin at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2714 Brooks Ave. Knoxville, TN where Reverend Renee Kesler will be officiating and Dr. Johnnie W. Skinner, Sr will be the Eulogist.

The final resting place will be held at the Mt. Olive Cemetery immediately following the service. A dove release will conclude in her honor.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Unity Mortuary. www.unitymortuary1979.com

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