Teresa Jo Buck

Teresa Jo Buck, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed through Heaven’s gates on April 23, 2020. She was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on November 26, 1958 to Ydell and Billie Jo Buck. She was a lifelong member of Oaklawn Missionary Baptist Church.

She graduated from Hot Springs High School In 1977 and Arkansas State University in 1981 where she was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. She briefly pursued a teaching career before returning to school to become a registered nurse. She continued in nursing for the rest of her life working for local hospitals while completing a Master’s Degree in Health Administration.

She traveled extensively, but her first love was living the lake life. Always willing to host family and friends on her boat, she loved being on the lake alone or with the company of her fur babies. Her life of service was reflected in both her career and her passion for dogs. Even in her off hours she combined her desire to serve with her love of animals by visiting nursing homes with her dogs.

Retaining her love of sports throughout her life, Teresa played many team and individual sports. As quarterback, she led her sorority to intramural flag football championships two years in a row, and in 1993 she was an Arkansas Women’s Racquetball Champion. She transitioned to competitive pickleball in later years.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ydell Buck. Those left to cherish her memories are her mother, Billie Jo Buck, sister, Deborah Bryan (John), nephews, Spencer Bryan (Lacey), Stuart Bryan (Niki) and great niece and nephews, Blair, Brady, and Owen Bryan; aunts, Donna Burrow (Chuck) and Madge Nichols, and numerous cousins. She is also survived by the many friends who became her extended Hot Springs family. In particular, the very close friends who helped her navigate her final illness and last days, Karen King and Monica Hernandez.

A graveside service will be held at Resthaven Cemetery, Hwy. 8, Arkadelphia, Arkansas at 11:00 Monday, April 27, 2020.

A processsion to the cemetery will depart Gross Funeral Home at 10:00 Monday morning.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Teresa J. Buck Memorial Scholarship at National Park College at 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913, np.edu.com/give or to the food pantry at Oaklawn Missionary Baptist Church, 200 Oaklawn St., Hot Springs, AR 71913.

The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.