Teresa Alfonso Barrios

Teresa "Wita" Alfonso Barrios 85, passed away peacefully December 22, 2017 with her family by her side. She is survived by her loving family; son John "ThaTha" Barrios and daughter-in-law Arlene Barrios and daughter Laura "Mamita" Perkins and son-in-law Ervin Perkins, and 5 grandchildren - Jade (Eric) Gilmore, Ryan Garand, Sienna Barrios, Tessa (Justin) Beaver and Christian Garcia, and 3 great grandchildren - Nevaeh Garand, Ryan Garand jr. and Mayla Gilmore, and sister Gloria Romano and brother Manuel Alfonso, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Teresa was preceded in death by her husband Leonildo "Johnny" Barrios, parents Pedro and Irene Alfonso, brothers Tony Alfonso and Peter Alfonso, sisters Josephine Alfonso, Carmen Zambrano and Melba Rojas.

"Teresita" was the youngest of 7 children born to Irene and Pedro Alfonso. She lost her Mother at a very early age and was raised by her Father and older siblings in Ybor City during the Great Depression. Even though times were tough in those early days, she loved her family very much, especially sisters Gloria, Melba and Carmen. The sisters raised their families together and remained very close throughout their lives.

Teresa attended Phillip Shore Elementary and George Washington Junior High School, and was allegedly the star performer in several school productions, e.g. Pocahontas and the Mayflower. This love for the theatrical arts led to a lifelong love for film and movies, especially mystery and horror films. There wasn't a whodunnit she couldn't figure out or a horror film she could pass up, and her movie collection contains some of her favorite classics - the Wolfman and Dracula. In addition to movies, Teresa loved music very much and would spend many hours listening to Latin classical ballads and instrumentals late into the night.

At the very young age of 16, Teresa was courted by the older and mature Merchant Marine Leonildo "Johnny" Barrios. They wed on December 3, 1949, lived and raised 2 children in West Tampa and remained happily married until Johnny's death in 1985. Teresa remained in West Tampa the rest of her days but always considered herself an Ybor City girl.

Teresa was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and aunt who loved her family more than anything. She was a very generous person, always giving of herself and sparing no expense to make sure her children and loved ones had everything they needed plus more. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed celebrating important accomplishments and major milestones in each person's life. Teresa was always there for everyone and enjoyed sharing her home and cooking her famous black beans, spaghetti and meat balls and many more delicious dishes for family and loved ones.

We miss you and will always love you forever....Rest in Peace.