Mary Teresa (Terri) Wester passed away peacefully from cancer on June 12, 2023, in hospice care. She was surrounded by her loving husband of 35 years and her immediate family. She was born December 6, 1959 in Jacksonville, Florida and grew up in the Mandarin area.
Terri graduated from Stetson University with a bachelor’s degree in music. In 1984, she received master’s degrees in music education and in choral conducting from Florida State University.
Terri worked in the Duval County Schools for 35 years. She was instrumental in establishing the elementary magnet music program at Pine Forest School of the Arts. She taught general music education classes and chorus, with some of her students selected for All State.
A talented musician, Terri served as an accompanist to local churches during her teenage years. She continued as an accompanist/organist and/or choir director during college and throughout her adult life, most recently as accompanist at Mandarin Presbyterian Church.
Terri was passionate about her family, friends and her cats. She loved her students and choir members and worked to bring out their talents. She enjoyed her garden and watching her flowers grow.
Terri was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Evelyn Wester. She is survived by husband Michael Goldsberry, sons Ben Goldsberry (Candace) of Austin, Texas and Brian Goldsberry (Karalynn) of Jacksonville, sister Lyn Snyder (Doug), brothers- in-law Gary Goldsberry (Sue) and Jimmy Goldsberry (Sandy), nephews Gregory Snyder and Zachary Goldsberry, and nieces Samantha and Maggie Goldsberry.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with a Celebration of Life Service following at 12:00 PM, at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223, followed by a reception at 1:00 PM. The service will be officiated by Bill Vasko
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Music Ministry at Mandarin Presbyterian Church, 11844 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223 or the American Cancer Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Wester family.
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