Teresa Diane Channell DeVore

On Sunday, June 18, 2017, Father's Day, Teresa Diane Channell DeVore peacefully entered the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. Teresa was given a beautiful gift of writing poetry and in her own words she described her longing and excitement to meet her Savior, Jesus, someday. "You paid the debt, the full debt that imprisoned me. Now I am free and one day will be living in Heaven eternally". Teresa is now in the eternal presence of her creator, the One who breathed life into her and created her with compassion, selflessness, creativity and a genuine love for others. Her Christ-like qualities shone brightly and were exemplified with her joyous spirit and infectious laugh.

Teresa was born December 17, 1957, in Ashland, Ohio, to Russell L. Channell and Barbara A. (Hockett) Channell. She graduated summa cum laude from Ashland College and Ashland Theological Seminary receiving her Master degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. Her job at Samaritan House allowed her to help heal those most in need. She was a member of Grace Fellowship Church, Mansfield. She was an active member of United Way, Associated Charities, the Salvation Army and Good News Club. Her giving spirit and desire to share her love of the Lord was evident in every aspect of her life. Spending time with her family was most important to her and she especially enjoyed the company of her grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Teresa is survived by her parents, Russell and Barbara Channell of Ashland; two sons, Jon (Heidi) Bright of Wadsworth, OH and Anthony (Christal) DeVore of Jacksonville, FL: four grandchildren, Kyle and Logan Bright, Theya DeVore and Nathaniel Morales; three brothers, Alan (Sharon) Channell of AL, Garry Channell of AZ, and Jeffery (Melissa) Channell of Plymouth, OH; three nieces, Stacy (Earl) Lamb, Erika (James) Zirkle and Andrea (Josh) Kirk; a nephew, Zachary (Larissa) Channell; and great-nieces and nephews, Magan Lamb, Gabriel and Melody Zirkle, Evelyn Kirk and one great-niece expected in July.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Thomas J. and Annie Mae Jenkins; paternal grandparents, Clarence and Annas Channell; and an aunt, Betty Frazier.

The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue. The funeral service conducted by Pastor Michael Decker will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 1:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest in Chestnut Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions honoring the memory of Teresa may be made to the United Way or Gideons International.