Mrs. Teresa McGlothlin Nelson, 66, of Altona, Illinois, made her way to her forever home with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 4, 2026.
Teresa passed away peacefully with her beloved husband and soulmate, Jeffrey Nelson, by her side, holding her hand.
She was born on May 23, 1960, in Pocahontas, Arkansas, to James W. McGlothlin and Diana Brownswell McGlothlin. Teresa spent much of her younger years in Abingdon, Illinois, where she raised her two daughters, Mandy and Misty. During this time, she earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Marketing/Mid-Management from Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois.
Teresa was a diligent and dedicated worker throughout her life. She spent approximately fifteen years employed with Butler Manufacturing before beginning a career with John Deere, where she worked for sixteen plus years as a CNC Machinist before retiring on.
Teresa married Jeffrey Nelson on September 4, 1998, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altona, Illinois. Together, they spent 28 beautiful years building a life filled with love, family, and countless cherished memories.
Teresa is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Nelson; her daughters, Mandy Bailey and Misty (Eric) Tomlinson; her grandchildren, Briana (Dustin) Blake, Douglas (Eleana) Bailey, Keagan Tomlinson, Davian Bailey, Tamara Bailey, and Camden Tomlinson; and her great-grandson, Mason Blake. She is also survived by her sisters, Shari (Phil) Naugle and Patty (Danny) Smith, along with several nieces and nephews.
Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, James W. and Diana McGlothlin; her grandmother, M. Opal Rice; her brother, James A. McGlothlin; her sister, Melanie Gray; and her dear friend, Lisa.
Teresa was a wonderfully talented artist who spent more than 30 years creating beautiful hand-painted china pieces. Her creativity was a special part of who she was, and each piece reflected the beauty she saw in the world around her.
Christmas held a very special place in Teresa’s heart. She spent weeks preparing special cookies and candies for her grandchildren to enjoy each year. Her beautifully decorated home, the traditions she created, and all the little ways she made the holidays magical will forever remain cherished memories for her daughters and grandchildren.
Teresa had a deep love for the outdoors, where she enjoyed the sunshine and all living creatures. She especially loved hummingbirds and could often be found tending to her roses. Her appreciation for nature, her gentle spirit, and her ability to find beauty in the smallest things will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.
She also had a special love for their pets, Thomas and Freddie. They brought her comfort, companionship, and peace during some of the darkest times of her journey. Their unconditional love was a source of strength and comfort to her.
Teresa leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, family, faith, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life. She was a loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother, a cherished sister, sister-in-law, and daughter-in-law, and a dear friend to many.
She will be remembered for her gentle heart, her generous spirit, and the way she gave so freely to those in need. Most of all, she will be remembered for the love she gave to her family and the beautiful memories she created that will live on in their hearts forever.
Though she is deeply missed, Teresa is now at peace, reunited with those who went before her and resting in the loving arms of her Savior.
Until we meet again, we love you, Teresa.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Altona. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Pastor Peter Beckman will officiate. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Altona. Memorials in Teresa’s name may be made to the Knox County Humane Society, American Cancer Society or the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altona. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
