On Sunday, January 10, 2021, Teresa Carol Sandlin Kauffman, loving mother of three daughters and grandmother of two granddaughters and one grandson passed away.

Teresa was born September 22, 1967 to Larry and Margaret Sandlin. Teresa was preceded in death by her grandparents Joe and Callie Sandlin and O.B. and Iva Lockard as well as her sisters Rebecca Sandlin and Pamela Johnson. She is survived by her parents Larry & Margaret Sandlin; daughters Kellie, Kimberly, and Jessi, her grandchildren Madison, Emma, and Blake, sisters Virginia and Darline and their respective spouses, her nephews and their respective families, and her many friends.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

- Mary Elizabeth Frye

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to The Crisis Center of Wharton and Matagorda Counties; P.O. Box 1820, Bay City, TX 77404

Teresa's daughters have each put together something for their mother to allow everyone to see just how special she was.

From Kellie:

What my mom valued most in life wasn't something you can purchase or hold in your hand; it was her children.  Even when we thought it was too much at times I can appreciate her so much for that now, and there the memories I keep of her. She loved to sing anywhere and everywhere, music was her passion. I think half my memories are of her singing the other half laughing and loving being with her family.  She always kept her door open no matter how old we got we knew we could call and come home. She made holidays and birthdays a huge celebration, I think she just got excited it was extra time with us, so she went all out. There was never a dull moment with my mom and no one who loved me so much. I know she's watching over us without pain; smiling and laughing again!!

From Kim:

Mom, thank you so much for loving me as much as you did. Thank you for braiding my hair, for loving and always welcoming my friends as your own kids, thank you for supporting me in everything I chose to do from gymnastics, to karate, to horseback riding. You always had my back. Thank you for introducing me to new music and for showing me how important music is to your soul. Thank you for always protecting me and my sisters. You always put up a fight from anyone and everyone who tried to hurt us. We may have not gotten along all the time, but you've always loved me unconditionally. You let me stray and would always welcome me home no matter our differences. You were such a beautiful and loving mom. You always made me laugh, held me when I cried, and didn't judge me when I messed up. You were such an amazing mother and I'm trying to instill all those beautiful things to my kids. Teaching them how to make chocolate oatmeal cookies and that our memories are more important than anything we could buy. I hope I can love my kids as much as you loved us. You are missed more than you know but I know you're watching your ladies and smiling because you did such a good job. Your grandbabies will know your traditions, they will cook your recipes, and they will love music because you were the best mom for me. I love you and I pray you are finally at peace.

From Jessi:

I knew my mother the shortest amount of time out of my sisters. I knew her smile and laughter the least, I only briefly held her hand. Being the youngest, I used to cling to her when I was small. She would hold me every night, whisper stories and read books with me. She'd count the piggies on my feet and eat my play-dough food. She told me the stories of NASA that sparked stars in my eyes, tales of spacemen that walked in my dreams. We'd play pretend and dress up with all our fancy clothes, we'd invite all the snails from the garden. She taught me to be kind to animals. Every bug had a name, every stray kitten had to have a home. My dad would catch us even feeding roaches in the backyard, we had every kind of pet. I have her hair, her eyes. I hope I have her kindness and her love. Her sense of humor and her wonder. Her extroverted personality and determination are what I need the most. I want to take that with me, to lead me through life like she would if she was here. I wanted more time with her. To share more with her. I know we'll meet again beyond the shore, but it's hard not to want her with me. I'll carry what I have of her with me, to the place we'll all meet in the end. I love you more, you love me most. Love, Jessi Bear.