Ms. Teresa La'Shay Fryer Clark

Teresa LaShay Fryer Clark was born on July 20, 1975, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Mary Louise (Danny) Bond and Theatrice (Sarah) Fryer. She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Estellar Fryer and Mamie Lacey Fingers; her grandfather, Samuel Fryer, Sr.; her beloved grandchild, Elldrae Chance Stewart; her aunts, Sylvia Fryer, Ruthie Mae Barnes, and Annette Woods; and her uncles, James Fingers, Robert Fryer, Eugene Ted Fryer, Sr., John Henry Fryer, Cledus Fryer, and Samuel Fryer, Jr. Teresa entered eternal rest at Methodist South Hospital on April 3, 2026, at 9:51 p.m. Teresa graduated from Palestine High School in 1993. She later attended Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute, where she became a licensed cosmetologist. She truly enjoyed doing hair and took pride in helping others look and feel their best. She worked faithfully as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Crestpark Nursing Home, where she cared for others with compassion, patience, and dedication for many years. She also worked at the State Revenue Administration. Serving others was not just her job, it was who she was. She had a giving heart and a creative spirit. Teresa found joy in making ashtrays, gift bags, and thoughtful items that she freely gave to others. She did not just give things, she gave love. As she once expressed through her life and words, “Each of you knew how to be there for me in your own way,” and she returned that same love to everyone around her. Teresa was raised in Day’s Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop J. H. Jennings and Pastor C. L. Rolfe. After relocating to Memphis, Tennessee, she united with Middle Baptist Church under Pastor Tillman and was currently under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Selwyn Q. Bachus. Her faith guided her life, and she often reminded those she loved to “always turn to God in everything.” She was also known for her vibrant personality and creativity as a content creator, affectionately known as “Teresa with the five last names,” a title that reflected both her journey and her uniqueness: Teresa LaShay Fryer Swanigan Dinwiddie Guyton Taylor Clark. Teresa was blessed with three children: Nathan Swanigan, Deondra (Lindsey) Swanigan, and Walnesha (Elliott) Stewart, who were truly the pride and joy of her life. Through her words, her love continues to speak: “I love y’all. Stay strong. God will provide.” She leaves to cherish her memory six grandchildren: Elliott Stewart, Jr., Elixander Stewart, El’lana Stewart, Ellyse Stewart, Zyion Stewart, and Markel Nesbit, each one a reflection of her legacy of love. Her life and love continue through her parents, Mary Louise (Danny) Bond and Theatrice (Sarah) Fryer; her brothers, Carlos Fryer (Sandy), Johnathan Beasley, and Quincy Breathitt; and her sisters, Shantay Fryer, Sharmayne Fryer, Shaun Moore, Lashanda Moore, and Shallet Stevenson. She shared a special bond with her grandfather, Earnest Fingers, Jr., and was loved dearly by her aunts and uncles, including Hazel Deloras (Fred) Cowan, Lynette Hawkins, Alex (Marty) Fingers, Harvie Fingers, William Curtis (Vera) Fryer, Conery Fryer, Morris C. (Peggy) Fryer, Allen C. (Della) Fryer, Sr., and Alice M. (Mike) Emmanuel, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. She also shared a special bond with her sisters/cousins, Dreca, Tina, and Shonda. She will also be remembered by her special friends: Angela (Frederick) Carter, Charlotte Jones, Emily Monroe, Santina Johnson, and Wanda Williams, along with many others whose lives she touched in a meaningful way. As she said so plainly and beautifully, “All five of you meant the world to me.” Even in her guidance, her love was clear. She reminded her family to “stick together no matter what,” to “be careful who you trust,” and to “keep your head up.” Those words now stand as part of her lasting legacy. Though she is no longer with us, her voice still echoes, her love still surrounds us, and her words still guide us. As she would say, “Pray in everything you do,” and in doing so, her spirit will live on in all of us.

Ms. Teresa La'Shay Fryer Clark

July 20, 1975 - April 3, 2026