Theresa S. Mayes, age 76, a longtime resident of Clinton, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the River Valley Nursing Facility. She was born on September 15, 1948, in Tulare, California, to Cleo and Masaline (Martin) Sutton.

Theresa moved to Clinton at a young age, where she was raised and attended school at Excelsior. A devoted homemaker, she dedicated her life to raising her seven children. She was a longtime member of the Southeast Church of Christ and found joy in her faith, cooking, and spending time with her family. She especially loved fishing—so long as she didn’t have to touch the worm —and took great pride in spoiling her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William Sutton.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, James Collins and Willie Collins, both of Clinton; her daughters, Gwen Brown of Clinton, Verna Watson of Oklahoma City, Aretha Bowens of Oklahoma City, Connie Draper of Oklahoma City, and Luciana Vincent of Kansas; her sister, Geraldine Flowers of Oklahoma City; and a large, loving family that includes over 200 grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Theresa will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was a light in the lives of many and a blessing to everyone she met.

Her service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Custer Ave Church of Christ and under the direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home.