Teresa (Tessy) Taylor Resendiz

Teresa Taylor Resendiz brought her radiant spirit into the world on July 12, 1963, in Springfield, Massachusetts. She was a beloved gift to her parents, Gladys “Ree” and John Taylor II, and to her older brother, John Taylor III.

Known affectionately (and notoriously) as “Pitbull,” Teresa earned that nickname in a way only those who knew her could fully appreciate. She didn’t play fair, and she didn’t play nice—especially when it came to standing her ground. If you crossed her, you’d know it. She had a fierce sense of justice and never hesitated to speak her truth, sugarcoating nothing. Yet, behind that tough exterior was a heart that beat with immense loyalty. If a friend or family member was in need, Teresa would be the first to show up—and probably the loudest voice in the room doing it. She’d give you the shirt off her back, no questions asked.

Her teenage years were filled with unapologetic joy and adventure. She lived life loudly—hustling pool halls, dancing to country music, drinking, fighting, and laughing through it all. Her smile lit up every room, and even on the rough days, her laughter was ever-present. That she made it through those wild years without a rap sheet is something of a miracle.

Teresa, or “Tessy” to those closest to her, loved her family with every fiber of her being. Her grandchildren—Lathan, Tristyn, Paxton, and Tate—were her pride and joy, and she held Bri, Elijah, and Nadia close to her heart as well. She was most at home in her kitchen, cooking up anything her grandbabies requested, and her happiest moments were spent surrounded by family. No gathering was complete without a classic Tessy tale—sometimes hilarious, sometimes infamous, but always unforgettable.

She took her final ride into the setting sun—through a golden field of sunflowers, in an old red farm truck—joined by her parents, her favorite cousin Barbara Smith, her husband Victor Resendiz, and her beloved dogs, Penelope and Chomper.

Teresa is survived by her four children: Chris Monk and his wife Rachel, and their children Tristyn and Paxton; Blake Monk and his wife Jasmine, and their children Lathan, Tate, Briana, Elijah, and Nadia; stepsons Fabian Lopez and Danny Resendiz. She is also survived by her brother John Taylor III, his wife Bobby, and their son Charlie.

She held close to her heart her chosen family—Kaitlyn “Katie” and her children Antonio and Evelyn, as well as Garry and his wife Patty. Teresa had deep affection for Victor’s extended family and the many nieces and nephews she welcomed as her own.

To know Teresa was to know strength, honesty, laughter, and unconditional love. Her presence will echo in the stories we tell, the meals we share, and the memories we carry—always loud, always bold, always Tessy.

Please Join Us for a Come and Go Memorial Service

When: Friday, April 11th 5:30pm-8:30pm

Location: Community Life Church (28706 SH-64, Canton TX, 75103)