Theresa “Terri” Ann Kotz, 54, of Baytown, Texas, passed away on August 30, 2025, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont. To those who wish to attend, please wear blue in honor of Theresa.
Visitation will begin prior to the service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont.
Born in Beaumont, Texas, on May 15, 1971, she was the daughter of Russell Bridges and Theresa Garcia Bridges. Terri spent her formative years in Beaumont, but called Tyler, Texas home during her adolescent years. She graduated class of 1989 from Tyler Robert E. Lee High School where she was an avid member of the band. After high school, she attended Tyler Junior College, earning an Associate degree in Computer Science. She worked for The United States Postal Service for 31 years. Terri was known for her dedication and hard work, always going above and beyond in everything she did. Terri was a loving wife, mother, and daughter. She had a big heart and was consistently selfless, often worrying about others even when she was not well. She had a special bond with her father, often describing herself as a “daddy’s girl”, he often called her his “Munchkin.” Terri had a deep love for her family and friends, and her caring nature truly shined through in all her relationships. In her free time, Terri loved to read and watch television with her husband, Larry. She was a huge fan of the Astros and the Houston Texans. Her favorite movies included classics such as Back to the Future, The Karate Kid, and all the films made by John Hughes. Among her favorite shows was Friends and The Big Bang Theory. Terri also had a soft spot for her Pomeranian, Ellie, whom she loved dearly and missed greatly. Additionally, she enjoyed the comforting taste of Meemaw's beans and tortillas, a food that held a special place in her heart. Terri will be remembered for her loving spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. She will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Julie Dearborn; brother-in-law, Joseph Laday III; grandparents, Lydia and Carl Nunnelly; and Meemaw, Lydia Perez.
She is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Larry Kotz; daughter Hailey Kotz; father, Russell and Sandra Bridges; mother, Theresa and John Adams; mother-in-law, Debbie and Larry Elkins; sisters-in-law, Jessica Kotz and wife Carnie, and Kim Jones and husband Justin; brothers, Matt Adams and Jonathan Adams; sister, Marlaina Laday Bridges; step-sister, Veronica “Bunny” Wimberly and husband Billy; step-brothers, Clint Dearborn and Tommy Dearborn and wife Heather; as well as other loving family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at https://ocrahope.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/.
Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont.