Theresa Mays-Albanese

Mary Theresa Mays-Albanese died on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at home in Peachtree Corners. The cause of death was a complication from ovarian cancer. Born Mary Theresa Thomas to Mary Ann and Edward A. Thomas in Atlanta, GA in 1955, Theresa was the second of four children. Her parents moved to Conyers, GA when Theresa was in elementary school. Her first love was her high school sweetheart Richard C. Mays, whom she married in 1977, after attending the University of Georgia. Theresa and Richard were blessed with three children, Richie, Nolan, and Amy. Richard was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2002 and died less than year later. After several years, Theresa again found love with Jack Albanese, who shared her wonderful sense of humor, love for family, and strong faith. She and Jack married in 2011 and enjoyed a new chapter in their lives, which included the arrival of four cherished grandchildren. Theresa was an accomplished artist and educator; she earned BA degrees in art and in education from UGA and a MA in education from Piedmont College. Theresa had a profound impact on young artists for over 20 years, including hundreds of high school students at Wesleyan School in Norcross, GA and George Walton Academy in Monroe, GA. Theresa earned a number of honors and recognitions for her contributions to education in the fine arts, including her recent induction into the Fine Arts Circle of Honor at Wesleyan School in Spring of 2015. In 2012 Theresa was diagnosed with Stage IIIc ovarian cancer. She faced every challenge, from chemotherapy to surgery, with a strength that her doctors found amazing. The joy she found in being with her four grandchildren continually rejuvenated her in body and soul. Her faith, dedication to teaching and mentoring, love and caring for family and friends, and joy for life made her an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Theresa is remembered with love by her husband, Jack Albanese; son, Richie Mays (wife, Greta); son, Nolan Mays (wife, Mackenzie); daughter, Amy Smith; grandchildren, Allison Mays (daughter of Richie and Michelle Mays), Beau and Luke Mays (sons of Nolan and Mackenzie Mays), and Lauren Smith (daughter of Amy and Mark Smith); mother, Mary Ann Thomas; sister, Rebecca Heim (husband Steve); sister, Anna Karls (husband Russell); brother, Edward A. Thomas, III (wife, Denise); uncle, James L. Shipp, Jr., aunt, Nancy Shipp; cousins, Chuck Shipp, David Shipp, Andy Shipp, and Laura Barber; and many other adoring family members and close friends. A visitation at 11 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at noon, will be held on Saturday, February 27th at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, 4480 Peachtree Corners Circle, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Theresa Mays-Albanese

January 24, 1955 - February 23, 2016