Teresa Lynn Hively

On Thursday, May 4, 2023, as people across the country lifted their hearts in prayer and pondered the ways of the Force, Teresa Hively made her way home. Teresa Lynn Hively was born March 23, 1952, in Gallipolis, OH, to Lillie (Crace) and Jim Hively. She was a 1970 graduate of Wellston High School and a later graduate of Nationwide Beauty School. Teresa worked as a beautician for many years, most notably at Irwin’s in Jackson, at her own shop in Wellston, and throughout the rest of her life in various cousins’ kitchens and living rooms. She also had a lesser known career in radio, working alongside her former husband, Jim, at their stations in West Virginia. Later in life, Teresa earned an associate’s degree from the University of Rio Grande, and she worked in the Jackson City School District as a paraprofessional classroom aide. Her final career before retirement was working at the Kyger Creek plant, where she did a dirty job that would have made Mike Rowe proud; she finally retired in 2017 and set off traveling the country, visiting family and sight-seeing with her beloved baby brother and sister-in-law. Teresa was a woman of profound faith, and she found joy and fellowship in church communities wherever she lived, volunteering and singing in the choirs. She loved being in nature and enjoyed simple pleasures like riding through the countryside on Mark’s Harley, taking topless Jeep rides with Cortney (the Jeep was topless–she remained fully clothed), or sitting on her porch and admiring the land where she made so many happy memories with her family. Much to everyone’s surprise, Teresa developed a love for dogs in her 60s, and for the last several years, she was blessed with the companionship of her dogs Pepper and Blue. More than anything, though, Teresa loved her family. Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, Lillie (Crace) and Jim Hively, and her dear sister, Roberta (Birdie) Jenkins. She is survived by her children, Cortney (Mike) Leach and JJ (Candice) Milliken; her grandsons: Jordan (Briana Polk) Leach, Matthew (Erika Reed) Leach, Devin (Annie Cantor) Solomon, Liam Milliken, and Oliver Milliken; her brother, Jacob (Nancy) Hively; her brother-in-law, Gary Jenkins; her close cousins, Mark Scurlock, Jessica (Devin) Miller, and Ethan Scurlock; and her former husband, Jim (Kim) Milliken. Additionally, Teresa leaves behind nieces and nephews, an extensive family tree with hundreds of cousins (of which, she is the forever favorite), the beloved Shook sisters, some dear high school friends, and her aunts, whom she loved so much. Teresa treated everyone like family. Anyone who needed to was welcome to show up on the Ridge for a haircut or a slice of chocolate cake. Her love was deep and unconditional, and her absence is palpable to all who were lucky enough to know her. But as she would say, “This too shall pass.” Teresa wasn’t afraid; she was one with the Force. And while she loved the views around here, we take comfort in knowing that now she’s got an even better one. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, May 9, from 12-3 at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home in Jackson, with a celebration of life to directly follow. After that, everyone is welcome to join the family at Parks Edge for a party in Teresa’s honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Jackson County Dog Pound. Condolences may be sent to the family at:www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com

Teresa Lynn Hively

March 23, 1952 - May 4, 2023