Teresa Lynn Newkirk

Teresa Lynn Newkirk was born on April 11, 1970, in Vallejo, Solano County, California, to Charles Michael Hillman and Marylean Armstead. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marylean Armstead Hillman; her brothers, Charles Lester Hillman and Michael Steven Hillman; and her grandparents, Major and Helen Armstead and Charles and Ruth Hillman.

Teresa attended public school in Charleston, South Carolina, and Groton, Connecticut. She graduated from Robert E. Fitch Senior High School in 1988. She later earned her Associate's Degree from the University of Phoenix in 2009, a milestone that reflected her determination and commitment to personal growth.

Professionally, Teresa dedicated more than 20 years to the clinical and pharmaceutical field, building a career rooted in purpose, compassion, and dedication. She spent approximately 10 years with Pfizer before transitioning into the world of clinical research and eTMF documentation, where she continued supporting meaningful work that contributed to advancements in healthcare that improved lives. She spent the last three years of her career as a eTMF Project Manager with LMK Clinical Consulting. Throughout her career, Teresa built lasting friendships with coworkers and was known for her professionalism, warm spirit, determination, and ability to bring people together. Though proud of her work and the impact it made, her career was only one part of the incredible woman she was.

To know Teresa was to know warmth, love, laughter, and light. While living much of her life in Groton, Connecticut, Teresa discovered a passion for baking and created a small business from her home, lovingly baking cakes and treats for family birthdays, celebrations, and special occasions. She found joy in bringing people together and creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Her home in Connecticut became the heart of many family traditions and gatherings, a place where memories were made and love was always present. Teresa hosted summer cookouts, gingerbread house decorating at Christmas, pumpkin carving during Halloween, and Easter egg dyeing traditions that brought family and friends together year after year. For many, her home was more than a house; it was the gathering place, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

More than anything, Teresa was a light. She had a special way of making people feel welcomed, cared for, and deeply loved. Her presence brought comfort, joy, and connection to those around her, and the memories she created with family and friends will continue to be cherished forever.

Teresa's passing has left a void in so many lives, including that of her beloved son, Gregory Newkirk of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and her loving father, Charles M. Hillman of Columbus, Ohio. She was a caring and devoted stepmother to Cherrielle Newkirk and Maniacha Gonzalez of Phoenix, Arizona, as well as Diamond Newkirk of Macon, Georgia. Always special in her heart were her two nieces, Emma and Maya Hillman; her sister-in-law, Mary Hillman of Montville, Connecticut; and her dear step-niece, Stephanie Olson of Groton, Connecticut. No mention of Teresa's family would be complete without her beloved fur babies, Zeus and Tyson Newkirk, whom she loved dearly and treated as her own babies.

Also mourning her loss are Velda Jones, Princess McNeil, and Natarsha Singleton, whose bond with Teresa spanned decades and was built on love, laughter, loyalty, and cherished memories. More than friends, they were chosen family and sisters in every way. Also grieving her loss are Monique Scott and Lisa Potter, whose friendship, love, and support meant so much to Teresa.

Her ex-husband, Stanley D. Newkirk of Kingsport, Tennessee, a wonderful friend and the father of her son, will forever miss her. Always blessed by her presence are her paternal aunts, Rose Ann Nyanin, Sharlene Purvis,and Trina Simcox.

Teresa's memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Sunday, May 24, 2026 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd). To read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Newkirk Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com