CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WTVF) — After days of uncertainty, family and friends are honoring 71-year-old Nashville singer Teresa "Terri" Kathey, who was found dead at the Monteagle Visitor’s Center near Chattanooga.
Thomas Devine, owner of New Breed Music Group, expressed his deep gratitude for his friendship with Kathey.
“If you look up love in the dictionary you would see a pic of Terri,” Devine said.
Kathey was the first artist signed to New Breed Music Group, a label that let her combine Christian and Blues genres.
“Anybody that feels like they have blues, there’s good news for them. Good news is the word of God,” Devine stated.
Kathey went missing this past Sunday during a drive to Chattanooga. She was expected to return the same day but never came home. After two days of searching, authorities located her at the Monteagle Visitor’s Center.
“All we know is that she was in her car. Her phone and purse, everything was still with her. We’re kind of thinking it’s a medical issue when she had pulled off at the rest stop,” said Sandi Shupe, Kathey’s pastor at Music Valley Cowboy Church.
Sandi Shupe was Kathey's pastor at Music Valley Cowboy Church. They've known each other for nearly two decades. “What clicked with us is the Lord and our spirits always meshed in that,” Shupe added.
Devine and Shupe plan to lean on their faith as they say goodbye to their talented friend.
“Her passing didn’t stop here; it’s going to continue. Her legacy will continue on through her music and love for the Lord Jesus Christ,” Shupe said.
“This one was a hard one because Terri is loved,” Devine reflected.
Kathey was recently nominated for two awards at the International Singer-Songwriters Association. They plan to honor her in August during their award ceremony.
So far, there's no official cause of death, but initial reports indicate natural causes.
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