Theresa Erkaya

Theresa Erkaya, 55, was our beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and mother-in-law who passed away on July 25, 2023. She was born on January 21, 1968 in Portland, Oregon to Richard Sims and Janie Champion (New).

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 11 AM until 1 PM at Hart Funeral Home in Tahlequah.

She was preceded in death by her mother; Janie Champion and a brother; Richie Sims.

She would say that "this is the first time we've all been in the same room without arguing", she would probably ask someone for a cigarette or $5 to get some. She would tell grandpa that he's strong. She would tell her sisters and her dad that she really did love them. She would look at her kids and tell them she did the best she could when her mental stability would allow her to do so. She would look at Anthony and tell him she's proud of him. She would want her kids to know she is safe and away from all things bad. Theresa would whisper to her grandchildren and tell them she will miss them. She would loudly say she would see us all very soon. Beautiful, stubborn, and funny would describe her personality. Theresa's favorite color was blue/teal, and she loved dolphins, horses, and carnations. She truly believed that she would go to heaven and be with her brother and mother.

Survivors include her father; Richard Sims, children; Johnny Patterson, Savanna Erkaya, Robert McElhaney,Angela McElhaney, Nicholas McElhaney Anthony Sims, and Santana Erkaya,sisters; Robin Sims, Kelly Huntley, Lori Brown, grandchildren; Robert Allen McElhaney, Zehra Erkaya, Legacy McElhaney, Charlena Loudermilk, Enola McElhaney and Alexis Sims, brother-in-law; Cameron Huntley, and special friend; Karen Carney.