On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Theresa TJ Wellman, 53, of Quincy, died at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.
Terry and Diana (Akers) Christ welcomed TJ into the world on March 4, 1972, in Quincy, Illinois. After graduating from Quincy High School in 1990, TJ’s passion for life brought her a rewarding job as an Early Childhood Education school bus driver, which she loved for more than ten years. Her commitment to helping the kids and families she worked with was evidence of her compassion.
TJ married her true love, Steven Wellman, in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 12, 1998. They were partners in love, humor, and respect for one another. Their family takes comfort in the knowledge that TJ and Steven are now reunited in eternal peace, even though Steven tragically passed away a year before she did.
Her four children, Thomas J. (Beth), Lucas M. (Lindsey), Gage T. (Jamie), and Layla Stevee, all of whom live in Quincy, carry on TJ’s heritage. Alice, Cyrus, Andi, Cora Jane, and Adilyn, her five grandchildren, will always treasure the memories and teachings their grandmother gave them. In addition, TJ’s brother, Jerry Lee Christ (Amanda), and numerous other family members will continue to remember her. Her husband passed away before her.
TJ was a passionate woman with a wide range of interests that were both lovely and varied. She enjoyed the freedom of the open road on innumerable road trips as a passionate Harley rider. With up to seven Christmas trees and a selection of holiday tunes that she listened to every year, TJ turned her house into a winter wonderland over the festive season. Her devotion to her unique style, which featured flawlessly manicured nails—a skill she developed at beauty school in her early years—was as unwavering as her love for the Green Bay Packers. TJ was well known for her culinary prowess, particularly for her lasagna, which quickly became a family favorite. Every gathering was made sweeter by her confections and baking.
TJ valued spending time with loved ones above all else. Whether she was throwing bonfire nights, summer swimming, or making memories on vacations to Destin, Florida, she was the life of the party. Her generosity had no limits, and she constantly tried to make people happy. Everyone who knew TJ will find solace in the memory of her smiling contentedly as she watched the snowfall.
On Monday, August 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., friends and family are invited to visit TJ’s Life Celebration at the O Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., there will be a funeral service at the O Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. The officiant will be Andy Caley. There will be a luncheon at Rocky Point after the burial at Sunset Cemetery in Quincy, Illinois.
The education fund for her grandkids may receive memorial contributions.
You can view the video tribute and send condolences online at www.ODonnellCookson.com.
