Theresa Odessa Fox, age 96, of La Plata, Maryland

Theresa Odessa Claggett Fox transitioned on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. She departed this life peacefully at Genesis Nursing Home in Waldorf, MD.

Theresa, more affectionately known as Puddin, was born December 23, 1925, in Bryantown, MD to the late Edna and Joseph Claggett. She was the third of ten children. Theresa attended Sharperville school. She had six children: Mary, Joseph, Anthony, Phyllis, Peter, and Eugene. Theresa married the late Eugene A. Fox Sr.

In the world of work, Theresa was employed with the Naval Ordnance Station in Indian Head, MD; Benny Swann Restaurant as a cook; and as an Au Pair for Senator Fred Wineland and the Wineland family for 40 years. She was a caretaker for the late William (Pop Ferrell) Ferrell until he was called home. Theresa volunteered at the nursing home in Ft. Washington, MD.

Theresa was a devout Catholic! She attended St. Mary's Catholic Church of Piscataway and was a member of the Lady's Sodality at St. Mary's of Piscataway and the Lady's of Charity at St. Ignatius Church. She loved gardening, lottery, and spending time with her siblings, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Theresa always looked forward to attending the Middleton Family Reunions where she enjoyed conversing with her first cousins and eating GOOD FOOD! The Claggett girls were known for their southern soul food!

Theresa always loved to dress to impress. Before stepping out the house, she made sure her hair and nails were done, added a little lipstick, and her favorite perfume, Candy by Prada (thanks Meka!).

Theresa leaves to cherish her memory: two daughters, Phyllis (Pam) Swann and Mary (Teenie) Hawkins; son-in-law James (Ronnie) Swann; 8 grandchildren: Nicole, Vernon, Corey, Kenyette, Stephon, Karen, Jill, and Craig; 11 great-grandchildren: Ayanna, Spencer, River, Milan, Cameron, Simone, Jeffery, Seiko, Sabeera, Sahleea, & Dominic; siblings: Mary Branson, Margaret Harris, Veronica (James) Graham, and Charles (Theresa) Clagett; sister-in-law, Helen Claggett; Godson, Gregory Yancy; and a host of nieces and nephews. Theresa was preceded in death by her sons: Joseph (Junior), Anthony (Larry), Peter, and Eugene (Junee); sisters and brothers: Adele, Edna Mae, Elizabeth, Anthony (Anboy), and Joseph (Brother); and son-in-law, Wendell Hawkins.

Her Viewing will be, 9:00 a.m., until 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2022, in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., Mass of Christian Burial immediately following, 12:00 noon, St. Mary's Catholic Church, 13409 Piscataway Road, Clinton, Maryland.  Interment, Church Cemetery.