Teri Jo Downs Eisert

10/06/1966 - 12/22/2025

Teri Jo Downs Eisert passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, surrounded by family at Audubon Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky.

Teri Jo was born on October 6, 1966, in Danville, Illinois. Growing up between Chicago and Paris, Illinois, Teri’s mixed urban and rural upbringing was reflected in her unique combination of worldly intelligence and neighborly compassion. She lived her life in pursuit of knowledge and longed for a world of equality and justice. Teri Jo was quick to share a candid opinion, always supported by a well-reasoned argument on a wide range of topics.

Teri used her psychology degree from Indiana State University to serve for decades as a social worker across various agencies, transforming lives through her dedication, aid, and mentorship.

A prolific reader of science fiction and fantasy, Teri collected a hardback copy of every novel ever published by Stephen King. She brought her creativity to life through a wide range of hidden artistic talents. Teri knew how to turn a house into a home, and her compassion for animals—whether a cuddly black cat or a big, derpy dog—always magnified the love around her. She also had a great appreciation for good food and music, carrying herself with the style and grace of a fashion model.

As the mother of two sons, Teri passed on her commitment to learning and her sense of adventure, leading by example with a love that was both fierce and tender. She was an equally devoted mother to her daughters-in-law and a nurturing grandmother (“Mimi”) to her grandson, who may grow up without her memory but will always carry the fierce love she instilled within him. Teri Jo showed the same unyielding loyalty to her family and friends and could always be counted on for advice and compassion.

She is survived by her mother, Linda; father, Frederick; husband, Eric; sons, Elijah and Adam; daughters-in-law, Henna and Lauren; grandson, Ramsey; brother, Alex; and sisters, Tami, Kate, and Abby.

In addition to her family, Teri surrounded herself with a close group of lifelong friends who will continue celebrating the memory of her wit and charm. She will be deeply missed, and we hope to find her oceanside in the sun, sipping a Diet Coke and devouring the latest great novel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Kentucky Humane Society at https://www.kyhumane.org/donate/