Arletha M. Terry's Obituary
I am Arletha Mack Terry, and because you are reading my obituary, I have departed from this earth to be with Jesus in Heaven. I did not wish to leave you, but after eighty-three years of life, it was time for God to call me to rest.
As poet Linda Ellis wrote in The Dash, "So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?" I should remind you that I am a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, Diakonis member, neighbor, friend, and a child of God. I'll take this opportunity to remind you of my "Dash" experiences so that you can be the judge.
I was born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, on April 16, 1942, the first daughter and second of 14 children born to my parents, Alonzo Mack, Sr. (d. 1994) and Ethel Lee Mack (nee' Chatman, d. 1984). After graduating from Henry Weathers High School, I moved to Jackson, Mississippi, and worked at a local drugstore's soda counter. There, I met the love of my life, my husband Clyde O. Terry, Sr., or "Daddy" as I've called him for 62 years. We fell in love and married on January 26, 1963, and made Jackson our home, raising our four children and sharing a wonderful life. Daddy and I remained soulmates, friends, and companions for over 58 years. On December 21, 2021, my world changed when Daddy passed away. Still, God reminds me that love is everlasting, even when the body is absent.
Daddy and I were blessed with four wonderful children, each special to us. Our first son, Roderick Terry (Beverly); our only daughter, Sharon D. Daniels (Herman); our second son, the late Clyde O. Terry, Jr. (Cynthia); and our youngest, D'Juan Terry (Corlis). Our grandchildren are Shanika, Clyde O. III, Jaida, Shariah, Byron, Bryan, and Brantley - each with their own unique path. Our great-grandchildren, Christian, Zoey, Alexia, Byron II, Paytin, Brantley II, and Bella JoJo bring us so much joy. Daddy and I cherished watching our family grow. Also, I cannot forget former daughters-in-law, Shawn E. Terry and Sharessa Hill. My heart-born daughters are Yolanda Jones, Tawana Grisham, Ann Coleman, Tawana Coleman, Vickie Watters-Martin, Sharli Adair, and Nakeela Nash - only to name a few. My heart-born sister and brother, Larry and Lynda Simmons – I love you
I attended Hinds Community College and Mississippi Valley State University (f/k/a Mississippi Vocational College). I worked for many years at Allstate Insurance and the William E. Walker companies until I formally retired. However, in 2003, Daddy and I moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to help our son Clyde start his business, Precision Installation Services (PIS). I came out of retirement to help run PIS, while also managing Terry Family Trucking Company, which Daddy and I had established and co-owned since 1990. My daily life reflected my faith. I found joy not only in managing our businesses but also in nurturing my spiritual growth through daily Bible reading. I enjoyed cooking large meals for my family, decorating our homes, traveling, sewing, and physically caring for others.
Once in Memphis, Daddy and I joined Golden Gate M.B. Church under the leadership of Bishop Edward Stephens, Jr. A few years later, we joined New Sardis Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray, Jr. Here, our spiritual growth was nurtured through inspirational teachings and a vibrant ministry, currently led by Reverend Dr. Darell Harrington, whom we know and love as our "Mississippi Son."
As I mentioned, I am one of fourteen children: Allen Mack (d. 2001 - Ruby), Alonzo Mack, Jr. (d. 2020 - Millie), Lee Mack (Josephine), Elletha Lewis (d. 2020; Walter, d. 1994), Ella Rhodes, Johnnie R. Mack (d. 2013), James Mack (d. 2009; Betty, d. 1997), Emma L. Butler (Horace, d. 2007), Edna M. Mack (d. 2017), Robert Mack (Frances), Everlyn Lyles (Henry, d. 2020), A. J. Mack (Teresa), and Louella Mack-Webster (Charles). One of my final wishes was to see my siblings, and on November 15, 2025, God granted me that wish. We shared love, laughter, and togetherness as Mama and Daddy taught us.
My mother and father-in-law were Johnny Terry, Sr. (d. 1965) and Zola Terry (nee' Marshall, d. 1953). My brothers- and sisters-in-law are Burnett Terry (d. 1996), Otelia Green (Louis), Johnnie Terry, Jr. (Thelma, d. 2018), Josephine Porter, Edna Avant (Edgar), Ben Terry, Roger Terry, Emma Cunningham (Claude), Michael McBride (d. 2001), and Victor McBride. I am also blessed with many nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends.
In recent years, I faced a comorbidity of medical challenges. However, please know that those challenges did not take my life; instead, God freed me from their pain. There are no more hospital visits, tests, doctor appointments, shots, IV infusions, or medications. That part of my Dash is finished, and now I have a new body and eternal life. I am free from pain, and I thank God for His healing and deliverance.
To my family and friends, I pray you keep living your lives, trusting God to guide you through your Dash. Remember, God is a healer who loves you and wants you to thrive. If I taught you anything, I pray it was to love God with all your heart, and to trust Him for wisdom and guidance. You will find truth, wisdom, joy, and peace when you seek Him. Be kind to others, because you never know what they are enduring. Carry the Lord with you each day, as you might be the first "Bible" someone ever reads.
Remember, Mama will see you on the other side of these earthly shores. I have to go now to rejoice with Daddy, June-June, Mama Ethel, Daddy Lonzo, and our other loved ones. Until then, I'll be watching you, my beloved heartbeats. Be sweet, now. I love you ~ Mama.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.
Please click the link to view the service online.
https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/arletha-terry
What’s your fondest memory of Arletha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arletha?
Share a story where Arletha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arletha you’ll never forget.
How did Arletha make you smile?
