Wilvernell Terry

Wilvernell C. Terry (known as Nell or as she likes to call herself a “foxy old lady”) was born on February 3, 1931 to the late Abraham and Sarah Copeland; however, she was raised by her beloved Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jimmy in Harris County.

Together Again!

On Sunday, March 11 ^th , on a misty cloudy morning in Cartersville, Georgia, God came and stood beside the bed and whispered “Come and Rest”. Nell gracefully transitioned to heaven to be with her husband Fred. She was at home and was surrounded by her devoted daughters- Bernice (Niecy), Penny and Sandra. She was 87 years old.

Only two days shy of what would have been her 70 ^th anniversary to her dear husband, Fred. How appropriate for Aunt Nell to want to share this milestone anniversary hand in hand with Uncle Fred in heaven.

Holy Matrimony

On March 13, 1948, Nell, age 17, married to her best friend, Fred, age 19. They were married for 66 loving years and together raised six children- Fred Jr, Bernice (Niecy), Laura Mae (deceased at age 5), Randy, Penny, and Sandra. They had one grandchild Shannon, three great grandchildren: Darrow, Shandera and Tre’Von, and two great great grandchildren- Brook and Benjamin.

At an early age, Nell joined Macedonia C.M.E. Church, which merged into St. Paul C.M.E. Church, and was a devoted member and served on the Usher Board for many years.

Perhaps her legacy is that she was lovingly known as “Auntie Nell” to a host of children, nieces, nephews, and cousins alike- throughout three counties- Harris, Meriwether and Talbot – many of whom are not even blood related.

Nell was fiercely independent (wanting always to do what she could, while she could), spoke her mind, known for her direct and straight forward approach to life, lived life on her own terms, funny, spirited, loving, brave, resilient and, most importantly, Terry Strong.

She was the ultimate “social butterfly”-never met a stranger- welcomed everyone into her heart and into her home and offered them a good home cooked meal. She knew everyone and no one all at the same time. And, would quickly give everyone she met a new nick name that only she could remember.

Over the years, Nell crafted her own colorful language, southern catch phrases and terminology that was universal and understood by all. Nell was a mother figure to a generation- she had a BIG generous heart and a contagious personality. Anyone who met Ms. Nell felt loved and was forever touched by her kindness.

Nell was an incredible multi-tasker in her day. She could take care of her aging parents, and her next door in-laws, while working a 12 hour shift at Goody’s – and did it effortless without complaint. And when called by her siblings and friends, she would drop everything and run to see about them or their kids.

She cooked, burned up pots (nearly burned down the house on occasions), worked her garden, trimmed trees and shrubs, and cleaned off the yard- after which, she would go inside and make up homemade biscuits for supper.

After a long work journey, Nell eventually retired from Goody’s Inc in 1998- where she only made a dime- but could save a dollar.

Most importantly, she loved being outside in her garden, sitting on her swing, rocking in her rockers under the car porch, while waving to neighbors and talking on her cell phone with family and friends. She loved to see her nieces and nephews from Boston come home during the summer and catch up with her in-laws. She often kept everyone in stitches with her colorful stories and jokes- she just had an interesting and different perspective on life, and would often give her advice and opinions (whether you asked for it or not). She told it like it was- no excuses!

You could always depend on her for a home remedy, mixture or some concoction for everything under the sun. She worked hard and loved her husband and family, and she never left home without her lipstick.

An Amazing Woman

WILVERNELL was one of a kind- and was as unique as her name. In a word, she was simply Amazing. An amazing woman, amazing wife, super amazing mother, grandmother and great grandmother- who will forever be loved, never forgotten, and remembered for her loving nature and sense of humor.

She leaves to cherish her incredible spirit, five devoted children: Fred Jr, Bernice (Niecy), Randy, Penny and Sandra. Her honorary 1 ^st son Joseph (Billy) Terry, and 1 ^st daughter Barbara (Bobbi) Wilson (who are actually her in-laws but considers them both to be like her kids). Two sisters: Elizabeth and Mary, two brothers: Willie Ed and Charles, a host of loving nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

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