Thelma Davis Terry | Eastern NC Now

    Thelma Davis Terry, age 92, passed away on March 10, 2025, surrounded by family at Brookdale Green Hills located in Nashville, Tennessee.

    Thelma was born on December 23, 1932, the daughter of Clyde Wilson Davis and Iris Paul Davis of Pantego, NC. Like her siblings she was born in a family farmhouse and raised in the Pungo Community near Pantego North Carolina. Thelma graduated from Pantego High School. She married Bill Terry on March 17, 1951, in Richmond VA at the home of her sister and brother-in-law Chuck and Donna Sale.

    Thelma and Bill adopted and raised two children, David and Debbie. Thelma took immense pleasure in renovating her ancestral home, providing home cooked meals for her extended family and friends as well as hosting the Davis family annual reunions. After raising her children, Thelma obtained both her Bachelor's and Master's in Special Education and worked as a special education teacher in Evanston, Illinois, until retirement.

    She was able to expand her lifelong learning by taking around the world education-at-sea cruises. Thelma enjoyed researching the Davis family history and genealogy, a hobby she shared with her siblings. She loved spending time with her grandkids, renovating and caring for her ancestral farm home in North Carolina, and watching sports with Bill.

    After moving to Nashville, she enjoyed time with David, Sara, family, and friends who came to visit. Her favorite pastimes were enjoying Wendy's Chocolate Frosty ice cream, spending time with her cat Shadow, and watching word games on TV. Thelma had a kind nature, was gentle with her words and thought the best of others.

    She was an active member of the 14th Avenue Church of Christ in St. Petersburg and worshipped with the Pike Road Church of Christ in Pantego NC. She spent many years preparing and teaching Children's Sunday School.

    Thelma is survived by brothers Clyde W. Davis, Jr. and Gary (BJ) Davis. Thelma had four generations of children and grandchildren. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law Dave and Sara Terry, grandchildren Deanna, Rachel and Patrick(Violet); son-in-law, Major Respess, granddaughters Jackie Respess and Krista(Matt) Molt, great grandchildren Matthew, Gwen, Liam, Sandler, Grady, Theo, Byron, and Wyatt and great great grandchild, Michael, and cherished nieces, nephews.

    Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, husband William P. Terry, daughter Deborah Terry Respess, grandson Michial Respess, and sisters Donna Sale, Carla Bruce, and Anna Gallagher.

    A graveside service will be held on May 3, 2025, at 1 pm EST at the Davis Cemetery in Pantego, NC followed by a family and friends gathering at the Pungo Community Building, at the junction of Pike Road and US Hwy 99 N.

    In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Ye Olde Academy (PAHMA, c/o Billy Baynor, 46 Academy Street, Pantego, NC 27860) or the charity of your choice.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Terry family.