Mary L. Terry's Obituary
Mary L. Terry, 79, of Chattanooga, passed away Friday, January 24, 2025, at her residence. She was born August 5, 1945, in McDonough, Georgia to Jamis “Ted” and Flora Mae Pitmon. She moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee at a young age with her parents and siblings. She was educated in the Chattanooga Public Schools and was a 1963 graduate of Howard High School.
Mary accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a very early age and was a faithful member of Mount Paran Missionary Baptist Church her entire life until her health failed her. She served as a Deaconess and was active in the finance office as the church finance secretary and gave of her talents and time by preparing the church bulletins, programs and other church correspondences whenever called upon. At a young age, she participated in the church Red Circle Girls, Youth Choir and Sunshine Band.
Mary attended Chattanooga State Community College and had a long career in the administrative field. Mary‘s work history included Erlanger Medical Center, South Central Bell, Carta Transportation, Christian Academy Day Care Center, Blue Ribbon Daycare and Eastdale Family Dentistry which she retired from as the office manager for many years.
Mary took much pride in caring and cooking for her family and was by far a champion shopper. One of Mary’s favorite past times and her hidden superpower was shopping.
Mary was blessed to celebrate 61 years of marriage to Arthur A. Terry Sr. whom she met through a mutual friend as teenagers. To their union she was abundantly blessed with two sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.
Among those who preceded Mary in death include her son, Michael J. Terry; parents, Jamis “Ted” and Flora Mae Pitmon; brothers, James “Preacher” Pitmon, A.C. Pitmon, Henry “Boot” Pitmon, Walter Pitmon, and Bobbie Pitmon; and sister, Margaret House.
Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Arthur A. Terry, Sr.; son and daughter-in-law, Arthur A. and Angela Maffett Terry, Jr. of Chattanooga; 6 grandchildren, Mary Jane Terry, Vanessa Terry, L’Oreál Terry Henderson, Arthur “Trae” Terry III, Demetrius Nelson, and Xena Terry; a host of great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Joseph P. Terry of Memphis, TN; sisters-in-law, Selena Pitmon of Warner Robins, GA, Rosa Tumlin of Atlanta, GA, and Minnie Armstrong of Montgomery, AL; devoted and dear friend, Mildred Tyous; devoted and caring honorary daughter-in-law, Demetria S. Maffett; a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and friends. Mary will lie-in-state on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 12:30-5:00 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Monday, February 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel with Pastor Michael Bennett as the Eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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