Services for Clara “Eloise” Terry will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m., at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home-North with Bro. Brent Stephens officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel Southern Methodist Church in Bailey, MS.

Eloise, age 95, died Friday, September 4, 2026, at the home of her nephew, Terry McKeithen, in Meridian. Terry had been her caregiver for the past four months, with hospice assistance, after she suffered a stroke.

Following the death of her sister, Hazel, in 2022, Eloise had lived independently in her home. She enjoyed being outdoors and spent a good amount of time doing yard work. She raked leaves and picked up every stray twig, even in the surrounding street. She was mentally alert and very active for her age.

Eloise was born at the family home in Kemper County, Bailey, MS. She was the youngest of eleven children born to Wallace Roland Terry and Fannie Clara Smith Terry. After graduating from Center Hill High School in 1948, she went to work for Southern Bell of Meridian in August of that year as a temporary employee. She was transferred to Augusta, GA as a permanent employee (her sister, Hazel, went there also as a nurse). Next came a transfer to Gulfport, MS for two years. By that time, she was ready to move back home and applied for a transfer to Meridian. After waiting for some time, she decided to leave that job and gave her two weeks’ notice. At the end of those two weeks, the transfer came through. According to her report of this event, the Lord had prepared the way for her to stay with the company until she retired in December 1983. By then, the company had become AT&T.

For three of the years while working in Meridian, Eloise had the opportunity to work in Florida for the tourist season. Telephone operators were necessary in those days. Those cities were West Palm Beach, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale. These assignments helped spark an interest in traveling when she had the chance. Other trips included; either to or through 48 states in the U.S.; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas; each province of Canada; and a special trip to the Holy Land in Israel.

During her retirement years, Eloise was dedicated to her church, Church of the Way. In earlier years, she had been a part of the Gospel Lighthouse Church, pastored by Sister Gracie Joyner. She was a true prayer warrior for neighbors, friends, and family. She enjoyed reading, particularly the Bible and other religious or inspirational material. She liked to watch religious programs on television and enjoyed the choir music. Eloise trusted Jesus as her Savior and always relied on the Lord to bring her through any difficulties. She had numerous testimonies of answered prayers.

Eloise dearly loved her family which had always been a close-knit group. She enjoyed any chance to be with them for meals out or family reunions. This strong bond led her to provide a home for her sister, Hazel, who was unable to continue living alone. At times this arrangement was very challenging because the sister’s personalities were so different. However, they both really loved cats, and they cared for numerous ones indoors and some outdoor strays. Eloise paid for many spays and neuters when the cats could be put in a crate.

Eloise is survived by her nephews, Terry McKeithen, Douglas Terry, Roland Flanagan, Arlin C. “Butch” Terry Jr., Roland F. “Pete” Terry, David McKeithen, Richard McKeithen, Barry McKeithen, Timothy Terry, Wallace Terry III, and Larry Terry; nieces, Phyllis Jones, Jean Vinson, JoAnne Collins, Joyce Ward, Cynthia Sandifer, Paulette Sigler, Apphia Stephens, and Sylbia Stephens. Survivors also include numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Clara Terry; brothers, Milton Terry, Arlin C. “A.C.” Terry, James Terry, and Wallace Terry Jr.; sisters, Wilma Terry Flanagan, Bonnie Terry Ethridge, Elizabeth Terry McKeithen, and Hazel Terry; unnamed twin infant siblings; nephews, Mark D. Ethridge, George Ethridge, Danny Ethridge, and Jimmy Ethridge; and nieces, Betty Katsaboulas and Carolyn McKeithen.

Visitation will be held an hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Casual dress is requested for the service.