Hazel Terry

Hazel Evelyn Terry

Hazel, age 95, died Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Queen City Nursing Center, Meridian. Before a recent illness sent her to the hospital, she had been living with her sister, Eloise. She was very mentally alert and engaging for her age. A major stroke suffered while in the hospital changed all that. She is now resting safely in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hazel was born January 2, 1927, at the family home in Bailey, MS. She was the eighth of eleven children born to Wallace Roland Terry and Fannie Clara Smith Terry. After graduating from Center Hill High School, Hazel worked a few jobs, including at a creamery. She considered becoming a missionary, but she decided to pursue nursing school. Most of her training was at Anderson Hospital with some time spent working at Matty Hersee as well. A long nursing career followed with jobs in Augusta, Georgia; California; Dallas, Texas; and in Meridian at Riley Hospital and Anderson Hospital. She received a B.S. degree in nursing from the University of Mississippi in the midst of this period and taught nursing in Texas and at Hinds Community College and Mississippi Delta Community College. She also served a term on the Mississippi Community College Board.

When her brother James needed a caretaker, Hazel moved back home to be with him full time. During this period, she was able to use her musical talents. She was a very gifted pianist, playing by note and by ear. She served several churches in the area including Collinsville United Methodist Church, Druid Hill United Methodist church, and Christian Fellowship Church. Singing was one of her talents, as well. She sang for a time with the Singing Saints and a performance choir that traveled to New York to celebrate the Statue of Liberty.

Among her other interests were poetry and politics. She wrote poems for many occasions and often in tribute for special people in her life. Sometimes, she would gift the person with a framed copy. Hazel clearly loved her county. She wrote letters and signed petitions hoping to influence legislation.

Her other great passion was her love for her family. She was a great prayer warrior for all of us. She kept in touch with a very large extended family, showing interest in each person’s pursuits. We will miss that contact.

Hazel is survived by her sister, Eloise Terry; nephews: Douglas Terry, Roland Flanagan, Danny Ethridge, Jimmy Ethridge, Arlin C. “Butch” Terry Jr., Roland F. “Pete” Terry, David McKeithen, Richard McKeithen, Terry 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 Sylvia Stephens and stepson, Bobby Carter. 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, and Elizabeth Terry McKeithen; Unnamed twin infant siblings; and stepson, Ralph Carter.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Laura Alexander, Dr. Gregory Thaggard, the nurses and staff on 5 East at Anderson’s Hospital, the nurses and staff at Queen City Nursing Center, and the nurses and staff of Quality Hospice. All of these providers gave loving compassionate care during a very difficult four-week period.

A Graveside Service will begin at 2pm on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Bethel Southern Methodist Cemetery, Bailey, MS. Webb & Stephens Downtown have been entrusted with her arrangements.

A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.