Sharyn May Terry

We celebrate the life of Sharyn Terry, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. After a sudden and unforeseen battle with cancer we have sent our angel on earth to rejoice in heaven. She was born Sharyn May Chapman in Pittsburgh, PA on January 4 th, 1944 to Cecil and Sarah. She and her 3 siblings, Carol, Phyllis, and Bob grew up together as a close-knit family which was of tremendous importance to her. She met Frank Terry in 1962 and, after a 5-year courtship, became his wife in August of 1967. Sharyn began her career as a teacher in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1964 and, shortly after their wedding, Frank joined the US Navy and served with the Sea Bees out of Port Hueneme, California. He soon asked her to move to California with him in 1968 but she said she couldn't move without work. Anticipating her demands, he had already secured her a teaching position at a local elementary school and the move was soon official. She worked as an educator for 54 years, right up to her final few weeks. She was an extremely hard worker and held down multiple jobs while Frank served in Vietnam and again while he went to college, upon his return. During all this they built their family, having Sharilyn, William, Kimberly, and Julianne over a 10 year span. Sharyn was a strict but loving mother, thoroughly devoted to her family. She loved chorus and directed numerous church youth choirs and served as Director of Music for the IOJD - Bethel 142 for 20 years. She is survived by Frank and all 4 children as well as 13 of her grandchildren: Kelsie, Travis, Madison, Shawn, Gavin, Caden, Andrew, Elizabeth, Kyra, Dakota, Kaya, Caleb, and Matthew. She was an avid lover of music, teaching, crafts, Elvis, and everything involving her family. She leaves her indelible mark on the hearts and minds of countless lives. We are all blessed for her presence in our lives and will forever celebrate her and her impact on each of us. But today we weep.