Deacon Norris Terry

On Thursday October 26 at 7:20pm Deacon Norris Terry entered into eternal peace while with his eldest son Norris Jr. and daughter-in-law Debra by his side. Norris Terry was born on March 28, 1932 to the late AD Terry and Roxie (Jesse) Terry. Deacon Norris Terry attended Henderson schools. He moved Tacoma 1951 family friend Sam Daniels ask his brother LK Terry to drive his car from Henderson, Texas. Being 19 years old, young Deacon Terry fell in love with the city and stayed. At the tender age of 20 years old he was introduced to his future wife by Bertha’s brother-in-law late Nathan Jenkins. He became engaged to Bertha and asked her to wait for him. In 1952 he joined the U.S. Army, he completed a two-year tour and was honorably discharged. Upon returning he married his sweetheart on July 15, 1954.

Deacon Terry was always a good provider. He retired after 34 years of civil service as a government house hold inspector for the Department of Defense. In the late 60’s he began cutting hair. He would work for the government during the day and would go to his second job of barbering in the evening. His skill and craftmanship eventually earned him the title of Master Barber. Deacon Terry was the proud of the Eastside barbershop for over 40 years.
His first love was God and then his family. Deacon Terry served as Sunday School Superintendent for over 50 years at St. John Transformation Ministries. His testimony was God brought our family “from cotton fields to Cadillacs”.

Deacon Terry is known in the family as uncle Terry. He was our strong man. He was always there to give advice to parents about rearing children or how to handle family issues. His barbering chair became his place of ministry: service, church school and counselor. He taught men how to be men and how to take care of their families. Deacon Terry’s marriage to Bertha became an example of solid Christian values and served as an example for newly married couples.

Deacon Norris Terry was preceded in death by both his parents Roxie and AD Terry and his wife of 63 years Bertha Terry. As well as several of his siblings and in laws WD Terry (his twin), Rev WG Terry, Deacon Will Terry, Deacon James Terry, Deacon Larry Terry, Jessie Terry; sisters Vernell Terry, Clotiel Greer and Mozell Jones Smilly. He is also proceeded in death by special Rev Roy Greer, James Terry Jr. Nieces Yansey, Mary Jane Terry, Kay Dorman, Lois Greer, and Sabrina Bryant. Sister-in-laws Mary Lois Terry, Mary Lynn Terry, Alberta Terry, Mary Terry, Ethel Terry, Ethel Jenkins and Betty Jo Dorman. Brother-in-laws Nathan Jenkins, Rev Harry Dorman and Jerry Dorman.

Deacon Terry is survived by all of his four children Floydie Mae Thurman, Norris Jr. (Debra) Terry, Dona Terry and Apostle Ronald (Decia) Terry. Grand children Arlene (Kevin), Cathy (Johnny), Demetra (Gary), Andre, William (Norris), Julian, Jade, Jordan, King, Justin (Ronald), One great-grand child DaKauri Terry. A very special niece Kitty Scott. He is also survived by brothers Bishop TT (Virginia) Terry, Harris (Bernice) Terry. Sister-in-laws Georgene Terry, Lucille Terry, Barbra Dorman. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and 18 foster grand-children.