Earl Terry

Surrounded by his family, Earl Joseph Terry peacefully departed this earthly life on April 14, 2023 and gallantly entered the gates of heaven to be with his Lord and Savior. Earl maintained his faith, accomplished his assignment, and finished his course. His past suffering is now his joy as he is reunited with his loved ones in Glory.

Earl Joseph Terry was born on January 23, 1939, to Rev. Edward Samuel Terry and Mrs. Bernice Lillie Terry at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA. He was the third child in a family of nine children. The Terry family resided in the lower ninth ward of the city. Earl grew up surrounded by members of his extended family that included the Terry, Edwards, and the Hensley clans. He was educated in Orleans Parish Schools and nurtured spiritually at Central Baptist Church where his father was the pastor. In 1956, Earl was baptized and formally accepted Christ. As a young adult, he was never one to be idle. Earl held a series of jobs before securing longtime employment in the city of New Orleans as a butcher. After years of successful work, Earl became the chief butcher at the Royal Orleans and the Royal Sonesta Hotels. Later in life, he realized his dream to become an entrepreneur and started his own trucking company. He was very proud of his dump truck and often allowed his nieces and nephews to “ride high” in the cab. Earl was always a willing worker and maintained employment as long as his health endured. Post-retirement, he held various positions within St. Charles Parish Public Works, Ormond Country Club, and Chateau Estates Country Club.

Earl was not only an industrious worker, but also a reliable provider. He became a family man on August 24, 1963, when he married Margaret Ann Carter of Norco, LA. The young couple decided
to establish their home in St. Rose, LA where they spent the next fifty-eight years of marriage.
They were blessed with two sons: Carl Joseph Terry and Derrick Earl Terry.

Earl was a devoted member of Nineveh Baptist Church in Kenner, LA. He put his faith to work by
adding a tenor voice to the church adult choir and men’s chorus. He also sang with his oldest
brother, Edward Terry, Jr. in a men’s gospel quartet. One of the highlights of his service to Christ
came when Earl, along with his brothers, performed in a special Central Baptist Church Pastor’s
Anniversary Family Choir in honor of their father.

Earl and his wife Margaret “Ann” loved to socialize. They were regulars at family events, special
church services, graduation parties, and holiday socials. The couple often received invitations for
multiple events on the same day and always tried to attend each one. Their time spent together
was a beautiful example of the blessings of matrimony.

Earl leaves his loving family to cherish his memory: his sons Carl Joseph Terry (Toneka-deceased), Derrick Earl Terry (Sherri), granddaughter Ambrea Perilloux (Steven), grandson Austin Carl Terry, granddaughter Asasha Lynn Terry, great-grandson Gabriel. His surviving siblings will always remember his life: Mrs. Barbara Terry Belcher (Carter-deceased), Beatrice Terry, Eric Terry, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. All will miss Earl’s warm smile and cheerful sense of humor. His parents Rev. & Mrs. Edward S. Terry, his brothers Edward S. Terry, Jr. (Iona), Ernest Charles Terry (Mamie Dell), Erskine G. Terry (Lynn-deceased), sisters Bernice Terry Williams, Brenda Terry Hutton (Charles), and his daughter-in-law Toneka Walker Terry precede Earl in death. Earl Joseph Terry was a faithful servant whose hard work on earth is being rewarded by eternal rest.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will
receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

A Celebration of life honoring Earl J Terry will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Nineveh Baptist Church, 1009 Wilker Neal Ave, Metairie, La 70003. Visitation will begin at 9 am. Service will start at 11 am. Entombment to follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 11316 River Rd, Saint Rose, LA 70087. Final care and professional services are entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E Airline Hwy, Gramercy, La 70052.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE"!!