So many crazy, happy memories of this sweet woman. When she became a member of our family she liked to play pranks on me!  I lived with their family ( after her Mom married my brother) and whenever my date came to pick me up she would always try to embarrass me in some way!  And usually succeeded!

I am sharing a fond memory I have of my cousin-in-law, Terri. I met her for the first time in LA when my [now] ex-husband worked for his uncle Joe at the body shop they owned in Glendale. We lived with Johnny's Aunt Louise and Uncle Joe while we saved money to get started after losing our home to fire in Alabama. I was pregnant with my second child at the age of 24.
Terri had similar experiences with living in the same situation for similar reasons. She helped me through that challenging time by reaching out, offering an empathetic shoulder, and role modeling how to be a mother with a sense of humor. I can't put words to the balm that her attitude and support that she gifted to me during that time. 
We lost touch soon after... I regret that so very much. What a special person she was. The wisdom she role modeled was far beyond her young years. Her optimism, her support for a struggling mother... no words. 
And then there's the wonderful time when we took our families to drive in to watch Ghost Busters. Terri had an affinity for all things scary. The fond memories bring tears of gratitude in equal measure to tears of regret for not remaining close over the years. RIP, sweet, wise lady. Your light burned brightly and ended too soon.

I first met Terri when she attended Woodlawn High School her freshman year. We were in study hall together and she kept me laughing. I was so awkward and she was so pretty and funny and smart. I was enchanted. 

One day I was at my locker and she flew around the corner and hid behind me. She said, "A gorilla is after me a gorilla is after me! And omgosh he's huge!" Seconds later what appeared to be a large gorilla rounded the corner, saw her,  pounded on his chest, and  roared. Terri darted out from behind me and ran down the hall. The gorilla followed her. 

The moral of this story boys is that your mom always spoke the truth. If she said a gorilla was following her by golly a gorilla was after her. I think the gorilla was there that day for a special event. He was clearly very  taken with your mom. 

During that same awkward phase I was calling my dad Harry. His name was Paul, .  I have no idea why I was calling him Harry, but I was a weird kid. One day my dad took Terri and me to the state fair.  We had a blast. She just loved Daddy. Every time we'd spin around on a ride she'd wave and yell  "Hey Harry!" Years later we'd lost touch for a while so one day she started calling Lowrys in the phone book trying to find me. She called my dad's ex-wife Peggy. Later, Peggy  phoned me and said a girl called me looking for "her friend Sylvia Lowry whose dad was named Harry Lowry. I told her I knew a Sylvia Lowry but her dad's name is Paul." I immediately knew it was Terri but that was before caller ID so I couldn't find her number. Finally we reconnected and I was so happy to have found her again. 

As long as your mom was in the world I knew I'd never be homeless. She always made me feel so welcomed at her home. It's important to have friends like that. Hopefully we'll never be homeless, but just in case, it's good to have someone who loves us that much. She would never have been homeless either by the way. I loved her so very much.

Terri feasted on life and love. 

She was my ride or die for many years. 

To those she loved, my heart is with you.

One of the most exceptional women and real estate agents I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. She provided us with invaluable assistance on numerous occasions. She had a special fondness for Candice, always bringing her a donut whenever we met. Her absence will be deeply felt.

I have known Terri for about 30 years.  I was a tenant at her apartment complex, made friends with her, then I started at the apartment complex working for her on the weekends.  It blossomed into a friendship going out to the bars dancing, etc as friends, then blossomed into the long-term friendship.  She found my first home for me as my realtor and she always kept a strong friendship with me and other mutual friends.  I always been fond of her and her kids, they are a great family.  Terri will be greatly missed.

I have many fond memories of Terri and her sons.  We made many trip to Alabama together and she had us laughing all the time.  She was larger than life with her constant laughing.  She raised two wonderful boys and they were the light of her life.   I will remember her forever.   May she now have peace and happiness in her next life. Prayers for her boys Dustin and Devane.

OBITUARY

Terresa "Terri" Gayle Alexander

20 October, 1960 – 14 October, 2023

Southern Heritage Funeral Home & Cemetery

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