Rayma Dillingham Terry

Rayma Dillingham Terry, 88, died peacefully in her home on June 18, surrounded by her family. She was born July 18, 1919 in Moore County, Tennessee, in the holler between Lynchburg and Tullahoma, to Walter and Eulalia Dillingham. At age six her family moved to Briggs, Texas to live on the family Ranch. Rayma began her schooling at Briggs Elementary and graduated from Briggs High School. During high school she played volleyball, with her team winning the state championship. There were six boys and six girls in her graduating class. After graduation Rayma enrolled at Daniel Baker College, now Howard Payne University, in Brownwood. Although she worked during college she could not afford all the required books and spent countless hours in the college library studying and memorizing the lessons. Determined to be a college graduate and homesick for her family, she received her degree after just 27 months. After graduation from Daniel Baker she was hired as a teacher and volleyball coach in Dripping Springs. She took her team to state championship but was beaten by none other than the Briggs volleyball team. Shortly after beginning her teaching career in the Austin school system, Rayma met John Edward "Jack" Terry and they were married in Austin on July 7, 1950. Together they enjoyed life in Austin and were longtime members of University Avenue Church of Christ. She pursued her Master's degree at the University of Texas at Austin. Rayma and Jack enjoyed playing bridge and bowling with friends, attending Longhorn football games, traveling with family, and most of all, enjoying their grandchildren. In 1976 Rayma was voted "Teacher of the Year" at Odom Elementary. She retired in 1984 after nearly forty years as an educator. Rayma's life was dedicated to each child she touched and will be remembered by all who knew her for her constant, genuine grace and compassion. She is survived by her son, John Dillingham Terry, of Katy, daughter-in-law Susan Terry, and grandsons Cameron and Brandon Terry, as well as daughter Rayma Terry Chase of Austin, son-in-law Glenn Chase, and granddaughter Alison Rayma Chase. Rayma was preceded in death by her husband, John Edward "Jack" Terry. Visitation will be held Friday, June 20 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21 at University Avenue Church of Christ, 1908 University Avenue, Austin. Interment will follow at the Dillingham Cemetery in Briggs, Texas. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com