Lois Elaine Terry

She was born March 31, 1939, in New York City to the late Herbert Daniel and Margaret Massenberg Lane.

Lois was one of nine children and fondly recounted stories of growing up in New York City. She matriculated through the Catholic school system attending St. Thomas the Apostle School and graduated from St. Michaels’s Academy in New York City in 1958.

Upon graduation from high school, Lois attended Shaw University, Raleigh, North Carolina where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1962. While at Shaw, Lois joined the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Omicron Phi Zeta Chapter. Continuing her education, she completed graduate work at several universities in New York and Washington, DC before earning a Master’s in Public Administration from The American University, Washington, DC in 1980.

While attending Shaw University, Lois met John Patterson Terry. They married in 1962. From their union, they were blessed with two wonderful children, Gregory Paul and Jennifer Brianna.

Lois began her career as a teacher in the Virginia public school system but soon started her lifelong career in social work in Brooklyn, New York where she served people and communities in need of help. She continued in this field when she returned to Washington, DC; working in a number of positions until her retirement in 1994.

Lois was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She had a joy and zest for life, a winning smile, and a sense of humor. She was a fiercely loyal, strong, and positive role model.

Lois loved cooking, reading mystery novels, and watching good British television programs. But her greatest passion was traveling. Her travels took her to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. Lois was fearless and had an adventurous spirit!

She had a strong faith in God that compelled her to give back to the community. She performed numerous civic, church, and community activities. Among these were Roosevelt Senior Citizen Home, Wisconsin Avenue Nursing Home, Ionia R. Whipper Home, House of Ruth, Washington Home for Aging, and The National Hook-Up of Black Women, Inc.

Giving generously of her time and talent she worked for her beloved sorority, Zeta Phi Beta (member for over 60 years). She was also a member of Shaw University and American University Alumni Associations.

Preceded in death by her sister Jacqueline Ferguson, and brothers Herbert, Roy C, Wesley, and Lester Lane. Lois leaves to cherish her memory; children, Gregory Terry (Gail) of Baltimore, MD and Jennifer Terry (Earnest) of Washington, DC; three precious grandchildren, Sydni Shea Terry, Jamison Elaine Terry, and Blake Coleman Terry; two sisters, Ilona J. Kegler of New York and Mercedes Massenberg of Georgia; brother Gilbert Lane of New York; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

A Life Well Lived