Ellen Terry Butler Bailey

Terry was born on the 22nd of September 1935, in San Augustine, Texas, to Ellen Davis Butler and Julius Terry Butler.

She was a graduate of San Augustine High and North Texas State University where she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. Upon graduation, Terry moved to Houston to work for the Tennessee Oil and Gas Company; later “Tenneco”. While working there, she met Edward L. Bailey, who became her husband on the 14th of September 1963. Terry and Ed were happily married for 45 years until Ed’s passing in 2009.

A valued employee, Terry retired from Tenneco after over 30 years. She maintained her relationships with her former coworkers for the rest of her life.

Never one to be idle, Terry filled her retirement years enjoying her favorite activities; shopping and traveling with her “chosen sisters” Sally and Marilynne, bridge club, watching golf and NCIS on tv, and most precious to her, her beloved Blue Bird Circle.

Time spent working at the shop and cultivating friendships with the ladies, known affectionately as “The Blue Birds”, were among her most valued pursuits. Terry devoted many hours to the Blue Birds in positions including First VP, Chair of the Egg Committee, and serving on the membership and consignment committees. You could count on seeing Terry every Wednesday in the shop’s pricing area.

Friends became Terry’s family, and she was an honored member of the Bretches and Gorman families who adored her.

Terry will be missed by so many. She will always be remembered for her gorgeous white hair, bright smile and twinkly blue eyes; her great sense of humor and her warm, contagious laugh. She is preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 10th of October, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where The Rev. Gregory W. Cross is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to a reception with the family in the adjacent grand foyer.

The family will gather for a private inurnment where Terry will be laid to rest with her husband at Houston National Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Terry’s honor may be directed to The Blue Bird Circle, P.O. Box 66027, Houston, TX 77266 or online at https://thebluebirdcircle.com/ways-to-give; Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association, Attn: Honor/Memorial Gifts, 1134 Finfeather Road, Bryan, TX 77803-3823; or Breakthrough T1D, Formerly JDRF, PO Box 5042, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5042.