Tributes

Terry Lee Stephens, age 70, has left those of us here on earth to reunite with her beloved daughter Christa Marie in heaven. Terry became our guardian angel on May 3, 2022, at Grand Strand Medical Center after a very brief fight against cancer. She was surrounded by her beloved husband, son and grandchildren. Born on September 17, 1951, to Lawrence and Geneva Spence in Washington D.C., she joined her sister Sherry Lewis. She spent her youth in Suitland, MD, where she graduated from Suitland High School in 1969. After graduating high school Terry gave birth to what she considered one of her greatest achievements, her son Christian. Terry met the love of her life, Joseph Stephens, in 1972; that love was as strong on May 3, 2022, as it was on day one, and will continue on eternally. In 1979, Terry brought the second of her great achievements into the world, her daughter Christa Marie. In 1989, she welcomed her granddaughter Jessica Noel Stephens. Followed in 1996 by another granddaughter, Dallas Jordan Olah, as well as three additional grandchildren, David, Christian and Tori Dunn, who she loved and embraced unconditionally as her own. In 2009 Terry welcomed her first Great Grandchild Nicholas Kelbaugh. 2013 welcomed Savannah Kelbaugh and 2017 brought her Dominic Dunn. Family was always one of Terry's highest priorities. No matter where you were on her family tree or how you made your way there, she loved you and protected you as ferociously as any Mamma Bear could. At the age of 18, she started working for the Census Bureau, where she worked until transferring to the Department of Agriculture. After 30 years of devoted service at both the Census Bureau and the Department of Agriculture Terry retired, then transitioning to a career in Real Estate with first O'Coner Piper and Flynn, followed by Coldwell Banker. In 2009, Terry moved from her home in Hanover, MD to become a resident of Myrtle Beach, SC, where she lived until her passing. Surviving Terry are her husband, son, sister; 5 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, as well as the bounty of friends she was blessed to meet throughout her lifetime. The strength of her handshake was surpassed only by the strength and passion she put into every loving embrace she gave. Terry lived and loved her way, with passion, devotion and strength. She will be remembered for her independence, strength of character, devotion to her Lord, and her family. Respecting Terry's express wishes, the family will be having a small graveside service at Savannah Valley Memorial Gardens in Thomson, GA. For those wishing to express their condolences, the family asks that you make a donation to: Grand Strand Baptist Church 350 Hospitality Lane Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 info@grandstrandbaptist.com

Tributes

Terry Stephens

September 17, 1951 - May 3, 2022