The funeral services for the late Mrs. Marie Terry, who departed this life on Thursday, April 30, 2026, will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. from the New Life of Albany Church, 1200 Cordele Rd., Albany, Georgia. Burial will follow in the Shepard Memorial Garden Cemetery.

Public Viewing/Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm. The family will be in attendance on Friday evening from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm to meet and greet friends and well-wishers.

Marie Brown Terry, born on July 15, 1939, in Blakely, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A woman of deep faith, quiet strength and unwavering devotion to others, Marie lived a life defined by service, first to her family, then to her community through her calling in healthcare, always reflecting the light of Jesus Christ in her words and actions.

The daughter of the late Jack Brown and Mary Brown (Lee), Marie grew up in Powelltown, Georgia immersed in values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance. These early lessons from her parents and the tight-knit family environment shaped a character that would carry her through decades of caring for those around her. Her ancestry reached back to the Kotoko, Mafa, and Masa peoples of Cameroon, a rich heritage that grounded her sense of identity and resilience.

Marie graduated from J. W. Holley High School in 1960. Driven by a desire to help others, she pursued training in healthcare and earned formal certification as a Nurse Aide. In September 1991, she completed her study and training at Albany Technical Institute, followed by state certification through the Georgia Department of Medical Assistance. For years, she served as a dedicated Nurse Aide, bringing comfort, dignity, and compassionate care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. Colleagues and families alike knew her as someone who went beyond duty, someone who truly saw and cared for the whole person.

Beyond her professional work, Marie was known for extending that same nurturing spirit to anyone in need. Whether family, friend, or neighbor, she consistently put others first, offering support, encouragement, and a steady presence. Her faith in God was not just a private belief but a lived testimony that guided her daily interactions. She modeled Christ-like love through acts of service, quiet generosity, and an enduring commitment to lifting up those around her.
Marie shared 66 beautiful years with her husband,
Johnny Lee Terry (“J.L”), Sr., building a home rooted in love and mutual devotion. Together they raised a family that reflects her values of strength and care.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Bennie Lee Brown, Bennie James Brown (Ruth), Carl Davis, and Margaret McCullough, and her sons Johnnie Lee Terry, Jr and Alonzo Terry.

Marie is survived by her devoted husband, Johnny Lee Terry (“JL”) Terry, Sr.; her sons Ronny Terry and Reginald Terry (Stacy); her daughter Tomeka Terry; her daughter-in-law Kathy Terry, widow of her son Alonzo Terry; six grandchildren, Jonathan (Tiffany) Terry, Nathaniel (Brittney) Terry, Kaitlyn Terry, Samuel Terry, David Jordan, and Bryan Jordan; two great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Alonzo Terry II and Nora
Annalise Terry; her brother James Earl Brown (Gloria); her sister Creola Dassie;. Her family was her greatest joy and the center of her world.

Marie Brown Terry will be remembered as a pillar of quiet grace and selfless love. She taught those around her the power of faithful living, the importance of caring without expectation, and the beauty of a life poured out for others. Her legacy lives on not only in the family she cherished but in every person whose life was touched by her kindness. Though she is no longer with us in body, the light of her faith and the warmth of her spirit will continue to guide and comfort all who knew and loved her.