Carol Terry

Carol L. Terry was hardworking and caring. Her family was the focus of her love and attention, and her home reflected the joy she felt in being a mother and grandmother. She surrounded herself with sights and sounds that reflected a down-to-earth style of life, from country music and collectables to handmade and homemade goodness.

Carols’ story began at a time when thousands of young servicemen had returned home from World War II to pick up their lives and start afresh. With an energy never before experienced, U.S. industry expanded to meet peacetime needs. Americans began buying goods not available during the war, which created corporate expansion and plenty of jobs. Growth was everywhere and the baby boom was underway.

Born to Donald and Pat (Parsons) Bacon on December 12, 1950 in Plainwell, Michigan, Carol was one of six children: Russ, Carol, Robin, Brenda, David and Lori. Her mother was employed as a nurse’s aide at nursing homes throughout Michigan and her father worked for the road commission. During the school term, Carol attended Delton and Otsego schools until the family moved to nearby Vicksburg in the early 1960s.

Life changed significantly when Carol married Bobby McElroy at age seventeen. She became a young mother of three—Tim, Jason and Tina—but the marriage did not last. She later married J.C. Terry and together they had one daughter, Jessica.

Carol’s home was filled with warmth, laughter and singing. She was a bit of a jokester but absolutely serious about her cooking. It didn’t matter what she prepared, her family loved whatever she put on the table. She brought a homey touch to the decor with her crocheted pieces and many collectables: angels, teapots and Loretta Lynn memorabilia. Because Carol’s favorite music was old country, Loretta was top on her list of singers, and she made many visits to the Loretta Lynn Ranch. Quite naturally, Carol’s children became knowledgeable of Loretta’s life and music because she had them watch Coal Miner’s Daughter many times.

In the 1980s, Carol moved to Alabama, but wherever she lived she always loved returning to see family. In her working life, she was employed as a cashier with Walmart in Alabama and Michigan for over 25 years. Her main joy was being a Grandmother. Carol was devoted to her grandkids and bought whatever they needed. Truth be told, she spoiled them and was happy about it. Since the death of her 2nd husband in 2004 she was pleased to have found a special companion, Coleman Varnell, to spend time with. Those near and dear to Carol will miss and fondly remember her as a loving mother, grandmother and friend.

Carol L. Terry of Three Rivers, Michigan, formerly of Cherokee, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the age of 64. She is survived by her four children: Tim (Tiffany) McElroy; Jason (Melissa) McElroy; Tina McElroy; Jessica Terry, all of Alabama; Nine grandchildren: Lee Jr., Steven, Trevor, Breonna , Brandon, Zachary, Hunter, Faith, and Drayden. She is also survived by her mother: Harriet "Pat" Bacon; four siblings: Robin (Butch) Lafler, of Fulton; Brenda Gettys, of Portage, David (Kris) Bacon, of Colon; Lori (Lee, Sr.) Coville, of Vicksburg; special companion Coleman Varnell. She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Bacon; brother, Russ Bacon; husband, J.C. Terry; and 2 brother-in-laws: Tom Gettys and Earl Holbrook.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, from 12noon until the time of the service. The funeral service will be held on Thursday at 1pm.

Please visit Carol’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, sign her guestbook, share a memory and/or photo. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the family.