Avis Jean Reaves was born on a small farm in Middleton, TN.  She was the sixth of seven children and grew up in humble conditions. The family was poor, their home had no running water, but she said she never knew that because all other families around her were also poor.  She graduated Middleton High School in 1952 and soon after met our dad James Arvil Terry while on a date with another man! They fell in love, married, and had three children.

Momma grew up going to church but our dad was not a Christian until long after we were adults. All by herself, she faithfully took us to worship service. Any time the doors were open we were there.  It never crossed our minds growing up how difficult it must have been. She made sure we were active in our youth group and loved hosting them in our home for youth activities. She saw each of us baptized and we always knew we were loved and that she was proud of us.

Our mom was a stay at home mom but also babysat children Monday through Friday to help make ends meet. She was an intelligent, practical, and creative person who could do most anything she set her mind to.  She went back to school in her early 50's to take some college courses at Memphis State which she thoroughly enjoyed!

Momma was a talented seamstress who made most all of our clothes. She loved gardening, could paint the interior of a room in a jiffy and think nothing of it. She cross-stitched many pictures which she proudly displayed in our home.  Our mom also made quilts by hand for her children and grandchildren which we will always treasure. She was a generous lady who often cooked for others and loved giving to the children's home while wanting no recognition in return.

Her favorite pastime was hunting. Hunting for a bargain! From garage sales, thrift stores, and even the pawn shop! The bigger the bargain the better.  She was always so excited to tell us of her latest find while we would sometimes roll our eyes behind her back!

Our mother was an honest person - sometimes a little too honest for our liking! We never had to wonder where she stood on things and she did not mind letting us know what she was thinking whether we wanted to know or not!

Momma's very best friend was her sister Janice. They had an extremely close bond. They talked everyday and sometimes for hours. They shared in the joy of good times and helped each other through difficult times. They loved each other unconditionally.

Grandma was her favorite name. She had 6 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren whom she loved dearly and longed to see everyone of them in heaven.

We believe her happiest day here on earth was the day that our dad was baptized.  At 82 years of age he became a Christian. We know in large part because of  our mother's faithful and unwavering example throughout their marriage. We know they are in paradise together!

We were honored and thankful to be with her in her final days - singing her favorite hymns and telling her what she meant to us.  We will always remember with great fondness momma saying "I appreciate you coming to see me off"  in her own unique and humorous way. She knew where she was going and she was ready.  We are most grateful for her example and showing us the way to heaven.  She has gained her reward and we are so very happy for her!

Momma was preceded in death by her husband, James Avril Terry; and her parents, Lonnie and Lessie Reaves.

She is survived by her children, James Travis Terry (Teresa) of Florence, AL, Donna Jean Parrish (Lynn) of Williston, TN, and Carol Diane Ray (Eddie) of Rossville, TN; her grandchildren, Allison Marie Webb (John) of Nashville, TN, Chase Reaves Terry of Florence, AL, Nathaniel Lynn Parrish (Ashley) of Germantown, TN, Hayden Neal Parrish (Miriam) of Nashville, TN, Sarah Elizabeth Ray of Collierville, TN, and Eddie F. Ray IV of Collierville, TN; her great grandchildren, Palmer Webb, Charlie Parrish, Thompson Webb, Lucy Parrish, Jones Parrish, Sullivan Webb, and Holden Parrish; and her beloved sister and best friend, Janice Shavers of Mobile, AL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Memphis School of Preaching.