Mary Terese Ferrell, 64, of Oakland, died on January 24, 2020 after a long illness.
Terese will be dearly missed by family, friends from coast to coast, colleagues, and clients at Shelby Center Hospital for Animals, where she worked as a groomer making pets more beautiful for over 25 years. She loved her work and never met a dog she couldn't find something wonderful about.
Terese had an open heart and searched tirelessly for the good in everyone she met. Known for her sweetness, compassion, and generosity, she delighted in giving thoughtful, carefully chosen, beautifully wrapped gifts to those she loved.
An avid reader, she also loved good movies, a stay in a hotel, every animal she ever laid eyes on, holidays, watching snow fall, and her family. People didn't have to be related by blood to become part of that family. She particularly loved many of the staff at SCHA, and often said that working for Dr. Robert Parker was one of the most fortunate things that ever happened to her.
She leaves brothers Michael Ferrell (Hyun Suk) of El Paso, TX, Thomas Ferrell of Memphis, several nieces and nephews, and companion Robert Sams. Terese is predeceased by her parents, James F. and Vivian R. (McCannon) Ferrell, brothers James A. Ferrell and Robert S. Ferrell, sister Marguerite "Peggy" Adkins, and many beloved pets, especially her "heart dog," Murphy.
Special thanks to friends Dr. Robert Parker and Carolyn Theobald for all their tender care and assistance during her illness, Lisa Kidd Vazquez for taking in her dogs when she was too sick to care for them, and both Methodist Hospital and Church Health Center.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 16th at 3:00 PM at Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park East, 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County or The Church Health Center.