Mary Virginia Terry

TERRY, MARY VIRGINIA– Mary Virginia Terry passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Mary Virginia was born in Quitman, Georgia, to Isaac Seaman Williams, Sr. and Willie Lee Williams. She grew up in Quitman and later attended Valdosta State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. She taught school until her marriage to C. Herman Terry, also of Quitman. She and Herman made Jacksonville their home and were happily married until his death in 1998.

Mary Virginia loved reading, gardening, travel, volunteer work and service to others. She enjoyed spending time in the mountains, at the beach, and skiing in Lake Tahoe. Mary Virginia and Herman supported numerous organizations, including educational institutions, children’s charities, health care and the arts in Jacksonville and in Georgia. In 1991, the College of Business Administration at the University of Georgia was renamed the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry College of Business. After Herman’s death in 1998, Mary Virginia continued their philanthropic efforts, regularly contributing to more than 30 organizations, including the University of Georgia, St. Vincents Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida, the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, the Jacksonville Symphony, Valdosta State University and Ortega United Methodist Church. She also served on the boards of many organizations. Mary Virginia was awarded honorary doctorate degrees from both the University of Georgia and Jacksonville University.

Mary Virginia enjoyed spending time with family, and is survived by sisters-in-law, Betty T. Cox and Marilyn T. Calkins; nieces, Betsy Cox, Nebbie Maslin, Carole (Sandy) Kurtz, and Maria Weber; nephews, Stewart Williams, Malcolm Williams, Brooks Williams, William (Bill) Terry and Zack Terry; and their children and grandchildren. She is also survived by Sandra Corbett, her good friend and long time personal assistant to both Mary Virginia and Herman, and by Madge Henry, her companion and caregiver of many years.

Funeral services followed by a reception will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 4, 2022 at the Ortega United Methodist Church, 4807 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida. Mary Virginia will be buried next to Herman in a private service in Thomasville, Georgia. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERSIDE FUNERAL HOME.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Terry family.