It is with incredible sadness we announce the untimely death of our cherished Terra Sunderland. It is beyond words to express the void in our hearts with her unexpected passing from postsurgical complications. At the same moment we celebrate the gift from God of having had the privilege of spending part of our lives with such a remarkable Woman.
Terra was born in Hickory Aug 1, 1979. She attended Hickory High School graduating in the top of her class. She went on to Appalachian State University graduating cum laude in Business and Accounting and became a licensed CPA.
In her career Terra was a dreamer, builder and an entrepreneur. It’s hard to recall a conversation that didn’t include some sort of idea, new business venture or a goal she was bubbling with excitement over. She was a maverick, had her own mind and made her own way.
Many knew Terra Sunderland as an incredibly gifted photographer who beautifully documented some of life’s most treasured moments. She won several awards both locally and nationally for her photography and went on to start a photography company she called Merrylot that married the spirit of the Holidays with individuality of your family.
In the past few years Terra morphed her photography into a Real estate design venture. Starting off as an agent, and then a broker and owner of Terra Team Real Estate. Her passion in real estate was turning family dreams into reality. She focused on Moms, Dads and Kids and Grandparents and how the right home could help realize their family dreams. She loved being a part of their life journey while sharing her passions and triumphs and failures.
However, what most remember about her was watching her love her babies. She loved her children so fiercely and beamed with pride over who they were, especially who they were on the inside. She has left 4 amazing children whose spirit embodies who she was.
Terra is survived by her husband, Trey Sunderland; 4 children, Ella, Annie, Ben, & Jack Bailey; stepson, Wes Sunderland; mother/father, Beth & Jack Patterson; father/stepmother, Jackie & Shane Laws; grandparents, Ray & Alice Laws; brother, John & Lacey Patterson; sister, Katrina & Matt Purdy; aunt/uncle, Lynn & Greg Hefner, and aunt, Cheryl Bell.
She was a woman, who even through brokenness, had a fire in her soul and grace in her heart. Terra loved Jesus and had that type of “Bear-hug The Father until He blesses and restores you” faith.
This one hurts deep. This beautiful soul is gone too soon, but Lord, We are going to trust You, as Terra would.
Please join the family for a celebration of her life at Mt Pisgah Lutheran Church, 9379 NC-127, Hickory, NC on Friday Sept 16th. Family visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m., and the Celebration of life will be at 6:00 p.m.
Condolences may be sent to the Sunderland family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.
Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Sunderland family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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