Beverly Watson Terrell

Beverly Watson Terrell of Houston, Texas, passed away on May 18, 2024, and is now at peace with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she loved and served throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Walter Jackson "Jack" Terrell, Sr., her parents, Bethany Opal Watson and Curtis Arthur Watson, and her brother, Curtis Arthur Watson Jr., and his wife, Cathy.

Beverly is survived by her three children: Walter Jackson Terrell, Jr. (wife, Allison), Curtis Kimberly Terrell, and Gregory Scott Terrell (wife, Melissa); her 11 grandchildren: Julie Terrell (Joe), Kevin Terrell (Lori), Jill Harms, Keith Terrell (Amy), Kyle Terrell (Allie), Jason Terrell (Stephanie), Jana Sellers (Daniel), Jeff Terrell (Kayla), Laura Lalani (Kary), Leah Deegan (Joe), and Scott Terrell (Linda); and her 25 great-grandchildren.

Born on June 22, 1932, in Fort Worth, Texas, Beverly committed her life to Jesus at a young age. She married Jack, the love of her life, at 18, shortly after graduating from Arlington Heights High School. Jack was the Minister of Music at Birchman Avenue Baptist Church, where Beverly served as the church pianist, creating beautiful music together.

Beverly pursued a music degree at Texas Christian University (TCU) and later completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Southern Methodist University, earning a Master's degree in Vocal Pedagogy with Honors. She was an active member of the Mu Phi Epsilon and Pi Kappa Lambda music sororities.

Together, Beverly and Jack served in ministry, with Jack holding positions at several churches, including First Baptist Church in Corpus Christi around 1955 and First Baptist Church in Houston in the early 1960s. In 1963, the Terrell family moved to Dallas, where Jack served as Associate Director of the Texas Baptist General Convention. During this time, Beverly dedicated herself to raising their three sons: Jack Jr., Kim, and Greg.

While her children were in school, Beverly taught piano and voice lessons at home. She became an Associate Professor of Voice at Dallas Baptist University and Houston Baptist University and was a faculty member in the Music Department at Criswell Bible Institute.

Beverly was a sought-after vocal performer in gospel music, a recording artist, composer, and arranger. She sang internationally with the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board and was a featured soloist at Southern Baptist Conventions, Billy Graham crusades, and symphonies in London, Dallas, and New Orleans. Beverly produced four record albums, including works by the legendary Kurt Kaiser from Word Records in Waco, Texas. One notable piece was "To God Be The Glory," sent to her by André Crouch, who wanted her to share his new piece with the world.

Beverly had a gift for arranging songs and transitioning seamlessly between keys while playing. Her favorite performances included solos from "The Messiah" and singing atop the "Singing Christmas Tree." She was an anointed, talented, gifted musician who combined superb artistic performance with tenderness and compassion of heart that stemmed from her intimate relationship of Jesus Christ.

In the early 1980s, Beverly and Jack embarked on a new venture, founding Triune, an Alabaster Manufacturing business, which brought them to Houston. They reconnected with friends at Houston's First Baptist Church and later joined Second Baptist Church, where Beverly sang in the choir and spoke at numerous women's gatherings and seminars.

In 1988, Beverly began a successful career with Premier Designs Jewelry, eventually rising to the position of Diamond Executive Director and receiving the Commitment to Purpose award. Her "Count it All Joy" motto inspired many as she built a large network of distributors across the United States. In 2009, she was honored as "Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year" by Houston's Inspire Women.

Beverly cherished teaching Bible Study classes, especially the beloved "Beacon" Sunday School class, and led the "Joy of Living" Bible Study group in worship for many years. Her greatest joy was sharing the love of Jesus and encouraging others in their faith, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Known affectionately as "Mimi," Beverly reminded those around her to rejoice in each day and trust in God. Her radiant beauty, deep faith, generous spirit, and joy for life will be cherished by her family and friends. Beverly's legacy of compassion and devotion to Jesus Christ will live on in their hearts.

Though Beverly Watson Terrell has "stepped into heaven," she wanted everyone to know they could experience joy in life and eternal life by accepting Jesus into their hearts. She eagerly awaits a reunion in heaven. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelation 3:20.

To honor Beverly Watson Terrell's memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Music Ministry of Second Baptist Church in lieu of flowers