Edna Fern Terrell

Edna Fern Terrell, 88, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 13, 2012 in North Salt Lake, Utah at the home of her daughter Fernetta Runyon after a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend. Edna was a loving care giver all her life, and will be sorely missed by her family which she loved, guided, and cared for. She was a woman to never forget and a perfect example of the proverbial woman. “A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.” (Proverbs 31:10).

Edna was born to Harry and Emma Johnson on January 29, 1924 in Enfield, Illinois. She married Hurtis Delmar Terrell on March 3, 1940. They lived 40 years in Central Illinois where they raised 6 children and 2 foster children. Edna was the foundation of her family. She helped nurse both her mother and her sister the final days of their lives as they battled breast cancer. In 1980 Edna and Hurtis moved to Kissimmee, Florida in order to improve Hurtis’ health. While in Florida, Edna continued her dutiful nursing and was the primary care giver of her mother-in-law as well as her husband for many years. When she was not nursing the people she loved, she enjoyed quilting, gardening and keeping up with her ever growing family. “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27.

After suffering a massive stroke in September 2010, Edna moved to her daughter’s home in North Salt Lake, Utah and was surrounded by family who were able to love and nurse her the final years of her life. In Utah she enjoyed receiving company, especially from the babies and all the men in her life. Even though Edna could not express herself after her stroke, she blessed everyone with her smile, and her laughter. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31: 30.

Edna is survived by her daughters Fernetta (Jim) Runyon of North Salt Lake, Utah, Cheryl (Dennis) Hobbs of Alhambra, Illinois, and Brenda Price of Kissimmee, Florida; her sons Wayne (Pat) Terrell of Troy, Illinois, Richard (Debbie) Terrell of Hephzibah, Georgia, Steven Terrell of Kissimmee, Florida, and Carlos (Kim) Arzuagas of Bunker Hill, Illinois; and one sister Darlene Farmer of Edwardsville, Illinois. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, and friends. Edna was preceded in death by her husband Hurtis Terrell; her sisters Annabelle Schriefer and Frieda Mayberry; her brothers Harold Johnson and Arthur Johnson; her daughter Bernice Boss; her granddaughter Jamie; her grandsons Stephen, Michael, Darren, Kenny, and Matthew, and her great-granddaughters Andrea and Michelle.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Grissom Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow Rose Hill Cemetery.

“Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:31.

Please join the family in celebrating Edna's life by visiting www.grissomfh.com to sign the online guest book and to share your favorite memories of Edna.

Arrangements are being handled by Grissom Funeral Home and Crematory, 803 Emmett Street, Kissimmee, FL 34741 (407) 847-3131.