Terry Lynn Vernon

Terry passed away on Tuesday, July, 8, 2025 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by loving family as he passed from this life to his eternal one. Terry was born to Leonard and Audrey Vernon on August 21, 1955 in Goldsboro, North Carolina and moved to Manassas, Virginia as a young child. Terry is predeceased by his father and mother, his brother Dennis Leigh Vernon, his sister Linda Taylor, and his grandson Justin Allen Fritter.

Terry is survived by his loving wife Carol Vernon and their combined family of 6 children: Julie (Brian) Fritter, Myrtle Beach, SC; Terry Lynn Jr (Jessica) Vernon, Greenville, NC; Stephanie (Kelly) Vernon, Nokesville, VA; Christie Christian, New Bern, NC; Matthew (Inga) Christian, Lakeville, MN; and Kelly (Luke) Derr, New Bern, NC. He is also survived by his brother, David (Mark) Vernon, Gainesville, VA, 14 grandchildren, one great grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

Terry resided in Manassas, Virginia the majority of his life until he and his wife relocated to New Bern, NC in 2018. Terry and Carol were married in 2004 and he assumed the role of patriarch to their combined household. He loved camping with his friends and family and his dogs, and spending time at his favorite place on earth - the beach. But his favorite pastime was spoiling his grandchildren.

Terry joined the Army in 1976 and he was very proud of his military service. He was employed at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center in Manassas, Virginia for 27 years and moved up through the ranks gaining respect and admiration from coworkers and leadership alike.

Terry always had a passion for music. His love of music began in his youth and he played in the rock bands Purple Kreme and Backlash with his brothers. He later sang tenor in several Gospel Quartets including the Skyline Boys. He also enjoyed singing in the church choir at Solid Rock Methodist Church where he was an active member.

Terry was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His sense of humor brought laughter to all of those surrounding him. His journey on his earth was one marked by love, compassion, and his unwavering faith in God. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him. We love and miss him.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Solid Rock Global Methodist Church. His service will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Cotten Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenleaf Memorial Park.