Alberta Terry

Alberta Baird-Terry passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 22, 2025, at 3:05 AM, just weeks before her 100th birthday. Born July 26, 1925, in Mobile, Alabama, Alberta was one of a set of triplets—Doris, Edith, and Alberta. She carried the distinction of nearly a century of life lived with quiet resilience, discipline, and a strong sense of self.

Alberta relocated from Mobile to Brevard County, Florida, in 1962, bringing with her a focused work ethic that defined much of her professional life. She built a long and accomplished career as an executive assistant in the U.S. Air Force Civil Service, serving across several key locations including Patrick AFB, Brookley AFB, the Pentagon, Columbus, GA, and Lajes Airfield in the Azores. Over 35 years of federal service, Alberta earned the respect of her colleagues for her attention to detail and steadfast professionalism.

Alberta was previously married to Henry D. Baird, Sr., with whom she had two children. Years later, she remarried and spent 13 years with her second husband, Verble Terry of Melbourne, Florida and six amazing stepchildren.

A lifelong Episcopalian and a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Alberta appreciated structure, simplicity, and consistency. She enjoyed talking to her sister Edith, laughing with Linda, calling Keith for daily needs, watching baby Mikayla, playing cards, reading romance novels, and watching hallmark channel movies. She found comfort in routine and took pride in maintaining her independence well into her later years.

In early 2023, Alberta moved to Colorado Springs to live with her son, Col. (Ret.) Henry D. Baird, Jr., and his wife, Nancy. Even in her brief time there, she made an impression on those around her with her sharp memory, firm opinions, and unflinching clarity.

Alberta is survived by her twin sister, Edith Gibson; her son, Henry; her stepdaughters, Linda Riggio and Anne Everly; her stepsons, Keith, Tim, Andy, and Michael Terry; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane E. Baird, and her older sister, Irene Gwin.

Alberta was a loving wife to two wonderful men, a loving mother to both children and stepchildren and their children, a loving sister and friend to many in the Brevard County area. Alberta lived life on her own terms. She valued independence, hard work, and self-reliance—qualities that defined her nearly 100-year journey. Her memory will remain with those who knew and respected her strength and steadfast presence. Alberta will be sorely missed by us all and will create a space in our hearts that will never be filled.

A memorial service will be held at 9:00 AM at Davis-Seawinds Funeral Home with burial following at Melbourne Cemetery.

A reception will be held at Squid Lips – Melbourne, FL at 12:00 PM. Please RSVP for attendance at the reception to [email protected]