Linda Tarte Terry

Linda Ann Tarte Terry passed away on August 27 in Columbia, South Carolina at home with her family following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in 1943 in Aynor, SC, Linda lived by her own rules, but always with fashion and style. After graduating from Aynor High School, Linda attended The University of South Carolina, where she met the love of her life, Dickie Terry. They were married on March 6, 1965, celebrating 60 years of marriage this year.

Linda loved fashion, insisted her hair be “just so,” and never left home without her makeup. While raising her children, she began selling Avon; partly for fun, partly for pocket money. What started as a part-time job quickly became a career in which she flourished. She rose to become a district manager, leading representatives across Columbia with her trademark mix of determination, charm, and bossiness. She racked up impressive sales numbers, earned trips to Europe, California, and Hawaii, and was a repeat member of the Circle of Excellence.

Linda and Dickie also shared a passion for shag dancing. Both were honored as Living Legends by the Columbia Shag Club, and their photo even appeared in the first book recognizing the Shag as South Carolina’s official state dance. They loved the beach, cherished their friends, and celebrated life at SOS, Our Time, and countless family gatherings.

Linda leaves behind her husband, Dickie Terry; her children, Tara Terry (Tom Pittard) and Trent Terry; her grandchildren, Thomas Pittard and Drew Terry; her siblings Judy Johnson (Dale), Allene Roush, and Fred Tarte (Gail); and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings Bill Tarte and Margaret Chestnut.

The family would like to thank Dr. Karin Jenkins and nurses Ellen Keefer and Del Tate with Prisma Hospice Care for their gentle caretaking these last two weeks.

A visitation to reminisce about the good old days, remember Linda, and catch up with each other will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Dunbar Funeral Home, 4219 Hardscrabble Rd. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite cause because Linda would have preferred you spend money on something fabulous.