Lois Ann Terrell

Born on August 2, 1941, in Austin, to her parents James and Elsie Terrell, Lois lived a quiet life full of kindness and devotion to her family and faith in God.

Lois grew up in Groves, Texas, and graduated from Port Neches Groves High School in 1959 and Port Arthur Business College in 1960. She worked for Dee Simon Insurance in Groves until she moved back to Austin in 1972, where she lived with her sister Joan and worked for the State of Texas until she retired.

Beyond her career, she had a true passion for bird watching, gardening, reading, and working puzzles. She served for years as a librarian for Hillcrest Baptist Church in Austin, helping to run annual children’s summer reading programs. She brought light to every room she entered with her gentle, warm, quiet spirit.

More than anything, Lois was a cherished older sister, a steady anchor (“the boss”), and a lifelong friend. She brought a unique grace and love into the lives of her family that each of us will carry forever.

Lois’s love for her nieces and nephew was boundless, and her influence on them was truly far-reaching. She delighted in expanding their worlds through art, classical music, and carefully curated treats. Many an afternoon was spent crafting while watching old movies, enjoying reruns of Star Trek, and sharing elegant tea times complete with tinned cookies, fancy crackers and fine cheese. A lifelong reader herself, Lois - along with Jo - gifted the children a multitude of books that continue to hold places of honor in their homes today. Through these many treasured experiences, Lois has left an indelible mark on their lives that will never fade.

She is survived by sisters Joan Terrell and Patty Waldo, brother-in-law Paul Waldo, nieces Erin Waldo, Amy Koch and her husband Patrick, and nephew David Waldo and his wife Valarie. She was the proud great aunt to Miles Koch, Finn Koch, Scott Waldo, and Melissa Waldo. She was the much-loved cousin to Marvin and Phyllis Nehre of Keokuk, Iowa, and Marcia Street of Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Elsie Terrell.

A celebration of Lois’s life will be held on Saturday, October 24th at 11am at Hillcrest Baptist Church.