Martha Lorene Terrell

Our Precious Mom, Lorene Terrell was born May 10,1929 and passed away May 9, 2023, just six hours before her 94th birthday. She was an Indiana girl, a pastor’s granddaughter, pastor’s daughter and a pastor’s wife. She lived in Indiana until recent years when she moved to live with her daughter Jana, in Asheville, North Carolina. At age 10, she burned her hand and had months of extensive surgeries and was a two time breast cancer survivor. These times in the hospital gave her the desire to have a career in nursing. No matter what life brought her, she exemplified peace and joy. Her faith was unshakeable. We were blessed as a family to have Mom live with us during her later years. She rounded out our family by providing laughter, wisdom and a profound sense of faith. Her energy and courage was inspiring, rarely letting the aches and pains of older age stop her from bundling up for a frosty football game or sitting on hard bleachers, heat sheet in hand, cheering for our children at hundreds of swim meets. She was always up for an adventure, traveling long distances together and was always up for playing games. Before her beloved sister Ruth passed, it was not unusual to hear these two 90 year olds talking on the phone after midnight, sharing stories, laughing, reading scripture and praying together. God was her foundation and strength. She loved to play cards and no one relished a victory like she did. Her “I’m out” followed by the most satisfied and infectious smile made us all laugh.

She truly saw beauty and fun in the simple things of life. She followed a live feed on her phone for months of a pregnant giraffe named April until it gave birth and marveled at the wonder of it all. She enjoyed ball games, swim meets, playing cards, hot dog, trips to Waffle House, donuts, going shopping and just sitting quietly listening and enjoying time with family and friends. Her joy for the simple things was profound because she did not need much to be happy and content. She found her joy and contentment in her faith. I have never known a person who knew so completely who she was, a child of God. She now rests in heaven with her beloved husband Tom.

Preceding her in death were her 5 siblings and her husband of 46 years, Thomas Wayne Terrell. There is a great reunion and celebration in heaven at this time. Surviving are her three children and their families. Jana and Chris Lechner, Kyle (Naomi), Austin, Luke, Ashleigh, Melani (Jeff, deceased) Holsinger, Melissa (Joe) McCoy, Matthew, Jessica, Mark and Colleen Terrell, Trevor (Emily), Meghan (Kenneth) Reep, Zachary (Maggie), and Hunter. She has 14 great grandchildren Jaylyn, Kayleigh, Wade, Jordan, Zoelyn, Payton, Landon, Nova, Hayley, Otto, Colton, Eva, Sage and Caden.

We will be celebrating Lorene Terrell's Life on Saturday May 20th at 4pm. Visitation is from 2-4 at Life Water Community Church, 5600 Westbreeze Trail, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804.

We will have a Celebration of Life Party in Asheville sometime in June. Details will come later!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.mccombandsons.com for the Terrell family.