Terri Hamby

Born on January 9, 1968, in Stuttgart, Arkansas, Terri lived a life that beautifully reflected her deep love for Jesus Christ. Her faith was not simply something she believed—it was the foundation upon which she built her life. Whether she was teaching children, serving her church, encouraging a friend, or loving her family, Terri's desire was to glorify God in all she did. Her kindness, joyful spirit, and servant's heart left an enduring impact on everyone blessed to know her.

Terri earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Arkansas. She answered God's call to invest in the lives of children through education, dedicating her career to teaching in Jacksonville, Arkansas, Texarkana, Texas, Genoa Central, Magnet Cove, and Collegeville Elementary School. She loved her students as if they were her own and believed every child deserved to be encouraged, challenged, and loved. Her passion for education was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year at Collegeville Elementary in 2023. She also served as president of the school's Green Team, always looking for ways to make a positive difference.

Terri was a faithful member of New Life Church, where she dearly loved her church family. She faithfully worshiped, served, and encouraged others, always pointing people toward Christ through both her words and her actions. She understood that ministry wasn't confined to Sunday mornings—it was something to be lived every day. Whether volunteering, supporting church events, mentoring others, or simply offering a listening ear and a heartfelt prayer, Terri faithfully lived out her calling.

Above every accomplishment, Terri treasured her family. She shared 37 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, Mark. Together they built a Christ-centered home where faith, love, and laughter were abundant. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring "Sweetie," and there was nothing that brought her greater joy than spending time with her grandchildren. They were the delight of her heart.

Terri found beauty in God's creation. She loved photography, sitting on the beach while admiring God's handiwork, gardening, singing praises to the Lord, worshiping with fellow believers, playing cards with family and friends, and attending her Total Body Fitness workout class. She was also actively involved in booster clubs and wholeheartedly supported every activity that mattered to those she loved. Whatever Terri committed herself to, she gave it her very best.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother in-laws, Paul and Mildred Hamby; brother-in-law, Doug Davis; and her nephew, Drake Walker.

Those left to cherish her precious memory include her devoted husband of 37 years, Mark Hamby; her parents, Paul L. and Linda Theriac Johnson; her son, Aaron Paul Hamby and his wife, Kaylinn, of Hot Springs; her daughters, Lyndsey Annette Franklin and her husband, Brian, of Benton, and Olivia Elaine Fox and her husband, Nathanael, of Benton; her beloved grandchildren, Titus Ray Franklin and Cooper Aaron Hamby; her sisters, Paula Davis, Shannon Holt and her husband, Kevin, and Jamie Walker; her brother, Scottie Johnson and his wife, Allyce; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, treasured friends, fellow educators, church family, and countless students whose lives she influenced through her love and encouragement.

Though Terri's family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the assurance that she is now whole, healed, and in the presence of the Savior she loved so deeply. Her legacy of faith, compassion, generosity, and unwavering love for others will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of Terri's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Crossgate Church. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday at Gross Funeral Home.

Flowers are especially welcome, as Terri loved their beauty and the joy they bring.

The online obituary, guest book, and memorial tribute are available at GrossFuneralHome.com.