Dr. Clifford McCollum Terrell

Dr. Clifford M. Terrell, a resident of Montgomery, AL, transitioned this life Wednesday, April 6, 2022. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia on November 11, 1949, to the late Elder Louis and Mother Rosia Terrell. He was the third of six extraordinary children born to this union.

He was raised in a Christian home and could often be found attending church five to six days a week. At the age of 11, he accepted the Lord as his Savior, and shortly thereafter received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. He loved church and was a hard worker. Once he was able to earn his driver’s license, he purchased and started driving the church bus.

During his adolescence, he enjoyed watching military shows and reading comic books. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia. Ready to serve his country, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the military. After obtaining his degree, Dr. Terrell was commissioned in the United States Air Force (USAF) through the Air Force Officer Training School. As a result of hard work, dedication, and academic excellence, he earned the following degrees: Associate of Arts (University of Hawaii), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (California State University), Master of Business Administration (University of North Dakota), and the Doctor of Ministry (Pentecostal Bible College). He served his country faithfully for twenty-one (21) years and retired at the rank of Major.

While attending a church convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he noticed a beautiful young woman, Jean I. Ruffin, with whom he fell in love. After his first tour of military duty, he returned home to make her his bride. Together they created a home filled with love, joy, and strong family values as they nurtured their children—Valencia and Vincent. Mother Jean Terrell served lovingly by his side in ministry for thirty-four (34) years until the Lord called her home on September 11, 2003.

Dr. Terrell served in ministry for more than fifty-three (53) years, which included pastoring various churches across the nation. He established and pastored churches in Texas, North Dakota, and Virginia. In March 1987, God spoke to his heart and gave him a vision to start a church in Montgomery, Alabama. A “Church Built on Love” and its mission would be to reach the multitudes. He established the Gospel Tabernacle Church of God In Christ where he served as Pastor until the Lord called him home from his labor.

He served the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) as District Superintendent, Jurisdictional President of the Department of Missions, Jurisdictional Sunday School Superintendent, Jurisdictional Chairman of the Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention, and Administrative Assistant to the Jurisdictional Bishop. Additionally, Dr. Terrell served COGIC as a national member of the Executive Committee of the General Assembly.

As an educator and spiritual leader, Dr. Terrell was instrumental in affecting the lives of thousands of people throughout the world. He was an Adjunct Professor in the schools of Business at the University of North Dakota, Minot State University, and the University of Virginia. Additionally, many who began their gospel ministry under his leadership are now prophets, pastors, evangelists, superintendents, bishops, and, more importantly, children of the Most-High God doing Kingdom work. Dr. Terrell believed in developing men and women to reach their highest potential. His love for Christ and His people permeated throughout the congregation.

Dr. Terrell was actively involved and served as an officer and board member of several Christian, civic, and community organizations. He was a member and two-time Chapter President of Lions Club International (Minot, ND and Montgomery, AL), member of Montgomery YMCA Metro Board of Directors and member of the Board of Directors—Jimmy Hitchcock Award, member of Class 11 of Leadership Montgomery, and past President of Central Montgomery Optimist Club. He was also a past President of the Montgomery Ministerial Union, member of the Billy Graham Association Montgomery Outreach Planning Committee, and Chaplain for the Alabama State Troopers. Because of his leadership, his congregants had the opportunity to be involved in outreach ministries, including Habitat for Humanity; S.T.E.P. (Strategies to Elevate People) Foundation; Christmas in April; and the Convoy of Hope.

Blessed with a second chance at love and marriage, he took unto him his long-time friend, the lovely Frances Y. Averett and they became one flesh on December 24, 2016. They shared a devotion to one another that was unshakeable, enjoyed traveling, spending time with their grandchildren, and serving in ministry and community organizations. Mother Frances Terrell served faithfully by his side throughout their marriage until the time of his death.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, District Missionary Frances Y. Averett Terrell; one son, Elder Vincent (Machelle) Terrell, USAF Lt Col; four daughters, Valencia Terrell-Holiday, Selena (Michael) Coon, Serena (Shallum, USA Major) Harris, and Denise Mundy; ten grandsons, Terence Holiday, Brandon Holiday, Orlando Terrell, Joshua Holiday, Jordan Terrell, Vincent Terrell, Jr., Jalen Terrell, Emory Harris, Brayden Terrell, and Michael Coon; six granddaughters, Ashley Terrell, Maya Anderson, Morgan Anderson, Mackenzie Mundy, Marren (Taylor) Dickens, and Danielle Howell; two great grandsons, Matthew Dickens and Mason Dickens; three great granddaughters, Amira Terrell, Ella Frances Howell, and Merci Taylor; two loyal and unforgettable brothers, Louis (Quovardis) Terrell and Phillip (Cristi) Terrell; three beautiful and vivacious sisters, Phyllis Sowell, Rosena (Ronald) Johnson, and Natalie Terrell; his distinguished uncle, Reverend Carl Simmons, Sr.; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the members of his beloved Gospel Tabernacle COGIC and the Alabama Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.