Lurleyne Lamar Terry

Lurleyne Lamar Terry, born September 11, 1944, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of May 7, 2025, following a long fight against cancer. Lurleyne was born in Ward, Texas, where her father was a pilot in the US Air Force. Shortly after her birth, Lurleyne’s family returned to her father’s native Pensacola and she remained in the Pensacola area during her lifetime. Lurleyne was preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald Eugene Terry, who passed away in 2019. They were married nearly 55 years and resided in Molino, FL at the time of his death. Also preceding Lurleyne in death, were her father, James Wallace Lamar, Jr; her mother, Dorothy Lamar Leitch; stepfather, Hugh Leitch; her sister, Louise Lamar Levy; and her brother and sister-in-law, James Wallace III and Sue Ann Lamar; and niece, Kimberly Sue Lamar.

Lurleyne is survived by her partner Harry Miller, whom she met late in life. They had a wonderful four years together and Harry was with Lurleyne as she passed peacefully in her beautiful backyard. Lurleyne is survived by many nieces and nephews, Jeffrey Shepard (Lorna), Jennifer Shepard (Pamela), Michelle Lamar Acuff, Karl David Acuff, James Wallace Lamar IV, Katya Lane, Benjamin Levy, Samuel Levy (China), Colin Acuff, her namesake India Lurleyne Forrest Shepard, Gretchen Lamar, James Wallace Lamar V, and Ansel Levy. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Fay Terry Fant, and many beloved nieces and nephews on the Terry side. She will be remembered by the Lamar, Shepard, Levy, Acuff, Miller, McDavid, Campbell, and Bubien families near and far, and dear friends, including Anne Lance, Tametha Blume, and Kevin Seely. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Dotsi Anne.

Lurleyne worked at the University of West Florida College of Business in the Dean’s Office for over 35 years until her retirement in 2003. There, she met lifelong, surviving friend, Sheila Etheridge. As an active member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, she served on the altar guild and volunteered in the church office every Thursday, even when her illness depleted her energy.

Lurleyne was very close with her family, in particular her mother and sister. The trio enjoyed countless adventures together, eating, shopping, traveling and going to concerts during the 70s and 80s. The extended Lamar family enjoyed daylong excursions on Pensacola Beach, boiled shrimp, and a lot of laughs. Lurleyne’s laugh was infectious and her humor served her well in life, especially during her later years as she lovingly cared for her ailing sister and mother, and picked up the pieces of her life following Don’s passing. She was truly someone who enjoyed life and she was not ready to go. She will be dearly missed by many.

A service will be held on Monday, June 16, at Barrancas National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Christopher’s.