Julia Terry

Julia JoAnn Horne Terry died peacefully on Dec. 28th at her home in Jackson, MS. She was born on Oct. 7, 1938, in Birmingham, AL, to the late Elizabeth Jobe Horne and Haynes Porter Horne, Jr. She graduated from Shades Valley High School in Brimingham, Alabama and attended Mississippi University for Women, where she received a B.A. degree in English.

While in college, Judy met Denny Terry from Columbia, MS, and the two were married on August 23rd, 1957. They both became believers in Christ at an early age, and they never lost sight of their Lord throughout their lives.

During their first 6 years of marriage, the couple moved several times while Denny finished out his service in the United States Air Force. Their first child, Julia Haynes, was born in 1960 and her brother Lee Ford followed in 1963. Denny made a final career move to Jackson, MS to work for The Trane Company. In 1969, Judy gave birth to another son, William Whitten, who was born with Down Syndrome. From that day forward, Judy and Denny were dedicated to finding a care program for Will.

In 1973, Judy helped start the Early Education Center for developmentally disabled preschool age children. Later, she and Denny were instrumental in starting the Mustard Seed, a group home and sheltered workshop community for developmentally disabled adults. Together, they were able to fulfill their dream of having a long-term care facility for Will.

Although her time was focused on The Mustard Seed, Judy was active in many social clubs in Jackson, including the Junior League of Jackson, Candlewasters Dance Club, Hodgepodge Antique Club, and Tres’ Gai Luncheon Club.

The Terry’s joined First Presbyterian Church in 1979, and Judy thrived in helping minister to others, especially young wives and mothers over several generations. She loved being around people and helping others in need, both inside and outside her church community.

When Denny was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1995 and given 3 years to live, Judy became a caregiver overnight and walked with Denny through the toughest years of their marriage. She never left Denny’s side, and together they grew closer to the Lord Jesus through a miraculous 19 years until Denny passed away at their home in 2014. Judy missed Denny immensely, but she remained faithful to Christ, knowing that one day she would be reunited with Denny in heaven.

Judy is survived by her daughter, Julia Haynes Terry of New Orleans, LA; sons, Lee Ford Terry (Donna) of Jackson, MS, and William Whitten Terry, of Brandon, MS; grandchildren Carl Austin Terry (Anna) of Jackson; Anna Kate Terry Hartman (Daniel) of Jackson, and Molly Foster Terry, of Austin, TX; great-grandchildren, Hayes Andrew Hartman, William Hogan Hartman, and Alice Nan Terry, all of Jackson, MS; brother Haynes Porter Horne, III (Robin Jackson), and sisters Carole Horne Gaston (Gene) and Linda Horne Forbes (French); sisters in law Theresa Terry Conerly, of Columbia, MS and Kathleen Schaeffer Terry of Tupelo, MS; and numerous cousins, nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews.

Visitation will be at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, January 4th, 4:30-7:00 in Miller Hall. Memorial service will be at 11:00 am on January 5th in the church sanctuary.

Memorials may be made to The Mustard Seed, Inc., 1085 Luckney Rd, Brandon, MS 39047.