Viola Mae Taylor Terrell

Viola Mae Taylor Terrell, 93 of Clyde, NC passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Viola was born in the Saunook Community of Waynesville, NC on April 17, 1933, to the late George and Viola Hall Taylor.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, John Robert Terrell. Left to cherish Viola, “Vi’s” memories are her children, Gray Terrell (Clara), Laura DeWeese (Kim), Linda Milner (Mike) and Lisa Thorton (Rodney); grandchildren, Lori Liner, Nathan DeWeese, Natalie Swanger, Rachel Liner, Nicole Harris, Bryan Liner, Taylor Caldwell, Elizabeth Liner, Shannon Barnnett, Amber Bristol, Aaron Barnnett and Amber Milner; great-grandchildren, Conner, Destiny, Nicholas, Mackenzie, Lydia, Wiley, Harper, Anna, Mason, Eden, Bryson, Madison, Grayson, Kadence, Jacob, Ella, Easton and Oliver.

Viola was a 1951 graduate of Waynesville Township High School, where she met the love of her life, John Terrell. John and Viola were married at Long's Chapel Methodist Church on August 29, 1954. They spent their first year of marriage in Munich, Germany where John served in the U.S. Army. After a few years in Eastern N.C. they returned to John's family farm in Clyde, where they made their life long homeplace.

In Vi's lifetime, she volunteered and served in numerous organizations. Vi was a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts, where she lead Brownie and Daisy Troops for over 60 years. Vi was president of the Pisgah Girl Scout Council from 1992-1997.She will be remembered for selling Girl Scout cookies from the trunk of her car by the cases!

Vi was also a devoted Kiwanis member. She was the first female member in the Waynesville Club and became the first female president from 1991-1992. In 1993, she was awarded with the Lieutenant Governor Award and served a 2nd term as Kiwanis president from 1997-1998.

Vi also dedicate her time and service to K.A.R.E (Kids Advocacy Resource Effort), R.E.A.C.H of Haywood County, The American Red Cross where she trained teen volunteers at Haywood County Hospital.

Vi was a devoted member of Long's Chapel Methodist Church, where she taught youth Sunday School for many years. She was a member of the Council on Laity and was awarded Lay Person of the Year in 1990.

In 1993, Vi was awarded as Philanthropist of the Year by the Haywood County Community Foundation.

Vi may be remembered as Grand Marshal in the Waynesville Christmas Parade and for many years she was dressed as a clown following the horses as the "pooper scooper"!

Vi also created a stand-up comedy routine known as "Clarsie" a mountain woman with many tales and entertained locally and throughout the Southeast.

Viola loved people and never met a stranger. Her smile, wit and unconditional love for all, encouraged and blessed many lives throughout her life.

A favored Bible verse; "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Ps. 119:105, was faithfully lived out throughout her servanthood to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 7 at Garrett Funeral home with the Reverend John Ferree and the Pastor John Swanger officiating. Burial will follow at Fincher's Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 pm prior to the service.

Viola will be greatly missed as her outgoing, witty personality and love for all, touched many lives throughout her lifetime.

The Terrell family is forever grateful to Viola and John's caregivers for over 5 years of loving and compassionate care. Cindy May, Angie Curphy and Wanda Jaynes.

Garrett Funeral Home is caring for the Terrell family. www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com