Emillie loved two things, her family and to talk about her God, Jehovah. She never knew her biological parents so she promised herself that one day she would make a family of her own. And that she did with having nine children that she cherished and loved. The romantic love of her life was Dad, Robert Crawford Terry. They married on July 15, 1972. She often told her children that she didn't know that a man could love her so unconditionally. His passing in September 2004 left a void in her heart that none of us could replace.

Emillie loved to dance, sew, decorate and have gatherings at her home to entertain friends. She loved being social which made it easy for her to engage people in conversation and share the Bible's message. She had a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh that made people gravitate to her. Her genuine concern for others and nurturing spirit made many adopt her as their mother and forever friend. She was affectionately known to her grandchildren as “Nanny” and to her friends in the congregation as “Sister Terry.”

In 1968 two of Jehovah's Witnesses, Jennie Blackwell and Wendell Shepard Senior, knocked at Emillie's door to share the Bible's message. After they answered some of her Bible questions, she agreed to have a Bible study. She quickly saw the ring of truth and dedicated her life in water baptism on November 13, 1970. Her relationship with Jehovah God became her most valued possession because she now had a father, a Heavenly Father, who loved her dearly.

For 50 years, Emillie’s life work became that of sharing all the wonderful Bible promises with her children, grandchildren and others. She became a Regular Pioneer, which meant at the time, she dedicated a minimum of 90 hours a month to assist others to come to an accurate knowledge of the Bible. Wherever she could talk to people, that was her territory. She made herself available to care for the spiritual and emotional needs of her students which included visiting them in their homes, nursing homes, parks, or hospitals. They welcomed her visits and she developed lasting friendships with many of them as they adopted her into their family. She had a genuine love and concern to help her neighbor as she took seriously the commands at Matthew 28:19, 20 and Matthew 22:37-39. She continued in this work for many years until her body told her she couldn't any longer. Even then she used the visits of nurses, doctors, and caregivers that came to see her as opportunities to share the Bible's message that gives a hope that one day soon, we will no longer need health care or funeral homes at all (Isaiah 33:24; 1Corinthians 15:26). And one day soon all those asleep in death will hear his voice and come out (John 5:28, 29). This was her hope and she passionately shared the Bible's wonderful promises with all who would listen. She did this with confidence because she knew she served a God who cannot lie about what he promises (Titus 1:2).

We look forward to the day that we will see our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Friend once again in perfect health. When Jehovah calls and she answers, she will be looking for each of her loved ones to be there.