Our Beloved Terrylynn Harrell was born on September 24, 1964, in Brooklyn,NY.
She is the youngest daughter of the late George Kelly Harrell Sr. and Dorothy Mae Johnson Harrell.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Ray Anthony Harrell, niece Tanya Napolean, niece Stephanie Harrell, nephew Curtis Johnson , niece Roxanne Johnson, god-son Jordan Rice, and her loving loyal baby Precious Maxine Harrell.
Terry leaves to mourn her heartbroken siblings: Leonard “June” Johnson, Contrenia Renee’ Harrell, Mildred Valez Harrell, George Kelly Harrell (Essie), and Gail Veronica Harrell.
She also leaves to mourn her loving sister-friends Zerita Renee’ Shaw and Joycelynn Harrell ; Sister-cousin Shannon Holy; Brother-friends Clinton Abernathy and Charles Joseph Vanarsdale.
An innumerable host of cousins, aunts, uncles, extended family, friends and colleagues share her loss and will cherish the love, laughs, and moments that they shared forever.
Terrylyn left behind her legacy through her loving nieces and nephews that she adored and cared for as her children: James M. Dean (Tsania), Eric D. Harrell, Shawn Dean, Laqaun D. Hunter (Lionel), Henry A. Brown (Nikita), Catora Q. Williams (Charles), Casper Dickey, Keondrea Huggins, Nicole R. Brown (Misha), Brian J. Forrester II (Teija), Ray A. Harrell Jr, Cameron K. Harrell (Stephanie) , Kelle’ R. Harrell, Raeven Harrell, and Jaelen H. Harrell. Goddaughter-nieces Latia S. Stephens and Tonya Sacre and god-son Donovan Carter.
As the baby of the family -Terrylynn was always the center of attention! Always dreaming as big as possible even at an early age- she had a flare for fashion and a love for singing and performing. Her passion continued to grow from the early days of performing gospel with her siblings around Brooklyn.
As she became a young adult Terry was budding into her professional career paths. Balancing corporate America with creativity- In her mid-20s, she honored her love for being the best dressed by launching a traveling fashion show. Bold and innovative she promoted her trendy, high-quality clothing through her company, “Gotcha Covered “ in the early 1990s.
To know Terry is to know an always fearless and passionate woman, with a brilliant mind and keen sense of business . So when Terrylynn entered the real estate industry in 1997, she took it by storm!
In her 25+ years in the industry she broke glass ceilings for black women and men across the country, working her way from agent ,to broker , to owner. Her mentorship and seminars created “Power Brokers” and lead hundreds of agents into wealth-opening doors for many more to come.
Terry was one the most talented prodigies that real estate has ever seen and will be remembered as a maverick of the game.
Her strong work ethic and “Boss Lady” attitude earned her numerous accolades. She set standards in the industry and promoted equity with years of perseverance leading her to becoming President of PWAR in Virginia, and Realtor of the Year – just some of her many career highs .
Never too far from her roots in music- you could often catch Terrylynn breaking it down on the dance floors!Often fashionably dressed, with a feathered boa around her neck, tiara on her head while singing her favorite rendition of “Don’t Speak”.
Remaining humble after years of fame, she became the reigning Supreme Queen of Karaoke and is properly known as “Queen T”, “Diana Ross” and “Queen TL” in the finest karaoke bars to this very day.
However, the true testament of Terrylynn’s legacy was her love and commitment to her family and friends.
She gave of her entire self to everyone who came into her life.
Her goal was always to keep the memory of her mother, Dorothy Mae, alive.
She achieved that with the love that she has for God and her family ; and the work that she put in all
of her life to keep everyone close together.
Terrylynn is the glue that brings her entire family together. She is the one person that would move mountains for you.
She is everyone’s favorite everything. A true 1-of-1. Terrylynn lit up a room the moment she entered and blessed everyone with her laughter, famous 1 liners and her ridiculous, practical jokes.
When “Godmommy Gorgeous One” finally became “Grandma Terry” her love and selflessness was extended into her “heartdrops” 9x over. To love and be loved by her grandchildren made her life complete and brought her the most joy.
To the Grandbabies, her Heart drops; Brian James Forrester III, Arianna Nicole Ferguson, Brianna Jade Forrester, Brooke Janae Forrester, Nicolas San Miguel Forrester, Ezekiel Chima Nnani, Ezra Chinyere Nnani , Atreus King Forrester, and April Reign Forrester always know how much Grandma Terry loves you!
You all are the most proud moments of her life.
**A very special thank you and acknowledgement
to Charles J. Vanarsdale, Clinton A. Abernathy, and Zerita Renee’ Rice.
The three of you are the epitome of how blood DOES NOT have to flow through your veins to be considered family. How you selflessly put your lives on pause to support me and Terry; how you never wavered in fighting for her right to care with me.
The love, courage, determination, and you all showed during Terrylynn’s illness will never be forgotten. I love all three of you for loving me and Terrylynn.
Forever Love,
Gail
Our beloved Terrylynn will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for this Legacy of Love and Life.
Thank you for your love and support on behalf of our loved one, Terrylynn Harrell.
If you would like to attend homecoming services please note:
Funeral is Wednesday April 12,2023
10:15am-12:15pm
At Calvary Revival Church
Norfolk VA
Repass 1:15pm
Holiday Inn Virginia Beach – Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center
5655 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Gifts of love can be mailed to:
Attn: Gail Harrell
1633 Banff Court
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Cashapp: $itsponybaby
Zelle: 4047983839