Estella Terry

Estella Terry of Teaneck, NJ, fell asleep in death with her family by her side on December 8, 2014 at Holy Name Hospital. Estella was born to the late Alexander & Mary Pettaway Venable in Henderson, North Carolina. After the untimely death of her parents, she and her siblings were lovingly raised by her father’s sister, the late Augusta and Henry Small along with their eight children, to become a complete family of 15. She was forever grateful to her Aunt for raising her and her siblings. Estella graduated from Henderson Institute in 1956. As a graduation gift she visited her Aunt Queen E. Terry (deceased) in Brooklyn, NY. Shortly after, Brooklyn, NY became her permanent home. In 1958 she married her childhood sweetheart, the late Willie Terry. She was blessed to have 3 children. Estella’s first job in New York City was working at a Doll Factory briefly, then a lamp factory where she met long time friend, the late Emma Brown. In 1968 she began her career at The NYC Board of Education as a Para Professional. During that time she met the infamous Roxie Blake, Annie Clark and Earnestine Maple (both deceased). Estella’s love for children was so abundant that during the summer many children in the neighbor remember the day camp she ran. The Westchester Country Club Trips were the highlight of the summer. In 1966, Estella first began studying with Jehovah’s Witness. In 1980, she resumed her studies of the bible and on January 27, 1992 dedicated her life to Jehovah. Estella was an avid traveler and visited many Caribbean Islands with her daughters, co-workers and friends. No matter where she went around the world, she would always visit her brothers and sisters at the local Kingdom Halls. After 29 ½ years as an educator, her health started to decline and she was unable to continue her teaching journey. She moved to Teaneck, NJ in 1997 and despite her many ailments her persistent love for children was still like a lamp that could not be turned off. She had the privilege of caring for several young children in her congregation. Although the name “Nana” was given to her when she had her first grandchild, that “title” became an affectionate name that was embraced by many young ones as well as adults. ****************************************************************************************** She leaves behind with cherished memories: Her 3 children: Tina Thomas, (Eddie-deceased), James Dockery (Kim), S. Monique Terry-Riley Five Grandchildren: Jamil, Jasmine, Michael II, Tamika (Maurice), Cheyenne Five Great-grandchildren: Justice, Harmony, Michael, III, Olivia and Mia Simone. Eight Sisters: Gilda Mullins (Lee), Bobbie Norman (Buddy), Gertrude Clark (Willie-deceased), Dorothy Jordon, Ida Anderson, Daphine Blackwell, Linda Hawley & Ida Bass Six Brothers: Garland Venable, Henry Small, Robert Small, Calvin Small, David Bobbitt, Theodore Small. Close family friend: Diane Mascarinas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and spiritual brothers and sisters. She was predeceased by: Brothers: Thomas, Alexander and John Venable, Judge Bobbitt and Thurston Bobbitt and One Sister, Elenora Wimbush, special cousin, Inez Lewis