Terry Moncrief

Family-Placed Death Notice

TERRY MONCRIEF A beloved husband, father, pastor and friend left this world for his heavenly home on Wednesday, December 7th, 2005 around 4:00 in the afternoon. He was surrounded by his family and many friends, drawing his last breath as prayers and hymns of comfort were lifted up before God's throne on his behalf. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2005 at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. A memorial service will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 10, 2005 at Dunwoody Baptist Church, 1445 Mt. Vernon Rd., Dunwoody, GA 30338. Family will receive friends at noon. A native of Augusta, GA, Terry moved to Atlanta in 1972 with his wife Rebecca to serve as ministers of God's love and compassion in Techwood Homes, the nation's first housing project. They were blessed over the years with three wonderful daughters, Lori, Karen, and Cathryne, a foster son, Daniel Post, as well as two sons-in-law, Clifford Holifield and Joel Odom. Six beautiful grandchildren were subsequently welcomed into the family: Jonathan, Stephen, Eric, and Nathan Holifield, Alex and Madeleine Odom. Another Holifield grandchild is on the way, due in May. His family is grateful to have known and belonged to such a special man, whose great heart overflowed with love and joy for us all. We will treasure the lifetime of memories that we have shared together. In addition to his physical descendents, Terry leaves behind a multitude of spiritual "children" all across the neighborhoods of Atlanta, lives who have been touched by his investment of 33 years in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and action. Many young people who never knew their biological fathers looked up to him as a "Daddy" so great was the impact of his presence in their lives. An atheist during his college years, Terry's faith was born two years after his own father passed away. Committing his life to serve God and share the good news of salvation found in Jesus, Terry's passion was for everyone he met to know the love of His Lord. In addition to his work in Techwood, he has been involved in mission conferences in numerous states and other evangelistic projects in Russia and Kenya. His entire family has been an integral part of the ministry. His daughter Karen currently serves at Techwood as a full-time youth minister. The Techwood Baptist Center has now officially been renamed Moncrief Baptist Center in honor of his life and legacy. Though Terry's life dramatically changed with the diagnosis of a malignant brain tumor in December of 2004, his positive outlook and desire to glorify God in the midst of his suffering remained strong. The peace and joy that prevailed was a testimony and encouragement to many. He trusted His God and placed everything in His hands. All those who knew and loved him will miss him greatly, but they are comforted by the knowledge that he is rejoicing with His Savior and experiencing the fullness of his reward. In his last difficult days he often would try to sing the words of a song to express the longings of his heart and the hope set before him. "I can see the bright lights shine; it's just about hometime. I can see my Father standing at the door. This world has been a wilderness.I am heading for eternal bliss. I have never been this homesick before." Terry Moncrief is also survived by two brothers and their wives, Ron and Sue Moncrief of Augusta, GA, Wayland and Jacqueline Moncrief of Prescott, AZ, as well as two nieces, Heather Moncrief of Chicago, IL and Anne Henriques or Meriden, CT. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Techwood Baptist Center, 3070 Mercer University Dr., Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30341. Medford-Peden Funeral Home in Marietta is in charge of arrangements.