Paul S. Terry Jr.

PAUL S. TERRY JR., was born on August 8th in the year 1938. This was the same year when his father, Paul S. Terry, Sr. and his mother, Frances E. Tyson Terry, started their family-owned funeral business in Pleasantville, New Jersey. Paul graduated from West Philadelphia High School (Philadelphia, PA) and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Lincoln University (Oxford, PA). He received his mortuary degree from Eckels College of Mortuary Science (Philadelphia, PA) and upon graduation in 1960 he became a member of the family business. Mr. Terry assumed the role of head funeral director in 1974 when his father became advisor to the operation. After his father's death in 1986, Paul, Jr. became president of the firm and operated Terry Funeral Home with his younger brother, Thompson Terry, Sr., who predeceased Paul in 1997. Paul sold the business to Gregory T. Burrell in March 2000 and retired, but remained on as a consultant until 2009. Though the funeral home was the main focus of Paul's life, he made sure to include time for his family and his many service and social organizations. In 1987, Paul married his beloved, Nellie Booker Terry and they enjoyed an abundant life together until her death in 2011. Both Paul and Nellie delighted in travel and being socialites at fundraisers and galas. He was most popularly known for his work with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Guardsmen, The Frontiersman, The Commissioners, and The Olde Philadelphia Club. As a member of the Olde Philadelphia Club, he was voted in as Vice-President. He was the first person in the club's history to be voted into office, under the age of 35. Though Mr. Terry was a native Philadelphian he was very proud of his ties to his descendants in Pleasantville, NJ and Reading, PA. It was at Charles Evans Cemetery that Paul always made a point of maintaining the family plot for all holidays. The site dates back to the early 1800's and will now be his final resting place. Paul S. Terry, Jr. passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2012, after a short illness in Chestnut Hill Hospital. He leaves to cherish his memory: nephews, Thompson Terry, Jr. and Gordon Terry; cousins, Edward Terry, James McKee, Betty Terry, Renee Terry, Pamela Terry, and Bernie Tyson; stepdaughter, Faye Campbell; sister-in-law, Lauretta Rocke-Terry; and a host of family members among the Terry's and the Tyson's and many friends.