Terrie Lee Love

Terrie Lee Gillihan LoveMarch 9, 1955 - July 17, 2024It is with deep sadness that the family of Terrie Lee Gillihan Love announces her passing on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 69 years of age. Terrie will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Rebecca Walker (Johnnie), and her son, Paul Wright (Michelle); grandchildren Lauren Ward (John), Peyton Wright (Makayla), Megan Wright, Mia Lawson, Olivia Walker, and Scarlett Walker; great-grandchildren Eleanor Ward and Nathan Ward; siblings Cathey Wright, Robbie Harchfield, Michael Gillihan, and Barbara Gillihan; aunt Patricia Byford and uncle O.D. Millican, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.Terrie is preceded in death by her parents, James Gillihan, Sr. and Bonnie Lou Roberts Gillihan; and siblings Ronnie Gillihan, Linda Johnson, and James Gillihan, Jr.Terrie Lee Love was born on March 9, 1955, in Drummonds, Tennessee. She was a shy and quiet middle child surrounded by her many brothers and sisters, who were built-in friends and playmates. In addition to time with her siblings, other favorite childhood memories included the times she got to spend with her Grandma Gertie, her Uncle O.D. and his wife Carolyn, as well as her Uncle Cecil. Even as she and her siblings grew up and had families of their own, it was important to her to that even if everyone wasnt in touch as much as they had been, that they were all happy. Up until her passing, she continued to have close relationships with her Uncle D, her Aunt Pat, and her sister Barbara. She traveled with them, shared lots of meals, spent time reminiscing about old times, and creating new memories as well. Aunt Pat says that Terrie was more than a niece to her; they were truly the best of friends. They shared a love of plants, and Terrie, with her green thumb, could manage to nurture even the most struggling of Aunt Pats plants back to life. They, along with Barbara, took a recent trip to Lamberts in Sikeston, MO, and had a list of other places they planned to visit soon. She and her niece Nancy stayed in close touch as well, and together, they were making plans for Nancy to build Terrie a new deck outside her home. Without a doubt, they would have had a big time bringing this plan to fruition, and that new deck would have been filled with flowers, plants, windchimes, and hummingbird feeders.Terrie had a strong work ethic and when encouraged to slow down and relax, she liked to remind everyone that a body in motion would stay in motion. She took this to heart on so many levels. As a young adult, she raised her two children as a single parent and worked hard to provide whatever they needed. These were not always easy times, but regardless of challenges, she kept pressing forward and supported Becky and Paul in any and every way that she could, framing setbacks as opportunities for adventures. She could make a good time out of anything, whether it be going to the old drive-in on Highway 51, taking a drive though the river bottom, or just dancing around the living room when they were kids. She loved Christmas and always made a production of in what order gifts could be opened to maximize the excitement. Everything she did was in an effort to be sure Becky and Paul knew they were loved.Refusing to ever be idle, Terrie continued to work full time up until her death, and she loved her job in the garden center at The Home Depot. This allowed her to combine her love of being outside, her gift of a green thumb, and the pleasure she found in helping people. Prior to that, she also worked in tour operations at Graceland for many years. She looked forward to seeing many of the same fans return year after year and knew more Elvis trivia than anyone. When not at work, Terrie enjoyed tending to her own yard and plants, researching her family history, and reading. She was also able to fix just about anything. Even if she didnt start out knowing how, she would research until she figured it out. No matter the circumstances, quit just wasnt in her vocabulary. However, the most fulfilling role she had by far was that of grandparent. Mimi, as she was affectionately known to her grandkids, was the most loving caregiver, playmate, and supporter of them. She gladly attended countless school functions, birthday parties, horse shows, scouting ceremonies, sporting events, and performances while they were growing up. Of course, as important as it was to her to be there for milestone moments, she also enjoyed simply just being with Lauren, Peyton, Megan, Mia, Liv, and Scarlett doing whatever it was they wanted to do. Once Eleanor and Nate came along, her love only multiplied. There was no limit to how far she would travel, how early she would wake, how many games she would play, or how many sweets she would buy to put a smile on the face of a grandbaby or great-grandbaby. She drove to Chattanooga to help take care of Eleanor when Nate was born last summer. She was out on the dance floor at Peyton and Makaylas wedding in September and was looking forward to upcoming graduations for Mia, Liv, and Scarlett. Although both very independent, she and Megan lived together, which allowed them to look out for one another and meet up with Peyton and Makayla regularly for dinner. Just last month she made the trip to East Tennessee to spend a few days with Eleanor and Nate. She played pretend in the playhouse, jumped on the trampoline, and then also found the time (and still had the energy) to plant flowers in the backyard. Her love for all of them - Mimis babies no matter how old - was the purest and most unconditional of all.At Terries request, no service will be held, but those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to donate to the American Diabetes Association. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the ICU staff at Methodist North Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, for their care and compassion in her final days.
Funeral HomeMaley-Yarbrough Funeral Home
1701 Highway 51 S
Covington TN - 38019
US
(901) 476-9778
901-476-1349 To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Terrie, please visit our Tree Store.