Terry L. Wilds

Ms. Terry Lorraine Wilds, a beacon of love and generosity, completed her earthly journey on October 22, 2025, in her native city of Denver, Colorado. Born on February 5, 1959, also in Denver, Terry's life was a testament to the power of passion and the strength of the human spirit. Her departure, due to lung cancer, has left a void in the hearts of those she touched, but her legacy of love and unity will forever resonate with us all.
Terry's life was one of connection and service, marked by her dedication to her family, her craft, and her community. She was a culinary artist, whose hands were guided by love as she created masterpieces in the kitchen. Her career as a top chef at premier hotels was distinguished not just by the flavors she conjured, but by the joy and unity her cooking brought to people's lives. Terry's work was her ministry, a way to gather people, heal rifts, and create lasting memories over shared meals.
Her education at East High School in Denver was just the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and personal growth. Terry's desire to learn American Sign Language was a reflection of her inclusive spirit. She believed everyone deserved to have a voice, and her actions spoke louder than words in demonstrating this belief. Terry embodied the idea that communication and understanding are the foundations of a compassionate society.
Family was the cornerstone of Terry's life. She is survived by her beloved son Martel and his wife Tabatha, her cherished daughter Tiffanie, and her adored grandchildren Matice, Matavion, and Azzi. Each family member, including the beloved family dogs-Tuffy, Sport, Kilo, Kobe, and Milo-were treasured by Terry, who embraced them all with her boundless love.
Terry's interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. From the intricate patterns of her crocheting to the precision and grace of gymnastics, she found beauty and joy in diverse pursuits. Her love for the serene moments of early morning coffee, the soothing sounds of the ocean waves at Virginia Beach, and the simple pleasure of good music, especially the soulful tunes of Keith Sweat on cleaning Saturdays, were reflections of her appreciation for life's simple pleasures.
Her spirituality was a guiding light, helping her navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. Terry's life was a living sermon, inspiring those around her to embrace each moment with gratitude and to find the divine in the everyday. She was a motivational force, reminding us that life's true richness is found in the love we share and the connections we make.
As we remember Terry, we hold dear her passionate, generous, and loving spirit. She would often remind us, "I will give you the shirt off my back," and she truly meant it. Her love for her children, Tiffanie and Martel, was unparalleled, a love that was the foundation of their family's strength.
In the words of the great poet Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Terry made us all feel loved, valued, and connected. As we celebrate her life, we carry forward the light of her spirit, the warmth of her love, and the joy of her presence in our lives. May we all strive to live with the same passion and generosity that Terry embodied every day.
We love you now and FOREVER - you will always be Ma'Dukes To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Terry, please visit our floral store.