Terra Klugh Bates

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Goucher College

Terra Bates Obituary

BATES, TERRA KLUGH (Age 30)

Of Fredericksburg, MD, died with her husband, Alan Geoffrey Bates on Friday, February 15, 2002, in Birmingham, AL. Terra was employed by Phoenix Productions of Frederick, MD, a theater management company for national tours of Broadway musicals and was studying for her master's degree in historic preservation at Goucher College. Terra is survived by her parents, Jan S. Gillespie of Asheville, NC and Tom S. Klugh of Clemson, SC; her grandparents, H. Neil and Emily Gillespie of Greenville, SC, E.W. and Maureen Simpson of Clemson, SC; her aunts, Ms. Bette Simpson, Ms. Bobbi Simpson and Ms. Todd Gillespie and uncle, Mr. Whit Simpson. The family will receive friends today at 1 p.m. at ROSWELL FUNERAL HOME, 950 Mansell Rd., Roswell, GA 770-993-4811, where a memorial service will be held today at 2 p.m. Terra and her husband met, worked together, and were married at the historic Alabama Theater. Because of the significance of the Alabama Theater in their lives, the "Alan and Terra Memorial Fund" has been established to assist in the theater's preservation. Memorial contributions may be sent to The Alabama Theater, Alan & Terra Memorial Fund, 1817 Third Ave. North, Birmingham, AL 35203.

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Published by The Washington Post from Feb. 23 to Mar. 2, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Terra Bates

6 Entries

Ann Taylor Pittman

February 26, 2002

Whether she knew it or not, Terra helped my husband (then boyfriend) and me out during a really difficult time. We desperately needed extra income, and going on the word of mutual friend Tracy Carr, she hired my husband, Patrick, for stagehand gigs and made sure he got as much work as possible. She didn't know us at all but soon became a pal we'll never forget.

She had a knack for knowing exactly what to do or say to make others happy. The first time we met, she told Tracy she thought I had cute hair and nice teeth. I can't tell you how great that made me feel. She also indulged Tracy's and my love of awards shows and had us over to watch the Golden Globes--and she made the best roast chicken I've ever had in my life. I also recall how she gave Patrick the most absolutely perfect birthday gift: a bag full of woodworking, architecture, and historic house magazines. She seemed to really give of herself and to instinctively know what it took to make others happy.

Jeannie Hanks

February 25, 2002

I worked with Terra at the Alabama Theatre. I remember when she first came with the Historical American Building Survey from D.C. She was one of the nicest people I had ever met....not a shy bone in her body.

One thing about Terra I remember (among many) was that fact that while driving a car, she was a LATE STOPPER. Anyone who has ever ridden in a car with her knows what I mean. She used to scare the crap out of me when she would come upon another car at a stop light and, seeming as if at the last second, she would stop. Well, it didn't take long before I came to trust Terra and the fact that I knew she would always stop in time. So, as far as my memories of Terra go I always knew I could trust her, becuase she was THAT kind of person.

Patrick Pittman

February 25, 2002

My friendship with Terra came from working with her at the Alabama theater. I don't remember it being especially fun work, but I do recall that even after a 14 hour day on the job, she would have to force those that worked with her out of the place because no one really wanted to leave.

Though it was a long time before I met Alan, I quickly came to believe that Terra's real first name was "Alan and."

Now, I think of a wonderful dinner she made for me and my wife, how good she was at listening and helping someone deal with her difficult job, and her keen insight that helped her bring out the best in everyone around her.

There's not much more I can say except I can't imagine them being apart, and that I am a better person for having known them.

February 25, 2002

I met Terra through Tracy Carr. I did not know her well, but I thought she was a really neat and fascinating person and was interested by the fact that she contributed so much to the restoration of the Alabama.

Tracy Carr

February 25, 2002

Terra Klugh Bates was one of my best friends. I probably consumed more meals with her than with any other person I know--we ate lunch together every day while I worked at the Opera, which was housed in the Alabama. I was thinking of some great story to tell about a crazy adventure, but when I think about the stuff we used to do, it mainly involves eating. There was also a lot of laying on the floor and watching tv and talking. I don't know what else to write, except that I love her, and I hope she knows that.

Bess Carr-Aiken

February 25, 2002

To the memory, nothing is ever truly lost.

Eudora Welty

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