Agnes Gertrude (Marcum) Terry

Agnes “Gertrude” (Marcum) Terry, age 91, of Oneida, Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at the Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge. Gertrude was born April 26, 1929, in Oneida, Tennessee, and was the daughter of the late Ezra Marcum and Orlena Blevins Marcum of Oneida. 

Gertrude is survived by three daughters, Linda Terry Malone (husband Charlie) of Knoxville, Debbie Terry Anderson (husband Al), and Lisa Terry Carson (husband Benny), and one son Danny Ray “DT” Terry, all of Oneida.  She is also survived by daughter-in-law, Kathy Blevins Terry of Oneida, and sister, Faye Matter of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and many other relatives and friends.

She was not only a loving mother, but a devoted Mamaw and GiGi to ten grandchildren who meant the world to her: Jared (wife Debbie) and Justin Terry, Michael (wife Mikayla) and Brian (wife Tenille) Malone, Alison Moser, Elizabeth Laxton (husband Travis), Travis Terry, Kelly Muse (husband Travis), Cody Carson (wife Alex), and Destini Terry (husband Colby).  She also had 26 great-grandchildren, and visits from them brought such joy to her life.

She is preceded in death by her husband James Esker “Eck” Terry, son James Esker “Junior” Terry, brother Emmitt Ray Marcum, sister Virgie Smith, two infant sisters, and granddaughter Nikkia “Nikki” Terry.

Although our hearts are broken and she will leave a great void, we know that she is now rejoicing with those that were waiting for her with open arms. A song she referenced often was ‘You Won’t Have to Worry Anymore’, and there is peace knowing that time has come for her.

Most of Gertrude’s life was spent caring for others. Even as a teenager, children were drawn to her love and warmth.  She especially loved to ‘nuss’ babies and tend to young children, and many loved and referred to her as Mamaw Gertie. She cared for her ailing mother, father, and husband for many years so she could keep them home and close, a testament to her unwavering love and devotion for others.

Gertrude was a member of the Pine Creek United Baptist Church for 77 years! She loved her church and community members; her faith was her strength throughout her life.  She especially enjoyed listening to gospel music on TV when she could no longer attend church.  Although you never heard her sing in church, she would often sing with the groups on TV—amazing how she knew every verse!

She also had a good sense of humor and would surprise you with some of things she said to make you laugh.  Her newest porch family babies (cats), Scout and Ranger, brought enjoyment to her every day!

She was surrounded by wonderful neighbors, and a special cousin, Mickie Wright, who visited often—those visits meant so much.  She enjoyed talking with friends on the phone, and particularly those frequent calls with Lucy Marcum and Lana West.  We can’t forget Paul Tompkins who stopped by almost every week to drop off fresh fruit, vegetables, and snacks, or simply to pick up a piece of trash along the roadside in front of Gertie’s house.

Also, we want to thank those who gave her such great care over time: Quality Home Health nurses for the home visits; Grace Primary Care staff for her ongoing care; Scott County Senior Citizen’s Faith Based Meals for the meal service program; Big South Fork Medical Center staff; and Methodist Medical Center doctors, nurses, staff members, and Vanesia (cousin), who provided so much compassion, comfort, and support to both her and the family.

Receiving of friends will be Wednesday, March 31, from 6 p.m. until time of funeral service at 8 p.m., at the Pine Creek United Baptist Church in Oneida, with Brother Keith Marcum officiating; songs provided by the church choir.  

The Graveside Service will be conducted on Thursday, April 1, at 11 a.m., at the Marcum-Kidd Cemetery in Oneida. Serving as pallbearers are Danny Ray (DT) Terry, Jared Terry, Justin Terry, Travis Terry, Cody Carson, and Danny Matter.

The upkeep of the cemetery was important to Gertrude. In-lieu-of flowers, please consider making a donation to:
The Marcum-Kidd Cemetery
c\o Nikki Shepard
18371 Alberta Street
Oneida, Tennessee 37841

With the Health Guidelines in place at this time, we ask that you be mindful of the social distancing measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Masks are required.

West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of Agnes “Gertrude” (Marcum) Terry.

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