Fayrene Sexton Terry

Fayrene Sexton Terry, age 88 of Oneida, TN, passed away on Thursday, November 11, 2021, at the Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, TN.  

Romola Fayrene, as she was named by her father but called by no one, was born in Oneida on May 21, 1933. She attended primary school there, and graduated from Huntsville High School, where she was salutatorian of her class. After attending Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, she worked briefly for National Life and Accident Insurance Company in Nashville before returning to Scott County. There she married William Claude “Jumby” Terry, Jr., and they spent the next 55 years building a life together.  

Fayrene was preceded in death by her husband “Jumby”; parents Wilda Baker and Manford Etchel Sexton; sons-in-law John Hemphill and Robert Walls; brothers Roy Denver, Tommy Burton, Manford Etchel, Jr., and Charles Bruce Sexton; sisters Wandeline Jones, Wilda Theora York, Lillian Louise Reed, and Edwina Rose Greenwood.  

Fayrene was a Christian and exemplified a life of service to others. She was a member of the Oneida Church of Christ where she taught children’s Bible classes for many years. She always chose to think the best of people. As the middle child in a family of thirteen, she developed a remarkable capacity for empathy and an ability to get along with people. She took an inclusive view of family and was devoted to hers. Her house served as a home for her own mother during her later years, and was often home base for visiting siblings and their children. Everyone was made to feel welcome. Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends all appreciated her patience, kindness, and ever so slightly mischievous spirit of fun. 
 
Survivors include children Gail Terry, Patricia Walls, Wilda Rumbaugh, and Claude Terry; sons-in-law Patrick Malone and Andrew Rumbaugh; daughter-in-law Cindy Terry; grandchildren Megan Canella (Angelo), Margo Perkins, Alexander and Jacob Rumbaugh, Amanda Walls, and Caroline and Jim Hemphill; sisters Ann Mouat, and Judy Hutchings; brothers Donald and Landon  Sexton; brothers-in-laws Aaron Jones, Tom Mouat, Glen Greenwood, and Ronald Hutchings; sisters-in-law Naomi Sexton and Faye Sexton; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and other family members. 

Friends may visit with the Terry family on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at the Church of Christ, 100 S. Cross St., Oneida, TN, from 1:00 p.m. until time of Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m.  Speakers will be:  Don Sexton, Landon Sexton, Judy Hutchings, Claude Terry, and Gail Terry.  Music will be provided by the congregation.

Committal service will follow in the Litton Cemetery/Terry Addition.  Pallbearers will be:  Patrick Sexton, Jacob Rumbaugh, George Hoffman, Ryan Blakeley, Lee Armstrong, Burt Sexton, Alexander Rumbaugh, and Steve Armstrong Honorary Pallbearers are:  Leroy Phillips, Dr. Tim Smith, Andy York, Patrick Malone, and Andrew Rumbaugh.

Masks are requested by the family.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  the Scott Co. Rescue Squad, 190 One Process Lane, Oneida, TN 37841; the American Legion Post #136, 19175 Alberta St., Oneida, TN  37841; or the Scott Co. Historical Society, 283 Court St., Huntsville, TN  37756.

Jones & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Fayrene Sexton Terry.

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