Terry Tolson

Our loss was Heaven's gain on August 14, 2025, when our dear, sweet Terry Tolson left us. Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on October 18, 1942, Terry grew into the kind of woman who could fill a room with warmth, and make you feel like the most loved person in the world. She had so many gifts, including the innate ability to see the good in all of us, and love us greatly despite our flaws. Terry shared over 60 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Al, who could make her laugh like no one else. They doted on one another and together, they built a life full of joy, and countless giggles, raising two daughters, Paige and Ashley, who still can’t believe how lucky they are to call her Mom. She welcomed her much loved son-in-law Paul into the family with the same open heart she gave to everyone she met.

Words cannot begin to express how wonderful Terry was as a wife and mother. We were truly blessed to have such a positive, uplifting person to guide us. She nurtured, loved, celebrated, commiserated with, encouraged, teased, laughed with and spoiled us. She was brightness and cheer. Sweetness and joy. Forever humming a little tune and dancing a little jig.

Faith was central to Terry’s life. She was an active member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, where she poured her heart into teaching a cherished Bible study group for many years. She lived her faith not just in words, but in the way she loved people without condition. She was preceded in death by her parents — mother Jean Wolfe McKenzie Neal, stepfather James E. Neal, and father Kenneth Knox McKenzie — and is survived by her devoted husband Al, adoring daughters Paige and Ashley and son-in-law Paul, treasured nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, and so many friends who became family.

Terry’s family will forever be deeply grateful to the amazing staff at Preston Place II for the loving care they provided over the last four years, and to the many wonderful family members, friends, neighbors, and church and Bible study group members who have been amazingly supportive and done us so many kindnesses during this difficult journey. We don't know what we would have done without you.

Anyone who knew Terry was aware of her kindness, but not everyone knew that she was funny, silly, sassy, and on occasion, just a little bit mischievous (only in a fun way). Raised by her widowed mother who was quite a character, she couldn't help but absorb a few of her mother's traits. Please remember Terry as she was — lively, sweet, funny, joyful, bright and beautiful.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with The Rev. Dr. Wm. Randal Frye and The Rev. Dr. Carole Martin officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Terry's memory to The Pat Summitt Clinic at The University of Tennessee Medical Center (a key facility for Alzheimer's disease research and care located in Knoxville, TN), First Broad Street United Methodist Church, or any charity of your choice.

And if you really want to honor Terry, spend time with the people you love, laugh until your cheeks hurt, be kind, be patient, read a good book, and maybe sneak a little candy before bed.