Terry Brown Obituary

After a life well-lived, Terry Fletcher Brown, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Shelby, North Carolina, on August 20, 2025, surrounded by her children.   She expressed deep joy and anticipation in joining her husband, Larry, who preceded her in death on September 27, 2022.   

Terry was born on March 24, 1940, in Montpelier, Ohio. Shewas a graduate of Montpelier High school in 1958, and married Larry on October 3, 1959.  After their children graduated from high school, they moved from Montpelier to Cleveland, Ohio, before finally settling in Shelby in 1985.    

Terry approached life with infectious, vibrant and boundless energy.  She exuded a radiant love for her family and friends, who were her focus - from countless gatherings, celebrations, and dinner parties, to cherished one-on-one conversations.  Terry had the special gift of making everyone feel loved and the most important person in the room.  Terry embraced every opportunity to show others love and to humbly serve the Lord with her words and deeds.  

Always active, and yes, competitive, Terry loved a good bridge game, tennis match and ski trip.  She was a painter, adventurous cook and consummate U.S. and European traveler (culminating with a 2023 Girls trip to Paris, where she never sat down). 

Terry’s legacy will live on in her family, the countless organizations to which she devoted her life, and her meaningful work for  the Lord alongside her cherished Central United Methodist Church family.   

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Helen Fletcher; her granddaughter, Courtney Brown; and  her sisters, Carol Rozell and Dianne Wyrick.  She is survived by: herchildren, Kelby Brown (wife, Connie) and Becky Brown (partner, Lydia Hoza); grandchildren, Dr. Kelby Brown Jr. (wife, Angel) and Kyler Brown (wife, Erinn); and great-grandchildren,Etta, Vanessa, Ellie, Kelby III, and Annie. She is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews. 

The family invites you to join them in a Celebration of Life service on Friday, September 5th at 2:00 PM at Central United Methodist Church in Shelby, North Carolina. A reception in the church fellowship hall will follow.  In honor of her request, the family asks you to come dressed in colorful clothing to reflecther spirit and love of life.  

Preferred memorials may be directed to: Central United Methodist Church Endowment fund, 200 East Marion Street, Shelby NC 28150; or Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington Street, Shelby, NC 28150.  Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. 

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.