Mattie Lopp Glenn Terry was born on April 3, 1932 in Davidson County, North Carolina to the late Robert Glenn and Fannie Lopp Glenn. On Friday, January 9, 2026, she peacefully transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly reward, where she was joyfully reunited with her beloved husband, Lewis Terry and her cherished children: Brenda Hargrave, Vera (Ivey) Petty, Angelene Terry, Angelo (Candace) Terry and Carlos Terry.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings: Roddy Neely of Salisbury, NC, Charles Glenn of Youngstown, Ohio, John Woody Neely of Lexington, NC, Clarence "Donnie" Glenn of Youngstown, Ohio; and sisters Edna Hayden and Marguerite Wilkens, both of Youngstown, Ohio.

Ms. Terry retired from the Lexington City School System where she faithfully served for over 25 years. Even in retirement, her dedication to service never ceased. She possessed a true passion for working with people—both young and old—and devoted her life to uplifting the community she loved so dearly.

Prior to her years with Lexington City Schools, Ms. Terry served as Director of Tiny Tot Day Care Center, a premier community daycare in Lexington. Her influence there was profound and far-reaching. Countless Lexington residents were nurtured, guided and positively impacted through Tiny Tot by Ms. Terry and her devoted colleagues, including Ms. Reid, Ms. Nelson, Ms. Sally, Ms. Nora and many others. She later served as Director of Community Action, where she continued her advocacy for families and children.

One of her proudest accomplishments was her service as a volunteer with Lexington Memorial/Atrium Health Hospital, where she faithfully gave over 20 years of her time. She was also actively involved with the NAACP, Eastern Star and the Southside Senior Citizens of Lexington/Davidson County. Affectionately known as "Ms. Mattie," she was deeply loved and respected throughout the community. She was a honorary member of Sister's Keepers MC/SC. Even into her 90's, she remained active and independent—still driving and frequently enjoying Friday night dinners with her cherished "Golden Girls": Dolly Reid, Louise Miller and Mattie.

Ms. Terry was a woman of strong faith. Most recently, she was a devoted member of Faith Forward Baptist Church in Lexington, NC. Throughout her Christian journey, she also held membership at Ezekiel African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church and Friendship Baptist Church, where she faithfully served on the Kitchen Committee, Senior Choir and Program Committee.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, two sons, Tyrone "Butch" Terry and Ronald (Rosa) Terry, both of Lexington, NC; one daughter, Denise (Norman) Johnson of Winston-Salem, NC; one daughter-in-law, Candace Terry; one brother, Robert "Buddy" Glenn of California; 16 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren; her devoted caregivers, Katrina Burns Davidson and Mercy Perkins; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Ms. Mattie Terry's life was a testament to faith, service, love and community. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched and the family and community she helped shape.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday at Friendship Baptist Church, with family visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. and the funeral service following at 2:30 p.m. Burial will follow at South Lexington City Cemetery.