Terri Lynn (Culpepper) Southerland

EDENTON – With both joyful hearts and tearful eyes, we share that Terri Lynn Southerland, 70 years young, has danced her way into heaven and into the arms of Jesus.

She was born on October 9, 1954, in South Norfolk, Virginia to the late Trilby Elisabeth Parker Culpepper and Jack R. Williams. Though her biological father was not part of her life, she was embraced and lovingly adopted by her stepfather, William “Bill” Culpepper, whom she affectionately called “Papa.” In addition to her parents, Terri was predeceased by two brothers, William Craig Culpepper, Michael H. Culpepper, and an unborn child.

She was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, graduated from Kempsville High School in 1972, and went on to become a flight attendant for Piedmont Airlines and USAir, based out of Reagan National (DCA) and Norfolk (ORF), before becoming a fun-loving stay at home mom. Later in life, she became a teacher, customer service associate, and devoted much of her time to volunteer work.

A loving mother and devoted grandmother, she leaves behind a legacy of love in her two children, her daughter Andrea Williams and son, Jesse Southerland (Caroline); four adoring grandchildren, Gabriel, Toby, Aurora and John Wesley; and her best friend, Michelle Serrano. She poured her heart into her family, filling their lives with laughter, encouragement, and unconditional love. Just days before she passed into eternity, she met her youngest grandson, seven-week-old John Wesley. Before leaving, she mustered up the strength to say, “Best day ever!”
 

To know her was to know color – bold, beautiful, and always outside the lines. Purple was her favorite color. A true artist and creator, she saw the world through a kaleidoscope of joy. She filled her days with music, painting, laughter, and wonder. She never met a stranger. She enjoyed writing and has left behind dozens of stories and poems. Sunsets were sacred, especially those at her beloved Outer Banks and on the Albemarle Sound in her home of Edenton.

She was a pistol, full of life and humor with a big personality. We will fondly remember her funny phrases and unique ways of thrifting. Though, she wasn’t an immune to sorrow, illness, and emotional pain, she would always start the day by saying to family, friends and strangers, “Have a great day, make it a great day!” She knew and embodied the power of positivity.

On her good days, she would usually be in the backyard planting a flower, painting a piece of driftwood, or reading a book. She loved to serve hors d'oeuvre for dinner, what she called "Hors d'oeuvrey Night", and certainly had a sweet tooth – a true chocoholic. She was just a delight to be around. You probably saw her around town with numerous bumper stickers on her car, a smile on her face, and a streak of color in her hair.

Baptized later in life, she didn’t just follow Jesus – she sparkled with His light. She loved well, forgave freely, and believed fiercely. Her faith was the heartbeat of her life, and now, we rejoice in knowing she’s fully whole, fully free, fully healed, and finally home.

We will celebrate her beautiful journey on Sunday, August 3rd at 4:00 PM in a joyful Celebration of Life service at New Hope Christian Fellowship Church, located at 1363 Old U.S. Hwy 17, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. The service will be followed by a potluck dinner filled with color, flowers, stories, food, and the kind of warmth she gave so freely. The service will be simultaneously live streamed on the church’s Facebook page.

The family would like to thank the administration and staff at Elizabeth City Heath & Rehab for their compassionate care and service to Terri in her final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of her generous spirit, donations may be made to the scholarship fund created in her memory, the Terri Lynn Culpepper Southerland Scholarship for Faith, Writing and the Arts. Please make checks payable to Edenton Chowan Educational Foundation (Memo: TLCS Scholarship) and mail to PO Box 1012 Edenton, NC 27932 or visit https://TLCSScholarship.my.canva.site. Each donation is tax deductible.

Though we miss her deeply, we know she’s painting sunsets in Heaven, dancing barefoot on golden shores, and singing loudly with the angels.

We love you to the moon and back, Mom and Memaw.

“You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Terri Lynn (Culpepper) Southerland, please visit our floral store.