Carolyn Jean Terrell's Obituary
Carolyn Jean (Clark) Terrell passed away at the care center in Corydon, Iowa on Thursday, October 14, 2021 following a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis, and more recently dementia.
Carolyn was born on September 7, 1959 to Margaret "Louise" (Crawford) and Dean Clark in Centerville. She grew up with her three brothers Jimmy, Randy, and Jerry on their family farm near Millerton, Iowa. Upon her graduation from Corydon High School, Carolyn began working at the Citizens Bank in Corydon which is now Great Western Bank.
On September 13, 1980 Carolyn was joined in marriage to Ronald Terrell. Not long after their marriage, Carolyn and Ron moved to Bethany, Missouri. In 1984 Carolyn and Ron learned that they would welcome their first child in the early days of 1985. Not long after this Carolyn would resign her position with the bank to become a full time mother upon the birth of their first son, Lee. Later Carolyn and her family would move from Bethany to Allerton, Iowa shortly before they welcomed their second child, a beautiful little girl, Stacy, in March of 1990. Realizing how quickly her beloved family was growing, Carolyn recognized the need for a larger home which she later asked for "demanded". She and her growing family then relocated to Corydon, Iowa, but this would not be the last move for them. A short time later Carolyn learned that she would soon be welcoming her third and final child, another bouncing baby boy, Cody, in April of 1991. Prior to the birth of her youngest child, she again realized the need for a larger home to raise her family and she insisted one last time to move to another home in Corydon, where she and Ron would settle in and raise their family. They continued to reside at this home even after their children were grown and began families of their own.
Carolyn loved taking an active role in her children's lives, particularly enjoying helping with their athletic endeavors. She was always available with a helping hand, ready to help in any way that she could. Her children fondly remember her helping them practice baseball, volleyball, and despite being barely five feet tall...basketball. Carolyn also cherished the time that she was able to spend outdoors; her parents and siblings fondly referred to her as a "tomboy". When she received her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, her time in nature became therapeutic for her. Not long after her diagnosis she and Ron began to raise quail which they released into the wild once they were full grown. Carolyn continued to raise quail, and the occasional pheasant, until she was no longer able to do so. It was around this time that her children's families continued to expand with them getting married and having children of their own.
Carolyn always had a positive outlook on life and made the best out of any situation. She was compassionate, unwavering, a sister that kept her brothers in line, and a loving mother whose kids kept her on her toes. Though Carolyn is gone, her legacy will live on forever.
Carolyn is survived by her husband Ron Terrell, children: Lee Terrell (Laci), Stacy Schmidt (Rick), and Cody Terrell (Raegan), grandchildren: Adrian, Elizabeth, Blake, Owen, and Evan, siblings: Jimmy Clark (Celeste), Randy Clark (Barb), and Jerry Clark (Tammy), aunt/mother-in-law Darlene Short, and many extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dean and Louise Clark, grandparents: Walter and Maude Crawford and Robert and Myrtle Clark, granddaughter, Haleigh Schmidt, and niece, Emily Clark.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home in Corydon. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 with family present from 5-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) or to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com and at facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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