Edward Phillip Terrell, Sr., 1946-1998

"Lord thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" . . . thus he answered God’s first call.

Edward Phillip Terrell, Sr., was born July 8, 1946, in Washington, D.C., the son of Dr. Emanuel C. and Charlesetta A. Terrell. The sixth of eight children, Phillip seemed to have been mentor for all.

Among us, Phillip was preacher, teacher, scholar, son, husband, father and friend. He was trained from the cradle, receiving the good news of Jesus Christ, first in the home. Not only was he trained, but also equipped for his many tasks. He was a graduate of Central High School, Louisville, Kentucky; received his B.S. degree in Urban Studies, Howard University, Washington, D.C.; Master of Divinity, Interdenominational Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia; and the Master of Adult Education, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.

Phillip was a man with vision. . . he had a restless, searching mind. He was a leader, yet a servant; intellectual, yet he had the common touch; he was full of answers, yet he had so many questions; generous, witty, filled with laughter, had a great memory, a thirst for knowledge, the desire for wisdom and a compulsion to teach all. Phillip loved people! He possessed a zeal for life. . . his first love was God, his second, his family.

E. Phillip Terrell, ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for years before entering the Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, created quite a record for himself, in that he was made deacon in the same session in which he was also made an elder. Phillip faithfully served various appointments within the Virginia conference for 18 years. . . always lifting his congregations to new heights.

"I heard a voice from heaven say, come unto me and rest — lay down thy weary one, lay down thy head upon my breast" . . .thus he answered God’s second call at 10:40 a.m., January 2, 1998. On those who loved him, Phillip left an indelible mark. He was the earthly wind beneath my wings, my loving husband. Tiffany, Tahren, Emanuel and Edward, each have precious memories of their "doting" father, however, we are consoled in knowing that his new residence is with the High Priest, Jesus the Christ, and we are eternally grateful for the life and ministry of E. Phillip Terrell who taught us as Solomon did: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man."

"Yes, we’ll gather at the river!"

— Linda G. Terrell