Phyllis Jones-Terrell

It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, friend and wife, Phyllis Ann Petz Jones-Terrell, on September 4th, 2024. At 73 years young, she left us the same way she lived—on her own terms, with a wink, a laugh, and a heart full of love.

To know Phyllis was to experience joy in its purest form. The life of every party, she had an unparalleled gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her humor was infectious—whether she was cracking a joke, telling a story, or giving the perfect sarcastic side-eye, she could always be counted on to lift spirits and lighten hearts. Even in her final days, she found a way to make those around her laugh, leaving us all with a memory of her brilliant smile. 

Phyllis was also a force of beauty and grace, inside and out. She could light up a room just by walking into it, and her compassion for others was unmatched. A fierce protector, she was a devoted mother and grandmother who always put her family first. Whether it was a listening ear, a warm hug, or one of her famous home-cooked meals, she knew how to make everything better. If something needed fixing, she'd not only fix it—she’d perfect it. That’s just who she was, the best at everything she touched.

But her legacy isn’t just in the things she accomplished, but in the way she made us all feel. She was a friend to everyone, never turning down an opportunity to help someone in need. Her heart was as big as her laugh, and she gave both freely, without expecting anything in return.

In her spare time (not that she ever really had any), Phyllis could be found doting on her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She taught them how to find joy in the little things, how to face the world with kindness, and most importantly, how to always carry a sense of humor through life’s ups and downs.

Though she has left this world, her spirit lives on in the stories we will continue to tell, the laughter she inspired, and the love she gave so generously. Phyllis was truly one-of-a-kind, and the world is a little dimmer without her shining presence.

She is preceded in death by her father, Rene Charles Petz, Sr., her mother, Dorothy Mae Doize, her brother, Rene Charles Petz, Jr., her step-son, Gregory Jones, Jr., and her beloved daughter, Christine Whitney Jones. And her first husband and father of her children, Gregory Jones.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Ray Terrell and children, Jason Jones (Kristin), Renee Jones, her step-children (she never claimed the word “step,” though) Frederick Jones (Angela), Alison Jones, and Stacy Drennan (Keith). And her adoring grandchildren, Jamie and Jessica Jones, Brittany Torma, Elise and Carly Drennan, Aidan and Brea Jones, Ava and Aria Brand. And her sisters, Dorene Demma and Kathy Petz. And her nieces, Robyn Marsh and many others as well as many nephews who will carry her memory with them every day. Though we will miss her endlessly, we take comfort in knowing that somewhere, she’s already making the angels laugh.

A celebration of Phyllis's life will be held on a later date, where we will gather to share stories, shed a few tears, but mostly, laugh—just like she would have wanted. 

Rest easy, Phyllis Ann. You’ve earned it. Keep the party going up there until we meet again. She did it her way.