Terry Lawler Early

Terry Lawler Early

1/12/54 – 6/27/24

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Terry Ann Early was born in Bethesda Maryland, on 1/12/1954. Terry left this life on 6/27/2024, to join her parents David Raymond Lawler, Janet Berniece Clark, and her brother Michael James Lawler, in their heavenly home; and to be a peace and rest with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Terry is survived by her husband Edward D. Early (Jay), her stepson Chase Early, her sister and brother-in-law, Nan Marie Lawler (Richard Covey), her sister-in-law Ann Lawler and a very special nephew, Sean Lawler. 

Terry traveled the world and lived in Japan, Hawaii, Washington D.C., Maryland, California, Oklahoma, Texas, and Puerto Rico. She had extended stays in Singapore, India, Brazil, Kenya, Peru, Panama, Egypt, Costa Rica, and Belize. Her father said by the time Terry was three years old, she had traveled enough airline miles to circumnavigate the globe at the equator! The first Japanese song she was taught she sang with perfect pronunciation. As an adult she loved to travel, cruise, and take trips to their vacation home in Arkansas, to see the leaves turn colors.

Terry grew up in Santa Barbara, California. She was proud of being in color guard and a girl scout. This was important to me she once said. Terry played the violin and the piano. She graduated from San Marcos High School (class of 1972) and University of California Santa Barbara (class of 1978), where she studied History and Religion. She fell in love with Ponca City Oklahoma, after traveling through and bought a home there. There she met her husband Jay, and they were married for twenty-eight years. They returned to Southeast Texas and lived in Sour Lake for many years.

Terry worked as a pension consultant, and business manager. Terry was on the board of Dugood Federal Credit Union for many years. 

Terry was a conservationist, a historian, and an environmentalist. Her love of animals from house and yard pets to endangered species was well known. She loved bats, possums, and skunks. Which she fed, much to the consternation of the neighbors. Her cats and African Grey parrot ruled the roost. She loved African animals: elephants, monkeys, and gorillas. She loved all birds but especially owls and hummingbirds. Terry loved books and old western tv shows, Bonanza and Gun Smoke. 

Terry never met a cause she didn’t love; if it had to do with social justice, animals, or people in need. She was dedicated and devoted to her church, McCabe Roberts Ave. United Methodist in Beaumont, Texas and had been the business manager there for a number of years. Her contributions, and her love and support of her church touched many lives. 

Terry struggled for many years with health issues and the resulting loss of independence. Terry endured many hospital stays and a nursing home stay for rehab. Despite her confinement and limited contact, she found ways to put out positive messages of God, love, hope and support. Terry was generous and giving through phone calls, texts, cards, and gifts. She was thankful that Jay did everything possible, to keep her at home and well cared for. Terry believed in Jesus. Terry never complained and was ready to be with him. For this reason, we have great sorrow, but we have great hope and rejoicing. And we will without a doubt, see her again. 

A Remembrance Gathering will be held for Terry, at McCabe Roberts UMC (1205 Roberts Ave Beaumont, TX) in the fellowship hall on 7/21/24 at 12:30, after the 11:00 church service. Please join us for a meal and memories.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Some Other Place 590 Calder Avenue, Beaumont, TX 77701.