Charles Edward Terry, Iii (Lansing)

Charles Edward Terry, III was born March 11, 1958 to the parents of Vera Cox Terry and the late Charles Edward Terry II in Detroit, Michigan. He was blessed to have 5 sisters, Yvonne, Katrina, Carla, Chandra and Kim, whom he loved very much. Charles confessed his faith in Christ at an early age while attending church with his grandmother in Detroit.

Charles, also known as “Magic”, “Partner”, and “Papa C”, attended school in Detroit and graduated from Cooley High School. While in junior high, Charles met the love of his life Carolyn Richmond and they later married in the fall of 1980. In that same year, Charles and Carolyn moved to Lansing, Michigan where many friendships were made. As the years progressed, Charles became a member of the Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church of Lansing, Michigan where he participated in the Men of Victory Ministry until his passing.

Charles and Carolyn had a love story that lasted 39 years. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Charles Edward IV and Tressha Naomi and two grandchildren, Janaya and Justin, which by far was the joy of their Papa C’s life. Anyone that knew Charles would know his love for traveling and he did it often. In his last months of life, he was able to take his grandchildren to see the Grand Canyon in Arizona and Carolyn to Chi-Town to see his favorite performers “The Dramatics” and what a time he had.

Charles’ second love was helping others by his service in the Union. He started his career as a Union Steward for McLaren Hospital working there for 27 years. He ended his career as a Union Service Representative for the Local 459 - Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) for the last 11 years of his life. Charles’ strong work ethic and passion for seeing to the rights of others for 39 years speak to the man he was - strong, kind, caring, loving who was dedicated to his family, friends and career.

Charles received the call from GOD saying “Well done my child, time to come home” on December 26, 2018 at the young age of 60 years old. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife and life partner of 39 years, Carolyn Terry; two children, Charles Edward (Samira) Terry, IV and Tressha Terry Brown; two grandchildren, Janaya Joyce Brown and Justin Charles Brown; his loving mother Vera Cox; 5 sisters, Yvonne Terry, Katrina (Eddie) Atkinson, Carla Cox, Chandra Lewis and Kim Cox; cousin/sister, Denise Lee; cousin/brother, Kenneth Lee; two brothers-in-law, Carey (Sheila) Richmond and Bishop Eddie Atkinson; a special niece whom he loved like a daughter, Jessica Holmes; a special nephew that held a place in his heart like a son, Daron Charles Terry; a best friend that he loved like a brother, Lance Rhine; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Virginia Dorsey; cousin/brother, Frankie Lee, several aunts and uncles.

Charles Edward Terry, III, WE WILL MISS YOU!!!