Mary Rebecca Byrd Terry

March 23, 1930 - December 30, 2015

Posted

Mary Rebecca Byrd Terry was born in San Angelo, Texas on March 23, 1930. After a childhood spent on their family ranch in Sterling City, Texas, Becky attended the Hockaday School in Dallas. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Texas in Austin, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

Becky married King Terry, Jr. in 1949, and began a journey with her soulmate that would result in a love affair that lasted 62 years. Their partnership was larger than life. He was a rancher and a war hero. She was a dancer, scholar and a reflection of light.

Becky Terry embraced life with her full heart, mind, body, soul and spirit.

From the flower or feather tucked in her hair, to the tips of her oh-so-perfect shoes, Becky Terry sparkled. Her wonderful laugh stood ever at the ready to brighten a room. She had an intelligent spark in her eyes, and a generous spirit that could wrap you in comfort and warmth. Her femininity was deceptive. As easily as she could grace the most elegant ballroom, she could stand shoulder to shoulder with her beloved husband and do ranch work to equal any man.

The luckiest of all God’s creatures ended up in the care of Becky Terry. There were a long line of kitties, who ate roasted chicken from sterling silver bowls. And a raccoon named Socrates, who piled in the car with Becky and King to share grand adventure at Vermejo Ranch in New Mexico. It’s not hard to imagine Becky sashaying through the hotel lobby, with Socrates on a leash, and King walking along behind laughing and shaking his head.

Becky was tireless in giving of herself to the causes she believed in. Although she served on countless boards, committees and with many charities, there was no group more dear to her heart than those who work in agriculture. She as tenacious in promoting, and when necessary, defending, the cattle industry. She loved the industry’s history, and she understood the importance of promoting it’s future. But above all else, she had a deep love for the men and women who make their living from the land. As president of the American National Cattlewomen, she travelled the globe, gave countless speeches and interviews, and worked with school children across the nation to educate, and give a reasoned voice, to the many issues facing the industry.

During the course of her life, Becky was a dance instructor, teacher, truant officer and she earned her masters degree in biology at Sul Ross State University. She was a steadfast friend, a loving wife, and an adopted mother to countless children. She was resolute in her faith in God. She found a spiritual home at Holy Cross Anglican Church that nourished her soul until her final day.

One of the greatest tributes to Becky is the astonishing number of people who’s lives were enriched because Becky Terry lived.

Becky is survived by: Lady Chachi Hawkins, Terry Hawkins, Thomas Bunton Hawkins, Lora Kirkland, Natalie Kepper, TC Hawkins and Esther Bunton. Lisa, Jim, Wendy, Charless, Sophia and Tripp Pollard were also honored to be included in Becky’s family.

Pallbearers will be Martin Benevich, Mark Daugherty, Billito Donnell, Richard Gates, George Johnson, Jon Means, David Moore, Pete Peterson, Jim Pollard, Mac Stringfellow and Rick Tate.

Ushers will be Jimmy Hill, Malone Hill, Chris Lacy, Chip Love and Shaw Skinner.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Val Beard, Ann Daugherty, Laurie Gates, Susan Hughes, Joan Johnson, Sally Johnson, Kathleen Olsen, Lisa Pollard, Jan Skaggs, Robert Soza, LeeAnn Tate and Hester Ann White.
I

n lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that donations be made to: West of the Pecos Cattlewomen, West Texas Boys Ranch, Holy Cross Anglican Church and the King and Becky Terry Scholarship.