Terrence Ann Marshall Shelwood, affectionately known as “Terry,” was a proud native of the “Big Easy” city, New Orleans. She was the first of five children daughter born on May 24, 1943, to the loving parentage of Rosemary Millet Marshall and Louis Marshall, Sr., both Louisiana natives. Terry was preceded in death by both parents and a brother, Louis Marshall, Jr.

Terry’s life as a youth was anchored by strong, positive family values imparted by her parents and a loving extended family. She was baptized in infancy, made her first Holy Communion and was confirmed at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, in Orleans Parish. She attended the Xavier Preparatory parochial school and was an alumnus of Xavier University, New Orleans. Terry grew up during a time when living in accordance with the Commandments, especially caring for those in need, was the centerpiece of family and life in her neighborhood. It was from those early lessons that she lived, her entire life.

Following high school, Terry matriculated to earn a degree in business. She was hired by Dillard University in its Upward Bound Program, and became a respected counselor. Terry’s pursuit of advanced education and training led her to the University of South Alabama, Master’s program, where she earned a degree in Counseling. Upon successful completion of her studies, she was also employed by that institution, as a counselor, and received laudatory commendations for her services. Indeed, this work was her true life’s-vocation, and a blessed innate gift.

Terry was wed to John Shelwood, a union which ended in divorce, but gave her two adored sons, John and Justin. She was also a doting and adoring “Grandma” to Michael Christopher Shelwood. Her son Justin preceded her in death on April 7, 2002.

Passionate and strong willed are among the adjectives often used to describe Terry, as these are perhaps the very qualities that allowed her, without ‘pretentiousness’ to deeply and genuinely care about the needs of others and find happiness and her success in her career.

In year 1987, she was wooed to the North Carolina Community College System in Raleigh, where she served as the Director of Planning and Data Coordination; Director of Accountability, Research and Evaluation. She loved her work. Next to living and working in Louisiana, she was especially fond of her life in Raleigh.

She loved traveling and was adventurous, and was looking forward to visiting Paris, France, to find evidence of names which she found in her ancestral searches. Terry was also a voracious reader, who devoured words. She was never without a book to read, no matter where she was. She enjoyed many genres of music and had the opportunity to meet several of her favorite musical artists.

In 2011, Terry was faced with serious health challenges. However, she was determined to not allow “pity parties” to mark her life’s journey. Throughout this year, she was assisted by her best friend and sister, Camille who lovingly cared for her until the end. Prayers for Terry’s perfect peace came Saturday evening, October 25, 2014, when, a merciful Heavenly Father intervened, and at 5:52PM, to gently and peacefully call her to an eternal rest!

Treasuring her loving kindness and many fond memories are: John, son; Michael Christopher, grandson; three surviving siblings, Ms. Camille Marshall Carroll-Perry, (Miramar, FL) and Michelle Marshall Gueno (Dwayne), Houston, TX; sisters; Isidore Marshall (Dessadra), New Orleans, LA. brother; Claudia C. Marshall, New Orleans, LA, sister-in-law; Jacob Marshall Sr. Berkeley CA, uncle; Marguerite Carter, Oakland CA, aunt, and a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

To the entire staff of the Transitions Hospice Care and to her loving caring friends who assisted her throughout her illness, the Family of Terrance Marshall Shelwood “Terry” takes this opportunity to express our sincere and heartfelt Thank You.

To Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church and Renaissance Funeral Home, thank you for providing us with such uplifting guidance and support.