Someone beautiful, someone good - in her time of sickness God understood. In the early morning hours on May 31, 2023, Terri Ann made her peaceful transition.

Born in Brooklyn, Terri was the youngest daughter to Ophelia Douglas (Later Gistanner) and Nathaniel Gistanner. As a native New Yorker, Terri attended the New York City public school system (P.S.306, George Gershwin Junior High School & Thomas Jefferson Highschool). It was during her summer breaks that she could be found playing fast & hard on the handball courts in Gershwin Park; or hanging with her friends from Linden Houses. In addition, she loved playing cards - Spades, Bid Whist, Pity Pat & don’t forget Backgammon.

As a young woman, Terri met Cedric Alexander and became the wife of an Army serviceman. Their journey took them to the Fort Hamilton & Fort Wadsworth army bases; eventually making a global trek to Germany. As much as Terri adored traveling and meeting new people, her heart longed for home. After an amicable separation, Terri returned stateside and decided to settle in Richmond, Virginia.

Being a "city girl" at heart & a couple of years later, Terri returned to the Big Apple with a plan to find work. Upon her return, Terri worked in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn at 7-Eleven. While working there she would meet James “Junior” Coleman, who would become a constant presence and love in her life.

Terri wasn’t “all work, & no play”, she loved to dance & enjoyed a good party. It was during this time she met Roderick Jackson. Terri & “Rod” as he was affectionately called; began dating and their union would produce a son, Terrence; her & their only child. A short while after working for 7-Eleven Terri applied & attended SCS Computer School. With her completion, Terri began using her new skill set - Accounting, within Corporate America. Terri would use these newly acquired skills to begin working for Kiddie City, a children's clothing store located in the Bronx & 34th New York, NY.

Terri enjoyed being a mother and nurtured Terrence with great love & care. In the late ’90s, Terri’s mom would become ill; here she and her sisters would share in their Mother’s care. Unfortunately in 1998, Ms. Ophelia would transition leaving Terri & her family saddened. It was during her mom's illness that Terri discovered a way to “pay it forward” and assist the elderly. This motivated her to explore the world of home healthcare. She found this profession rewarding and the knowledge she acquired helped her service many clients. After a decade of in-home service, Terri became disabled and subsequently went into early retirement. During her retirement, Terri &her family adopted their beloved dog, Taco. Being a dog mom to Taco was one thing that bought Terri the greatest joy.

In the latter part of their life, Terri & Junior would marry. During her most recent illness, both Junior & Terrence would care for her to the best of their abilities. Though Terri's health was declining few people knew the extent to which she struggled. It was her faithful spirit that helped her persevere.

Terri leaves to celebrate her life & rejoice in the memories, her husband James (Junior), her son Terrence, her beloved dog, Taco, her sisters June Gistanner & Saundra Gistanner Bellinger, her nieces, Danielle Ellington & Chase Ellington, her nephews Andre Gistanner (As well as his children) and Remington Ellington; her lifelong friends Byron & Rod, her brothers-in-law Lloyd Ervin & Zachary “Greg” Bellinger, her girlfriends Rhonda Dash & Debra Pender (who preceded her in death); Her Cousins from her Mother’s side Lisa Schenck, Roda, Mike, Lucy and the rest of the Douglas family; her bonus mom Ms. Joyce Waddy & Joyce’s Daughters (Terri’s bonus sister)Stephanie Waddy, Tracey Waddy & Mia Waddy; and her bonus sister Shermaine. As well as the many she befriended throughout her life.

Terri, you will forever be missed, thought of and loved. Until we meet again.