Remembering

Steven Lee Terry Sr.

Steven Lee Terry Sr. was the seventh child of thirteen from the union of Howard and Mary Lou Terry. Born on January 31, 1956, In his seventy years with us, he became a man of absolute conviction. His quiet resilience and determination to achieve the impossible made him a man to be truly reckoned with and easily admired.

There was never an in between with Steven for he feared nothing and no one. He always reminded me of a biblical quote from Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10 which states: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” I say this because I have always felt that Steven had some divine or supernatural guidance and assistance or empowerment protecting him from all harm, anxiety and fear in difficult times. Steven gave his all. He was a fun loving gentle giant until he became a fiercely protective grizzly.  A family man. Steven would walk the earth to protect his two children: Little Steven, Steven Lee Terry Jr. and his Stajah, Estachia Phynic Turner. Although Steven enjoyed the company of many, he was a loner. I’ve watched him read, watch television or just walk alone for hours just to have peace of mind. As a thinking man, this took some practice to perfect, for he was once a man, like many others, that acted out of passion instead of reasoning.

Throughout it all, Steven was a planner and a man of pristine talent.  A perfectionist when he created works of art as an industrial and household painter, contractor and inspector. In addition to his painting business, Terry’s Painting; Steven loved working and teaching on his trucks and cars. He could take apart a vehicle and put it back together almost better than the industry. A true and natural mechanical genius. Steven had a gift to be masterful in all of his undertakings.

As maturity progressed, Steven quietly separated himself from all levels of drama and confusion. His favorite line “I’m ok, you don’t have to worry about me, I’m good.” I translated this as “Hey, as long as I have all my basic necessities covered, I’m at peace.” Still, people desired his companionship and flocked to Steven’s open and inviting personality. A handsome and generous man. Many men wanted to be him and women loved to be in his company but loyalty in his relationships was a strength that never wavered.

Truly a man of honor, if Steven said he was going to do something, there was very little that could prevent him from seeing it through. It is unfortunate that the physical gift of Steven Lee Terry Sr. departed from us on April 1, 2026. Still, we have the memories. Memories that would keep a smile on our face each time his name is spoken and each time a thought passes that reminds us of him. Steven will forever remain in our heart, spirit, and journey throughout life. In that, he will always be loved and never forgotten.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10AM – 12PM in the Interfaith Chapel of Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 3325 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623.  Interment Chapel of Peace at Riverside Cemetery, Rochester, NY.

Lovingly submitted