Terry LaVonne (Carter) McClain

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life of Terry LaVonne (Carter) McClain.

Born on June 21, 1956,her arrival came with a joyful surprise. What was expected to be a single birth became two precious blessings, as Terry entered the world alongside her twin brother at their home on South 3rd Street, forever marking her as a true Southend Coody Creek girl at heart. Terry was born to Dorothy Jo Carter and was lovingly raised by her devoted mother and bonus dad, O.D. Phillips, who both poured into her life with care, guidance, and love. The daughter of generations of Cherokee Freedmen, Terry carried a legacy of resilience, faith, and strength that quietly shaped her life.

She was raised in her hometown, Muskogee, Oklahoma, and graduated from Muskogee High School, Class of 1975, carrying with her a deep pride for her roots and community. She was nurtured in St. Mark Baptist Church and baptized under the pastoral care of Reverend Theodore Hickerson, a faith foundation that grounded and guided her life.

She later built a strong work ethic and lasting career at Owens-Brockway Glass, where she dedicated 24 years of faithful service before retiring.

At her core, Terry was kind, loving, peaceful, and witty, carrying herself with quiet strength, dignity, and grace. She was loyal, resilient, and gracious in all things. Above all else, she was a mother first. She sacrificed endlessly for her children and grandchildren, pouring her love into them without hesitation and giving selflessly so they would always feel supported, protected, and cherished.

A proud night owl, you could always expect a call from her after 10:00 p.m. She loved shopping and never bought just one of anything. If she liked it, she bought it in multiples and in every color, just because. At one time, four air fryers rested side by side on her kitchen counter, a sweet reflection of her belief in abundance and her joy in always being prepared with the perfect gifts for the next time she saw her family. With Terry, gift- giving was her love language and happened all year long.

Terry found joy in life’s simple and beautiful pleasures, like tending to her plants, cooking and baking with love, and shopping for items that caught her eye. She adored beautiful furniture, cookware, knick-knacks, and she truly believed that if something was lovely, it deserved a place in her home. She also had a special fondness for jewelry and indulging in luxury perfumes, embracing elegance in her own understated way. She loved dogs and never passed up watching or sharing a funny dog video. Her “old man,” Sebastian, was talked to like he was human, with full conversations, endless affection, and lots of love. Terry also showed her love in the kitchen, baking her children’s and grandchildren’s favorite cakes and pies for birthdays and holidays, making sure each one felt special, remembered, and deeply loved.

Mrs. Terry LaVonne (Carter) McClain, in her 69th year, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Terry was welcomed into Heaven by her parents; her grandparents, James and Maud Hood, and her uncles, James, Edwin, Morris, and Wilberforce Hood, where we trust she is resting peacefully, surrounded by love. 

She leaves behind to cherish her memory and continue her legacy of love her son, Adrian Carter; daughters, Angelia Carter-Lee and Camisha Carter; four beloved grandchildren, Camryn Carter, Amari Carter, Xavier Robinson, and Kenric Lee Jr.; brothers, Ronald Carter (Maxine) and Gary D. Carter (Sharon); one niece, LaDonna Marshall (Quincy); three nephews, Rudy Brown, Cory Carter (Jessica), and Nick Carter; the McClain family, and a host of extended family and dear friends.

The Sacred Farewell for Terry will commence on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 2:00PM in the St. Mark Baptist Church in Muskogee.

The Christian Committal will immediately follow the services in the Booker T. Washington Cemetery in Muskogee.