Terri Terrell Presley

Terri Terrell Presley, age 59, born to Chester and Helen McDoniel, passed away peacefully at her home on August 2 after a long, bravely fought battle with cancer. Terri never met a stranger. Her infectious smile and caring nature were with her to the end.  “Choose Joy”, “Trust Your Journey”, and “Live Your Best Life” were some of her favorite phrases. Toward the end she said, “I’m thankful for every day I’m given and then I get to see Jesus”. 

She earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Lyon College and a Master’s Degree from Arkansas State University. She was a life-long educator with the Batesville School district for 28 years and then with STARS for nearly 8 years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Batesville, Arkansas and loved her Sunday school class.  She loved God, her family, her awesome friends, her students, kitties, and the ocean. 

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Catherine Terrell. As she felt about Catherine, her family and friends feel about losing Terri - “Her wings were ready, but our hearts are not.” 

Survivors include her husband, Jack Presley; her parents, Chester and Helen McDoniel; her son, Jacob Terrell; her sister, Peggy Lane (Mike);  two step-children, Morgan Graham (Vaughn) and Paige Gunnell (JD); and 4 precious grandbabies. 

A visitation will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. all at the First United Methodist Church on Main Street in Batesville. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Arkansas Hospice in Batesville, or the Campground Cemetery, Bethesda, Arkansas. 

The family thanks the wonderful doctors and hospice family who provided excellent care for our Terri.