Terry Maurice Lewis

Terry Maurice Lewis, born June 11, 1963, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, peacefully transitioned to his new life on April 18, 2026, in Woodbridge, Virginia. Son of the late Mary Elizabeth Lewis and Bobbie Lewis Senior, Terry’s life stood as a heartfelt testament to unwavering dedication, boundless kindness, and the profound difference one caring soul can make in the world.

Raised and educated in Apex, North Carolina, Terry was cherished for his diligent spirit as a student and his generous heart as a friend—touching the lives of family, colleagues, and strangers with equal warmth. His wholehearted enthusiasm for life inspired all who knew him, as he poured genuine care and effort into every endeavor.

His adult years were in Durham, North Carolina, where he became known as an honest and dependable worker. His roles included security positions at North Carolina Central University and Stock Builders, but perhaps his greatest joy came from his passion for teaching. As a devoted basketball coach with South Durham Youth Athletic League, he guided boys and girls under sixteen with compassion, wisdom, and love. More than teaching basketball, he instilled values of dedication, hard work, integrity, and respect—principles that shaped his young athletes into quality adults. He reminded each of his athletes that integrity and respect were necessary attributes of a quality adult life. He was always available to them years later as they began crafting their own adult lives. Seeing possibilities in every child, he let them know that he believed in them and what they could achieve. He laughed loudly and heartily with them. When they encountered failure or loss, he was right there to support and console. He encouraged and included every child assigned to his team. He saw potential and a miracle in each one of them.

His athletes, years later, returned his kindness with heartfelt respect and remembrance, treated him with courtesy and respect. They greeted him with gladness... recounting and remembering time that Terry spent with them. It was a precious gift to young people who were often dismissed as irrelevant. He saw beyond what other people found desirable. He just offered everyone his open heart... And a challenge to meet him on the courts of life... and bring a friend.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Terry was a Dallas Cowboys and Duke fan. Terry’s surprising agility on the basketball court—moving gracefully despite his large frame—brought joy to teammates and astonishing opponents off as he spun away from them to score. Known for his spirited challenge, he playfully reminded those he scored against, “You did not know the big man could move like that!” He loved to play and was always ready to yell "next" to the new opponent. His zest for life made every game—and every moment—memorable.

Terry was a remarkable friend in all of the best ways to anyone in his sphere who needed counsel, caring, and to know that someone saw them as special. Terry "saw" everyone. No one was too small or insignificant to be cared for and respected. No matter where they lived or the particular family circumstance, Terry always saw each person as unique and worthy of care. He intentionally spent time with them so that they could talk or just sit together quietly. Often the interactions were with people who had no one to acknowledge their fears about growing up or about life, but Terry took the time to listen... took the time to care.

He had a laugh that made you wonder what he had been up to, and he always greeted people as if he was glad to see them. He was welcome in many circles as a person who was genuine and caring... as a person of strong character and grace.

Family meant the world to Terry, and his love extended far beyond blood, embracing all as extended family. Regardless of circumstance, he met everyone with respect and inclusion, embodying loyalty and steady friendship. To many young people who lacked a guiding presence, Terry was a reliable and loving father figure.

Deeply devoted to his family, Terry embraced all as extended family and was a loyal, steadfast friend and a reliable father figure to many young people in need. Rooted in God’s grace, which he joyfully shared, Terry often wove meaningful Bible study into conversations, ministering through the gospel with simplicity and love.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mary Elizabeth Lewis, Apostle Orealia Melvin Lewis and Bobbie Lewis Senior, and brothers, Daryl McClain and Bobbie Lewis. He leaves behind cherished memories for his bonus mother, Dean Lewis; daughter, Marshari (Mark); bonus daughter, Aliyah; sisters, Monica McCullers (Lamotta) and Orelia (Tina) Lewis; bonus sister Angel Martin; aunts Annie Lewis, Florence Wall, Mattie Mae Grimes (Rosvelt), and Thelma Fuller; uncles Jimmy Lewis (Joann) and Raymond Lewis (Annie Mae); niece Chantrell Lewis; nephews Anaiah Bell and Tyler Lewis; along with great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him dearly.

Terry Maurice Lewis was a remarkable soul whose kindness, strength, and spirit touched countless lives. He will be profoundly missed, remembered fondly, and forever celebrated as a truly gentle and inspiring presence in the lives of all who knew him.