Otis Langston Terry, Sr.

On Saturday, January 28, 2023, God in His divine wisdom and eminent power called our husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend into His eternal resting place. He was surrounded by his beloved wife and devoted “Sister” (Joyce Bowman). Otis was born in Portsmouth VA on January 12, 1940, to the late Emma Sarah Terry and Frank Langston. He was educated in the Portsmouth Public School System. In his early years, Otis learned the importance and value of hard work, responsibility and dedication. He often told stories of his childhood community jobs consisting of running errands for his neighbors, shining shoes at the barber shop and helping out at the local corner store, meat market and clothing store. His friendly personality and strong work ethics aroused his desire to join the military. Immediately after high school, Otis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), proud to be following in his brother’s footsteps. He was a proud veteran. He seldom walked out of the house without his USMC cap. He felt honored to have served his country. Following his service in USMC, he was employed by Arlington County Public Works in Arlington VA. He received his CDL and drove various trucks and vehicles for the county. He became a supervisor at “the county” for more than 25 years before retiring due to a job related back injury. Otis was later employed at the Cobbler’s Bench in Crystal City, Mason District Park and Recreation in Annandale VA and later Crain Memorial Welcome Center in Newburg MD. Otis loved his family, unconditionally. He would pick up the phone and call them often. He was always there for his children and grandchildren. He treated his nieces and nephews like they were his very own. Most of his cousins he grew up with and they were like brothers and sisters to him. His family loved him, and he loved them! His face would light up when they called. He also worried about them and always encouraged them to stay in contact with one another. He was considered the Patriarch of the Terry family. Otis was a proud and prideful Masonic member of Arlington Lodge #58. Being a Mason was another one of his major accomplishments and close to his heart. He would wear his ring and display the emblems on his vehicles with pride. Over the years, Otis met many people from all walks of life. He had a very generous soul, and he never met a stranger. He had countless life-experience stories that were very interesting and also very funny. He was an excellent storyteller and as he would say, “I could go on, and on, and on.” He was indeed a people person, but he also loved animals, especially dogs and cats. He owned a few but in his later years he was satisfied with seeing them and feeding them. Any dog could put a smile on his face and if close enough, he had to talk to it and rub it. He would buy dog treats for the neighbor’s dog, cat food for the stray cats and throw bread out for the pigeons when he went to the mall. He was an avid St Charles Mall Walker when he and his wife moved to Waldorf, MD in 2002. He met many friends and looked forward to socializing with them at various events. Otis also loved cars!! His favorite was his Cadillac. Before the Cadillac, it was any car with four wheels. He could tell you the model, make and year of any car from the 1940’s to the present. Otis was also known as a “sharp dresser”. He loved wearing his suits and Stacey Adam shoes. However, going to church and worshipping God were much more important than the clothes or anything else. After moving to Maryland, Terry became a member of New Hope A.M.E. Church in Waldorf MD. There he continued to display his strong love for God and faithfully served Him and the community. He was a dedicated member of the usher board, men’s choir and security ministry. When volunteers were needed for community service, if not working or before going to work, Otis Terry would show up and help in any capacity. He loved the Lord and had a personal relationship with Him. Otis Terry was predeceased by his grandparents and parents; sister, Delores Bennett; brother, Isaiah Terry; and son, Otis Terry, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving wife, Darlene Terry; three daughters, Karen Terry, Erica Terry and Gina Dykes of Arlington, VA; one son, Timothy Terry; twelve grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Otis Langston Terry, Sr.

January 12, 1940 - January 28, 2023