Mr. Terry Vines

Terry LaVerne Vines was born on June 13, 1957, to her parents, Hosa Williams and Dorothy Williams, in El Centro, California. She was the youngest daughter of twelve children. During her childhood, Terry attended True Light Missionary Baptist Church in El Centro, California where she sang in the youth choir and participated in youth programs. Terry attended Central Union High School in El Centro, California, Class of 1972. She was a member of the Black and White Angels Drill Team, which was founded and directed by her mother, Dorothy Williams. Terry also played on a girls’ softball team known as the “Killers” and later became actively involved in the Women’s Softball League in El Centro. In 1972, while living in El Centro, Terry met her husband, Elijah Vines, Jr., a United States Marine from Washington, D.C. They became engaged and were married on March 30, 1974, in Yuma, Arizona. The couple later relocated to Washington, D.C., where Terry resided until her passing. Two children were born from this union: Tamara Lanette Vines and Jamila Rashida Vines. Terry was an exceptionally dedicated and accomplished professional. She began her career at Sovran Bank and later joined the National Parks Conservation Association, where she devoted forty years of service. Terry retired as Director of Membership, a role she fulfilled with integrity, focus, and excellence. “Terry LaVerne Vines: A Life That Loved, Fought, Focused, and Gave Freely” While we will miss Terry dearly, we are also deeply grateful—because her life has left us rich in love, lessons, and legacy. Terry lived a life that loved, fought, focused, and gave freely. She was a fighter—not in anger, but in courage. When life presented obstacles, she met them head-on. When challenges tried to wear her down, she stood her ground. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Her fight was sometimes quiet, sometimes fierce—but always faithful. She was focused. She did not waste energy on what did not matter. She understood her priorities and aligned her life accordingly. “Run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). Terry ran her race with intention, discipline, and clarity of purpose. She was determined. Once she committed to something—or someone—she remained steadfast. “Let us not grow weary in doing good” (Galatians 6:9). She pressed forward even when the road was long. She was organized and intentional. Her life reflected balance, structure, and care. “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Her order created stability and peace for those around her. She was family-oriented. Family mattered deeply to Terry. She showed up, stood strong, and held things together. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Her love for family was steady and enduring. She gave freely—of her time, her resources, her wisdom, and her heart. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Generosity was not something she did; it was who she was. She was outspoken, because she cared. She understood that love sometimes requires truth and that truth requires courage. “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5). Her words were rooted in concern, not criticism. She loved people deeply. She made room for others—emotionally and physically. “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Terry lived this command through action. She was hospitable. Her home, her presence, and her spirit welcomed people in. “Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). She lived it effortlessly. And now, though our hearts ache, we are comforted by God’s promise: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Terry is at peace. We grieve—but not without hope. “We do not mourn as those who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Our sorrow is wrapped in the promise of eternity. Her legacy remains: • In the family she strengthened • In the lives she touched • In the love she gave • In the fight she finished “Honor her for all that her hands have done” (Proverbs 31:31). Today, we honor a life that fought with faith, focused with purpose, and gave freely with love. Her race is complete. Her work is finished. Her love continues. And because she lived with strength and generosity, we are better for having known her. Terry LaVerne Vines departed this life peacefully on Monday, December 29, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elijah Vines, Jr.; her daughter, Tamara L. Vines; her stepdaughter, Carolyn Miles; her parents, Hosa Williams and Dorothy Williams; and her siblings, Hosa Williams, Jr., Quinton Gonder, Herman Williams, Regena Williams, and Donna Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Jamila R. Collins; her grandchildren, Rhosu Vines, Deja Vines, Jamira Collins, Danielle Vines, and Yuri Vines, all of Washington, D.C.; her siblings Wayne Gonder and James Williams of El Centro, California; Carol A. Williams of Rancho Cucamonga, California; Don L. Williams, Michael Williams, and Darrell Williams of Modesto, California; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and a host of relatives and friends.

Mr. Terry Vines

June 13, 1957 - December 29, 2025

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Mr. Terry Vines

June 13, 1957 - December 29, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Resources

Grief & Healing

Obituaries

About Us

Contact Information