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Larry Sills uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, October 9, 2021
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Photo Display at Terri's Funeral
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Larry Sills posted a condolence
Friday, October 8, 2021
Eulogy for Terri: 6 October 2021
Thank you, everyone, so much for being here to honor and celebrate a remarkable and extraordinary woman: Taryn Brown Sills, or “Terri” as she like to be called.
She was so many things to so many people. To me, she was my wife, my best friend, and the love of my life.
We met in the summer of 1977 on Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. I was an Air Force ROTC cadet on a 3-week college training program. In my first week, I met Terri’s boss by happenstance, a Lieutenant Colonel. When he found out I majored in Physics he said, “I have a secretary that’s a Physics major! You should come by and meet her.” I thought, what kind of woman needs her boss to help her get dates? But, I half-heartedly agreed, and then completely forgot about it.
What I didn’t know, was that Terri’s boss had already been fixing her up with other cadets before I arrived. When he told her about me, she told him “No more! I’m not going on any more dates with cadets.” But that didn’t stop him.
On my very last day of the 3-week training program, her boss called my squadron and asked for me! “When are you going to come meet my secretary?” I said something like, “Uh . . . well, sir . . . I guess I could come this afternoon.” “Good,” he said, “See you then!”
So, I found my way to his Office, just wanting to meet my obligation and leave. When I walked in, he was on the phone, waved me over and just pointed at Terri. When I saw her, I was surprised—she was beautiful! When I walked over, she gave me an icy stare. I introduced myself, we talked for a few minutes, and then I thought to myself, "Ask her out to dinner! I'm leaving tomorrow anyway, so what do I have to lose?" So I asked her... she hesitated... then said yes!
I don’t believe in love at first sight, but that is exactly what happened to me. Two years later we married. Then, just before our first anniversary, Terri had some strange symptoms and was referred to a neurologist. He told us he thought it was MS. Terri and I had the same reaction: “What’s MS?” Over the next four decades we found out. But Terri’s illness and disability did not define her—she was way too strong-willed for that!
When we were dating, my first clue about Terri’s strong-will came from her Grandma Wilson. Once, when Terri was out of the room, her Grandma said to me, “Sometimes when Terri gets upset, she will get up and leave. It’s best to just let her go. She’ll come back when she’s ready.” Over the years, I had occasions to follow that advice…and Terri always came back.
In early 1984, Terri had been doing well and her MS seemed stable, so we decided it was time to start a family. That December she gave birth to twins.
Through the eyes of our children, Terri was a compassionate and fiercely protective Mom. She was always there, anytime, day or night, despite her limitations and disabilities. As Tyler says, “She ran circles around other Moms.” She was supportive in every way, whether making Halloween costumes, birthday cakes, or driving (using hand controls) to and from after-school clubs and sports. Tyler shared this about his mother: “When my life gets hard or I start to feel sorry for myself, I think of how gracefully she lived with all the adversity she faced. And I remind myself that my mother’s strength is in me and I can do anything, face anything, and live beyond any otherness or difficulty in my way, just as she did.” Andrea remembers her Mom as the one person she knew would care about anything Andrea had to say about any part of her day or experience in life, no matter how small, and would travel any distance to be by her side. Andrea also remembers how her Mom made her feel safe, secure, and loved no matter what, and Andrea is striving to be that for her daughter, Emily. I think Terri, or rather “Mimi,” loved Emily more than any of us! And Emily loved her Mimi and carries her name: Emily Taryn Martin.
There’s a saying: “You don’t marry a person; you marry the family.” Well, Terri had 3 brothers and 3 sisters, and an extended family that seemed to span the galaxy. And I fell in love with all of them.
After her mother, Jean, died in 1988, Terri became the one that her siblings reached out to for advice or assistance. Terri always responded, helping in the best way she could at the time, and when needed administering a dose of tough-love.
In 2003, Terri literally saved her sister Donna from a path toward an early grave. Terri took her in, got her medical care, and enrolled her in social programs where she made many new friends. Terri helped Donna build a new, happier, and more independent life for her and all her cats. Then in 2018 when Donna was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Terri cared for her sister in our home until her passing just last year.
Even in Terri’s last months from her bed at home, she was working with her niece to help her sister, Debbie, and she helped family members cope with their brother John's sudden, serious illness that, only weeks later, took his life.
Being a Christian was not something separate from Terri’s roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and sister; it is the foundation of everything about her and her life. But she had one particular focus based on God’s call to her heart that became a 25-year passion.
Terri’s life’s work began in the mid-1990’s through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. CGS is a program for children ages 3 through 12, divided by ages into three Levels. It uses Montessori teaching methods in a sacred space called an Atrium to help children discover and develop their own personal relationship with God. Over the years, Terri established and led CGS programs at two different churches. Then, after we joined Ascension around 8 years ago, Terri told me how strongly she felt God pressing her to bring CGS here to Ascension. I told her, if God is pushing you to do this then you need to do it, and I’ll help you. Today, Ascension has an Atrium for Level 1, and a Level 2 Atrium, and is planning for a Level 3 Atrium. Terri also facilitated formal training sessions to certify new catechists (teachers), and influenced other local churches to start their own programs.
Over those 25-years Terri would often tell me things that happened in the Atrium—things children would say or do—that revealed the very real presence of Christ in their hearts. Some were funny, some were astonishing—all were true glimpses of the Holy Spirit at work. And all this came about because—despite her MS, and crutches, and wheelchairs, and countless hospitalizations—this one woman followed God’s call and poured her passion into His work. If you wish to think of Terri’s Legacy, I know she would want you to think of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.
Just a few months ago, Terri and I were talking about all we had been through in our 42-plus years of married life. Terri and I agreed that our marriage was stronger, and we were better people, because of all our experiences together; the good and the bad. But more than that, we believe God has been using everything that happened throughout our life for His broader purposes, whether we knew it or not.
Yes, Terri is many things to many people, but I know we can all agree that knowing her changed us. Whether something as simple as her smile, her laugh, or the way she connected with each person she met, she touched our hearts and we are all the better for it. As her husband, I am a far, far better man because of Terri…my lovely, strong-willed, compassionate, tough-love, saintly, and absolutely wonderful wife!
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Tribute Store
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
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Sweet Tenderness was purchased for the family of Taryn Sills.
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Our deepest sympathy & prayers for the family with love : From ,,Sharon Smith, Monica & Jeremy Lisenby & kids , Jacob & Sky Smith-Bowman
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Brian, Eebie and Austin purchased flowers
Sunday, October 3, 2021
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Brian, Eebie and Austin
purchased the A New Sunrise Spray for the family of Taryn Sills.
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Larry, Andrea and Tyler, Terri was a true friend in every way. Our hearts and prayers are with you today and always. With much love and many tears,
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Jeannie posted a condolence
Sunday, October 3, 2021
Terri & I were 1st cousins. Our Mothers were sisters.
Growing up Terri and I were blessed with the love and influence of three very special women; Our Grandmother Peg,
My Mother Beverly (Terri’s Aunt) and My Aunt Jean, Terri’s Mother.
These women taught us, mostly by example, the meaning of Love. My cousin Terri had all of their best qualities.
For me she was a constant reminder of those three wonderful women.
Terri possessed this beautiful light, She was a gift to us all.
For me Terri will always represent Faith, Hope and Love.
Jeannie and Jim Calaverne
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Brian and Janice Way purchased flowers
Saturday, October 2, 2021
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Brian and Janice Way
purchased the Sweet Tranquility Basket and planted a memorial tree for the family of Taryn Sills.
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Dear Larry and family, Please know that we have you in our thoughts and prayers as you honour Terri today. Love you all and God Bless,
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Malia Jewell uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
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I met Terri on Feb 14, 1979 as our husbands began undergraduate pilot training. We were only together a year but because of the sweet person Terri was we were able to stay connected. She always had a kind word and a sweet smile for people and her gentle sense of humor made people instantly comfortable. Even at 20 years old she had such a way with people. Larry and Terri, you are etched as a sweet part of my life history and I’m so thankful for you. ❤️
You’re missed terribly, but i look forward to seeing you again at Jesus’ feet.
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Beverly Brown Jackson uploaded photo(s)
Monday, September 20, 2021
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My Dearest Sister and Friend. How I love you! I know you are with Jesus! Thank you for always being there for me and Kyle !! For 60 years you've always been there ! I miss you ! I am thankful we get to spend eternity together with Jesus✝ You are healed and whole ! until then! Love you and miss you! Your Sister Beverly
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Dee Ann deMontmollin posted a condolence
Friday, September 17, 2021
May angels surround Terri and saints welcome her in joy and peace. For years, Terri, another friend Ann, and I came together to discuss the scriptures and reflections of Sacred Space, A Prayer Book by the Irish Jesuits. We were honored to have that time together to be in God’s presence. Indeed, now Terri is in our Lord’s Sacred Space on Holy Ground.
The Rev. Dee Ann deMontmollin+
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The family of Taryn B. Sills uploaded a photo
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
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A Memorial Tree was planted for Taryn Sills
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Beach Funeral Homes - Melbourne Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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