Terry Blakey

TERRY’S LIFE REFLECTIONS Terry Lee Blakey, “Sweet Lee”, was born June 21, 1968 in Omaha, Nebraska. Terry was always a very inquisitive child who never tired of learning new things. His childhood was centered around his visits to his grandparents’ home during the summer with his older sister, Theresa, and his cousins. Terry attended Miller Park Elementary, Bedford Elementary Church School and Dolea Fullwood SDA Church School. He attended McMillan Junior High School, North High School and graduated from South High School. His first job was at Plasterglass where he worked for five years as a Laborer and then as a Lead Person. He worked for two years at Wilson Concrete as a Laborer and then as a Set-up Crew Person. He then was employed at Campbell’s Soup for four years where he was a Laborer, Sanitation Overseer, Trained for Maintenance and later as a Production Line Mechanic. He worked at Oriental Trading Company for two years and Bemis Bag Company as a #1 Operator for two years. During this time, Terry worked the night shift. When his grandmother was ill and needed 24- hour care, he would get off work and go to his grandmother’s apartment. His Aunt stayed all night and Terry would relieve her so she could report to her job at the VA. Terry would stay with his grandmother until the Caregiver arrived a couple of hours later. When his grandmother had to go to the doctor, he would often assist with helping the caregiver get his grandmother ready to go downstairs to meet the van for transportation to her doctor’s appointments. As he assisted as a caregiver, Terry realized that if his grandmother benefitted from being transported to her doctor’s appointments other people would as well. As the need for the elderly to be transported increased, he was confident that more companies like that were needed. This is where he got the idea to start a business of his own to assist the elderly and others with transportation needs. After two years working as a driver, he was afforded the opportunity to purchase the company for himself. Terry loved assisting others through his transportation service. He worked diligently and tirelessly to make sure his customers were treated respectfully and with dignity. Terry loved life and enjoyed participating in and competing in tournaments for bowling, darts and golf. During his life time, Terry has met and embraced friendships that have resulted in life long relationships. Terry was married to Oneko Whitner and to that union two children were born and Terry, Jr . When his children and their mother moved to Charlotte, NC, Terry continued to stay in close contact with his children. They were the love of his life and he was a proud Father who went out of his way to make sure he was present in their lives as often as he could. He had developed a “bucket list” and within the last few years had started taking his children with him on his “bucket list” trips. His plan was to go to Charlotte to celebrate his daughter’s 21st birthday, which was November 30th, 2021. About a month ago, Terry’s health took a turn when he thought he had the flu, but was soon diagnosed with COVID. He courageously battled the disease for the first week but had trouble breathing. He went to Emergency and was admitted to Immanuel Hospital. Excellent care was given by the nurses and doctors but the disease continued to attack his body. After suffering a COVID related stroke, he lost his speech which resulted in his right-side being paralyzed. However, he continued to fight the disease. As new complications continued to develop, Terry’s system weakened. On Monday, December 6th, Terry lost the fight against COVID. Terry is preceded in death by his grandparents Josephine and Nathaniel Blakey. Terry leaves to mourn and cherish his memories his daughter Terra Blakey, Charlotte, NC; son Terry Blakey, Jr , Charlotte, NC; mother, Arlys Blakey, Omaha, NE; sister, Theresa Blakey, Atlanta, GA. Terry will be lovingly and longingly remembered by Raina Roebuck, his special friend; and her children ; and her mother ; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Visitation: 10:00 to 11:00 AM Sunday, December 12, 2021 with Funeral Service at 11:00 AM Sharon Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3336 Lake St.