Krista W. Terry, a beacon of light and laughter, left us on May 5, 2024, at the age of 59. Born on April 4, 1965, in the charming city of Charleston, SC, Krista lived a life that was as vibrant and colorful as the historic homes lining the Battery. She drew her last breath in Greenville, SC, surrounded by the stories and sketches that filled her life with joy.
Krista, known for her selfless spirit and creative soul, spent 16 remarkable years as a senior retail advisor at Goodwill. She wasn't just selling second-hand goods; she was recycling hope and stitching together the fabric of her community. Her passion for her work was only matched by her dedication to turning every staff meeting into a stand-up comedy routine.
She was the proud mother of Cassandra Noelle McLemore, the ringmaster of her own circus, and Christopher (CJ) James McLemore, her son who knew her jokes were best served with an eye-roll. Krista was the grandmother who taught Madelyn (Maddy) Grace and Raine Noelle Young the fine art of giggling and the importance of a good whiskey sour. Her daughter-in-law, Hannah Beth Clark, often found herself the sensible sidekick to Krista's whimsical adventures and granddaughter, Lyra Makae McLemore.
Krista's life was a canvas, and her interests were the paints she used to create her masterpiece. She journaled with the wit of a seasoned comedian, sketching out her days with humor and heart. Her drawings often depicted life not as it was, but as it could be if everyone wore rose-tinted glasses and a smile. Krista's children and grandchildren were her favorite subjects, each portrait more cherished than the last.
The beach was her second home, where she would bask in the sun, turning a shade that could only be described as "lobster chic." Her friends and family would often join her, knowing full well that dinner and drinks would follow, where Krista would hold court with tales that could make a sailor blush and a preacher chuckle.
Her creative flair was as boundless as her love for her ex-husband, Christopher Edward McLemore, with whom she navigated the rollercoaster of life with humor and grace. Teresa McLemore was not just a loving friend but a partner in crime, always ready to join Krista in her next escapade. And let's not forget Karma, the dog who not only shared her name with Krista's philosophy on life but also her bed.
Though her son, Kaleb Keller McLemore predeceased her, the memories were the secret ingredients in her famous Sunday roasts and the silent laughter in the wind.
Krista was a woman who lived as she loved—passionately, selflessly, and with a creativity that knew no bounds. She left us as she lived, with a story on her lips and a twinkle in her eye, reminding us all to find the punchline in every day and the joy in every moment.
So, as we say goodbye to Krista, let's not mourn the loss of the light she was but celebrate the countless sparks she left in her wake. For in our laughter and our memories, Krista W. Terry will forever be the headlining act. Curtain down, applause up, and a whiskey sour raised high to a life extraordinarily lived.