Cookie Terry

(From Parker Mortuary)

Erma Mae (Cookie) Terry was born April 24, 1927 in Joplin, Missouri to Amy Caroline Coffer and James McDonald Steddum. She was raised in the Joplin/Racine area and attended Neosho High School. She was the baby of a blended family of 12 children.

Cookie fell in love with a handsome sailor named Phillip Warren Terry and they were married December 28, 1945. After several duty stations and years they settled in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where they raised their two girls. After retirement and living in Colorado for 45 years, they returned home to Webb City. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1999.

Cookie worked most of her life as an Office Manager in Transportation working alongside her husband Phil, Operations Manager. Upon their return to Missouri, she enjoyed many years working at Precious Moments and Empire District.

Family was one of the most important things in Cookie's life. She is survived by her daughters Cheryl Dempsey and Becky Short, grandchildren Amy Dempsey, Chris Dempsey and wife Holly, and Courtney Short, great-grandchildren Madison Dempsey, Toryn Dempsey and Blake Dempsey all of Colorado Springs. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews including 5 very special ones who have been by her side for many years, David Comstock, Mark Comstock, Karen Swaine, Carole Jaye Davidson and K.C. Brockman.

She was very active in their Lutheran church and school in Colorado Springs and was a member at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin

Cookie loved being surrounded by family and friends and was happiest at these times, so it was fitting that she died while family was talking and laughing and reminiscing at her bedside.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, December 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2616 Connecticut Ave., followed by graveside services at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.