Terry L. Vanzant

CHARLESTON, IL – On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, Terry Louise Vanzant, age 64 of Charleston, and formerly of Gastonia, North Carolina went to her Heavenly Home to be with the Lord.  The Memorial Service, honoring and celebrating her life, will begin at 11:30 a.m. (immediately following the morning worship service) on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Christ First Church, 1706 Community Drive (located off of South 18th Street) in Charleston with Reverend Mike Southards officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her honor may be made to a charity or church of the donor’s preference. 

Terry was born on May 10, 1957, in Charleston, a daughter of Gerald and Anita (Leitch) Maloy.  Terry was a 1975 graduate of Charleston High School and furthered her education at Eastern Illinois University where she received her BA.  She then enrolled at the University of Illinois where she attained her master’s degree.  She was a life-long educator and retired in May of 2021, following a tenure at Gaston Christian School.

Terry married Danny Kaye Vanzant in 1982 in Bristol, Tennessee and he preceded her in death on November 5, 2010.  She is survived by her mother, Anita Butler of Charleston; her son, Adam Vanzant and his wife Alyssa of Pennsville, New Jersey, her brother, Tim Maloy and his wife Jodi of Charleston; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father; a brother, Michael Maloy; and a sister, Kathleen Maloy.

Terry was a prior member of Gaston Community Church in Gastonia, North Carolina and after moving to Charleston placed membership with Christ First Church.  Terry enjoyed domestic hobbies such as sewing and cooking and was also an avid reader.  Music was her love, and she was blessed with the talent of a concert pianist and could play the most difficult of piano compositions.  She was selfless, generous, and had a heart for helping others.  She will continue to help others as she was a tissue donor.  Her love for her family was evident in all that she did, and she will be truly missed.

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