Terri Black Corley

Terri Black Corley was born September 12, 1953, to Bobbie Mae Ivy Black and she passed away surrounded by love on February 1, 2026.Terri had wonderful memories of her childhood in Tullos, catching lightning bugs, riding bikes, playing tetherball, playing kick the can, driving in the field, and hanging with the cousins. She really enjoyed her days at Tullos Elementary School and would burst out periodically with, “Giddy giddy giddy giddy wash wash wash wash, go Tullos Oilers. Giddy giddy giddy giddy wash wash wash wash, fight Tullos Oilers!” She and Douglas Murphrey shined as king and queen of the lower elementary school at the Halloween Carnival.Terri enjoyed the social aspects of LaSalle High School perhaps a little more than the academic component. The move to Olla in 1967 gave Terri even more opportunities for socializing - the rec hall, Girod’s, and Castor Creek. She loved her classmates and had a great time in the band playing trumpet. There was nothing like playing “Charge” at a Friday night football game! The band trips, bonfires, proms, the coveted dances, and seeing the Uniques on stage at LHS were just some of the highlights of her high school days.Terri’s whole world changed in the eleventh grade when she and Wayne Corley fell in love! And what a love it was! Each date began with a quick trip to Cliff’s Quick Stop for a coke and Mr. Goodbar for her momma! Inseparable since 1970, married in 1973, their love created a bond beyond measure. The births of their daughters JJ and Cassie completed the circle of love.Her 19 years driving the school bus created a whole new family for Terri. She loved her “Bus Babies” and shared stories of those days years later. Behind the counter at the Urania Drug Store for 40 years, Terri truly shined in her role as “Lucy.” But who is Lucy without Ethel? Terri and Kay Ryder played out their roles perfectly just by being themselves while serving and entertaining customers.Terri volunteered at many senior citizens' Christmas suppers in Urania and was elected mayor in 1995. She served as mayor to her beloved Town of Urania faithfully for 28 years. Under her leadership, the Potty Tannehill Park was renovated, the Town Square was created, the annual Homecoming celebrations began, and she brought the Uniques she loved so much to entertain at the town’s 150-year-old birthday. She worried when the plant closed and celebrated when new plants came to town. We can’t talk about Urania and Terri without talking about Urania Methodist Church, where she was a faithful member for many years. Even in the height of her illness, she still listened to services JJ would play for her on speaker phone. She loved her church and she really loved her Jesus.Two things about Terri Corley always stood out: her red hair and her love of Elvis. Mike Ivy may have given her her first “red head” nickname with Woody Woodpecker. Later, she just became “Red.” And don’t tell Terri that anyone could sing better than Elvis. He was the one and only! Every Christmas, she had a decked out Elvis tree that could have rivaled even Graceland’s. Terri’s love of family was always her first priority. She and Wayne moved in with Bobbie Mae and cared for her for many years. But her care went beyond her mother. She helped with Granny, Aunt Totsie, David, and Billy Ray. A caretaker, a mother, a sister, an aunt, and a friend, the role in which she shined the most was as “GranGran.” When those grandbabies came, Terri and Wayne’s world changed again and filled their days with joy. Terri was fiercely committed to the ones she loved. There was always a smile on her face and she gave the best hugs. Her prayer list was ongoing and she faithfully prayed for each individual each night. She was always worrying about others, even when she was sick. She continued to reach out to check in on people until the very end. Terri showed bravery beyond measure after her cancer diagnosis in November 2021. Always scared of needles, doctors, and hospitals, she rose above her fear and battled with grace and dignity. She faced multiple surgeries, chemo, and radiation and never complained. 

She is survived by her husband Wayne, daughter JJ Richards (Bob), daughter Cassie Morphis (Lee), and her wonderful grandchildren, KorLee “Bug”, Ivy-Kate “Squirt”, and “Breesman” Morphis, and Christopher Richards; sister Lisa Black Cosse (Clark); brother- and sister-in law Jerry and Patsy Corley; brother- and sister-in-law Mike and Teresa Corley; sister-in-law Judy Corley; special nephew and niece whom she considered her godchildren, Remy (Christina Claudio) and Lizzie Cosse, nieces and nephews Josh, Jake, Kyli, Krista, Tonya, Danielle and their spouses and children, and a host of friends. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Bobbie Mae Black; grandparents, Hugh and Francis Ivy; her father- and mother-in-law, Don and JoAnne Corley; brother-in-law Danny Ray Corley; her best friend and cousin Joanette Ivy; cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, classmates, and a few good knotheads. 

Terri's wishes was cremation and a graveside service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Urania Methodist Church, Urania Cemetery Fund, or St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Thanks to all for your unending love and prayers.