Terry Funeral and Cremation Service

02/19/2026

A Look Back in History

Before the renovations…
Before modernization…
Before Terry Funeral & Cremation Service…

There was the Ray family.

In 1936, Vance Ray and his wife, Lydia Ray, established Ray Funeral Home at 119 N. Market Street here in Madison. For decades, families walked through these doors during some of life’s most difficult moments, and the Ray family was there to serve them with dignity and care.

What many may not realize is that Lydia Ray was among the very first women in North Carolina to receive her funeral director’s license — at a time when funeral service was overwhelmingly led by men. She was truly a pioneer in this profession and a leader in her own right.

Historical records reflect that Lydia was not simply present — she was actively involved in the business, serving in a leadership role and helping guide the funeral home through years of service to this community.

This building has stood for nearly a century as a place of comfort because of individuals like Lydia Ray.

02/15/2026

Gordon “Lefty” L. Throckmorton, 88, of Mayodan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Terry Funeral and Cremation Service. Burial will take place at a later date at Mayodan Municipal Cemeter...

View Gordon "Lefty" Lincoln Throckmorton's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/14/2026

One year ago, I signed the papers and became the owner of Terry Funeral & Cremation Service.

It still doesn’t feel real some mornings when I unlock the doors.

This past year has stretched me, humbled me, pushed me, and blessed me more than I can put into words. We’ve renovated. We’ve grown. We’ve started new services. We’ve served families from every walk of life in this community. And every single time the phone rings and someone says, “We’re choosing Terry,” it means more than they know.

To our families ….thank you for trusting us during the hardest days of your lives.

To this community ….thank you for giving a locally owned funeral home the opportunity to earn your confidence again.

And to my staff ….I could not do this without you. Your compassion, your long hours, your attention to detail, and the way you care for every family like they’re your own… that’s what truly makes this place special.

We’re not perfect. We’re still building. But we are committed … to transparency, to excellence, and to being a funeral home that truly represents and serves this entire community.

From the bottom of my heart… thank you for an incredible first year.

The best is still ahead.

— Howie

02/12/2026

Pauline “Polly” Biggs, 92, of Mayodan, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at “Coffee Time.”

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the Ray Chapel at Terry Funeral and Cremation with Pastors Randy Jess...

View Pauline "Polly" Biggs's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/09/2026

James “Leroy” Bullins, Sr., 88, of Stoneville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

A 2:00 p.m. funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, in the Ray Chapel at Terry Funeral and Cremation Service with Pastors Cas Horton, Bru...

View James Leroy Bullins's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/07/2026

Gheorghe "George" Varzarus, 65, passed away on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.

Born November 30th, 1960, in Bucharest, Romania, George was the third child of four born to the late Constansa Iacob Varzarus and Ionel Varzarus.

From a young age George exhibited...

View Gheorghe Varzarus's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/07/2026

John Thurman Morrissett, 78, of Greensboro, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Forsyth Medical Center.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the Ray Chapel at Terry Funeral and Cremation Service, with Rev. Wendy Bishop-Reddick officia...

View John Thurman Morrissett's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/07/2026

***Update***
A 3:00 p.m. celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the Ray Chapel at Terry Funeral and Cremation with Pastor Marty Brim officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the US Army and the Rockingham County Honor Guard. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Wilson Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

View Junior Odell Bullins's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/05/2026

Jewell Rhoda Shaffer Priddy, 93, of Stoneville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at her home.

Jewell, affectionately known as “Mema,” was born in Stokes County on October 3, 1932, to the late Edgar and Eliza Mae Joyce Shaffer. She devoted many years to working alongside ...

View Jewell Rhoda Shaffer Priddy's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/04/2026

Elizabeth “Lib” Jones Coltrane, 99, of Madison, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Wesley Long Hospital surrounded by her family.

Lib, fondly known as “Gran” by the many who loved her, was born on March 14, 1926, in Raleigh, NC, daughter of the late Fred Harding Jones...

View Elizabeth "Lib" Jones Coltrane's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

02/02/2026

***Update***
Due to weather conditions, the service for Junior Bullins has been postponed for a later date that will be announced.

View Junior Odell Bullins's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/31/2026

Nothing says hometown like the local police department stopping by to have some fun with the kids.

Thank you Officer Renee Springs for making these kids day!