On December 5, 2020, Terry Attebery of Edmond joined the heavenly choir after a brief illness with Covid19. The family would like to express their thanks for all of the prayers and concerns for Terry. They also offer their sincere appreciation to the compassionate and excellent medical staff at Edmond Integris ICU.

Born December 29, 1949, in Oklahoma City, Terry attended school in Nicoma Park and Choctaw. He was the fourth child of Dalton and Edith Attebery. After graduating from Choctaw High School, he attended Central State College, now named University of Central Oklahoma. He was very active on campus, especially in the music department.

There he met his love, Missy Martin. They helped begin the show choir known as “Tunesmiths” which performed all over the state. They married in 1972.

Terry then joined the Army, serving his country in the Army Reserves until 1978. After basic training he accepted a teaching job in Blackwell, OK. He and Missy were well loved and received by this amazing school district and town.

In 1976 the couple was offered teaching jobs in Edmond. Terry taught at Edmond Mid High followed by Edmond Memorial High School. He and drama teacher, Mary Jane Bartley, developed an amazing music/drama department. During his tenure, the show choir “Act II” was created and performed extensively. Full Broadway musicals were also performed annually. The productions rivaled many professional theaters. Terry’s choirs were amazing as well, receiving “Outstanding” critiques at every contest. He was recognized in many ways as an exceptional music educator.

Locally, Terry was honored as Edmond Teacher of the Year in 1983.

Terry and Missy were the first directors of Edmond Children’s Chorus under the umbrella of the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. And yet another ground breaking accomplishment was Terry being co-director of the Oklahoma Show Choir which made eight trips to Europe as ambassadors of Oklahoma.

After retiring from public school teaching, Terry opened a private voice studio. During this time he was offered an adjunct position at Oklahoma Christian University. Terry joyfully accepted and was still teaching this year. He taught applied voice and directed the much loved musical revue “Cabaret”. They have toured for several years around the country, including on a Cruise Ship. Terry absolutely loved teaching at OC and they loved him!

With all of Terry’s talents, he would say his most important gift was his relationship with God. He was a faithful servant. A member of Edmond First Presbyterian Church, he served as deacon, elder, and was active in the Pilgrimage Community, serving as Moderator. He was also a well-loved choir director the last several years. Many Edmond citizens have enjoyed the full Christmas production “One Incredible Moment”.

Without a doubt he would say his treasure is his family: wife, two sons, and five grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He purchased a sign that hangs in the back yard: “Children are the rainbow; Grandchildren are the pot of gold”. The kids loved their Papa.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janie Witt, and brother John Attebery and wife Gatha.

He was survived by his wife, Missy; son Brian, wife, Jennifer and children, Cannon and Caris; son, Justin, wife, Alysia and children, Mia, Owen and Evan; sister, Rachel Attebery.

His extended family includes nieces Vicki, Pam, Bert, Eddy, Misty, and April; Brother-in-law Ed, Sister-in-law Kathy, and several great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: 

First Presbyterian Church of Edmond, 1000 South Rankin, Edmond, OK 73034 

Or 

Friends of Music at Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E. Memorial Rd., Edmond OK 73013

Terry will be buried at Memorial Park Cemetery at a private service.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

https://matthewsfuneralhome.com/terry-atteberry/