Tera Jean Tew

Tera Jean Tew passed away unexpectedly at home in Shady Valley, Tennessee on Thursday, April 4, 2024.  She was born in Florala, Alabama on April 21, 1960, to parents Clifton Eugene and Eddie Merle Murphy.  She graduated from Walton High School, and she attended college at Lee University in Cleveland, TN.  

When she lived in DeFuniak, Tera taught English at Walton Middle School for over ten years.  She and William moved to Tennessee in 2012.  It was the perfect place to spend as much time as possible outside.  Riding the Can-Am, 4-wheeler, and motorcycle were things she loved to do.  She also had a passion for cats, dogs, and gardening.  Her dog Little Bit went everywhere Tera and William went, and her cat, Sassy, followed Tera around like a puppy.  Sharing her love for gardening with others, she started a Facebook page called The Flower Swap for local flower swapping in the Mountain City area.

She was always friendly, a God-fearing prayer warrior, and an active and dedicated part of her church family, Mountain City Church of God.   

Tera leaves behind her loving husband, William H. Tew, her mother Eddie Merle Murphy, brother Eddy (Patty) Murphy, and sister Julie (Shannon) Bowman.  She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Connie (Mark) Douglass, niece Megan (J) Jones and numerous other nieces and nephews, and special extended family in TN, Linda Garland, Barbara Coyne and many others.  

She is predeceased by her father, Clifton Eugene Murphy.

The family extends special gratitude to Pastor Jamie Bush and his wife for their help during this time of need. 

Donations to help with funeral expenses are being gratefully accepted by the family.