We celebrate the life of Phoebe (Terry) Jay, our wonderful mother. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. We are also planning a zoom-call memorial service on Saturday, November 21 at 12 noon CST. We hope you join us for that (see event, posted on this site).
OBITUARY
Phoebe Jay (Terry) passed away peacefully in Fayetteville, Arkansas on November 14 at the age of 92. Phoebe lived a full, multi-faceted life – she was born in Cook, Minnesota, the middle of seven children, and also lived in Virginia, MN and Minneapolis, MN, then Missoula, MT; then Ithaca, NY; and finally spent most of her retirement in Fayetteville, AR. She was the loving wife of Jerry Jay, and the family they created together... see more
Phoebe Jay (Terry) passed away peacefully in Fayetteville, Arkansas on November 14 at the age of 92. Phoebe lived a full, multi-faceted life – she was born in Cook, Minnesota, the middle of seven children, and also lived in Virginia, MN and Minneapolis, MN, then Missoula, MT; then Ithaca, NY; and finally spent most of her retirement in Fayetteville, AR. She was the loving wife of Jerry Jay, and the family they created together brought them joy, pride, and terrific adventure. Terry enjoyed 33 years of teaching kindergarten and first grade in Trumansburg, New York. She was a student herself – earning a Masters in Education from Cortland State College while working full-time and raising her family. She sensed there was much more to the universe than the material world and so turned her studies to philosophy, especially the tenets of Eastern religions, adopting the Buddhist faith. A highlight of her life was being blessed by the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama. Her interest in the mystical nature of life also drew her to astrology and over time she became adept at creating and reading astrological charts, a talent she freely shared with friends and family. She was an avid reader, with many interests, ranging from playing bridge to gardening, and always her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is survived by a sister Bona (Achord) and a brother Donald Hill, four daughters: Kathryn (Wilson), Merry (Moiseichik), Sunny (Bjornstad), Gayla Jay; and a son Gordan Jay, and by 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her adoring husband Jerry, and her beloved children Bonnie Jay and John Jay. She will be sorely missed, and remembered with great love by her family.