WHEREAS, Deborah Anne Floyd Terry was born on January 27, 1951 in Ocala, Florida; and

WHEREAS, she graduated from Dixie County High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Marketing from the University of Florida, and was also a graduate of the International Christian Graduate University; and

WHEREAS, although she was born in Florida, she claimed the title of Native Texan for life; and

WHEREAS, Debbie and her husband Tim met while both were serving on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ and traveled the world spreading the Gospel and standing for religious liberties and freedom; and

WHEREAS, for over 35 years, Debbie invested thousands of hours campaigning for conservative political candidates and was awarded many honors, including the TFRW “Tribute to Women” Award, the National Eagle Award presented by Phyllis Schlafly of Eagle Forum, the Denton County Republican Party Volunteer of the Year Award in 2017, and the 2017 Denton County Chairman’s Award; and

WHEREAS, she worked with the International Republican Institute in 1996 in Mongolia as a Volunteer Trainer, where she trained leaders to set up nationwide poll watching networks and ballot security measures in order to ensure fair and free elections, the first ever in that country; and 

WHEREAS, in 1997, Debbie Terry served as the designated leader of a 15-person international team to Bulgaria which oversaw the election of the first non-communist as President in over 70 years; and

WHEREAS, Debbie served as the founding President of the Golden Corridor Republican Women (GCRW) of Collin County, starting in 1990; and

WHEREAS, in 2016 and again in 2018, Debbie Terry was elected to serve as State Republican Executive Committeewoman from Senate District 12 in Denton and Tarrant Counties and served with distinction, humility, and joy, sharing her talents tirelessly on the Resolutions Committee, Legislative Priorities Committee, and the Religious Liberty working group; and

WHEREAS, Debbie was recognized as a constant fount of encouragement for her fellow State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) colleagues; and

WHEREAS, she believed strongly in “We the People,” the power of the grassroots to drive the political process; and

WHEREAS, her strong and courageous stands for religious liberty and the life of the preborn defined her political service, and she advanced her principles as both a tender soul and mighty warrior, with a unique grace and kindness; and

WHEREAS, her passion for religious liberties inspired her to travel to promote prayer and conservative Christian causes, and two of her greatest joys were to serve on the Congressional Prayer Caucus and as State Director for the Texas Prayer Caucus; and

WHEREAS, Debbie was the wife of Tim Terry for 39 years, the mother of four children, “Bunny” to her seven grandchildren, was active in her community, Denton Bible Church, and ministry-related activities, and was a businesswoman, the principal for Terry People Solutions and the Marketing Consultant for SBAadvisors; and

WHEREAS, after a diagnosis of breast cancer, Debbie, driven on by faith and constantly full of joy, continued to motivate others; now

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Republican Party of Texas recognizes the deep and meaningful impact that Debbie Terry had on so many lives; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Texas State Republican Executive Committee honors the memory, accomplishments, and legacy of our friend and departed colleague Debbie Terry, a faithful and respected leader who inspired people throughout the State of Texas, the nation and around the world through her love, faith, and hard work to fight for conservative and Godly principles; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Republican Party of Texas expresses our deepest condolences to Tim Terry and his family, to the Denton County Republican Party, to Senate District 12, and to the countless people who were privileged to know and love Debbie Terry.