Freida Terrell

Clyde, Freida Dean Morgan Terrell, age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 2, 2022, at her residence.

Freida was a native of Buncombe County, a daughter of the late Cansler (Buddy) and Della Anders Morgan.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Joe E. Terrell, who died in 2020; two sisters, her twin sister, Dot Cole and Glennan Mehaffey; two brothers, Joe R. and Webb Morgan.

Freida worked for 37 years for the NC State University with the Cooperative Extension Service as a Professional Extension Educator. She began her career as a 4-H Agent and Extension Home Economist in Graham and Clay counties. After receiving her master’s degree from The University of Tennessee, she was promoted as the first Area Craft Agent serving 50 counties in WNC.

Freida was instrumental in developing a quality craft industry in the state, making an economic impact on families, our region, and North Carolina. She authored craft manuals and coordinated the first small business economic development seminars in the state, including craft training workshops with hundreds of participants for more than 15 years statewide and nationally.

Freida was a member of numerous boards including HandMade in America and the multi-state acclaimed Southern Highland Hand Craft Guild, serving for 20 years as president.  Freida also belonged to the American Economic Association, National Association of Extension Home Economist, and both the NC Association and Western District Association of Family and Consumer Extension Agents.

After Freida's retirement, she was asked to design the Heritage Craft Department at the WNC Mountain State Fair, where local artists demonstrate making of traditional crafts.  With the support of her husband Joe, she served as Chair of the department for 20 years.

Freida received many awards for her contributions and achievements, one of the most coveted was her induction into the North Carolina Family and Consumer Hall of Fame.

She received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Extension Agents.  Freida Terrell's legacy can be expressed as Service to Others.  She was a mentor to many beginning their careers; an outstanding leader, educator; and she always exemplified professionalism.

Freida’s love for her family, community and church were an important part of her life.

Freida is survived by four nieces, Autumn Radcliff (Keith), Scarlett Fuller (Billy), Andrea Church and Sarah Alles (Randy); five nephews, Scott Mehaffey (Jennifer), Jon Morgan (Mary), Jonathan Parham (Mariann), Christopher Smith and Matthew Terrell (Harriett); close friends and cousins, Jane Markley and Arnold Terrell; two sisters-in-law, Melinda Morgan and Milli Way Morgan; and one brother-in-law, Dale Mehaffey. Several great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Fincher’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery with Reverend James Marsh and Reverend John Ferree officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. prior to the service at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.

The family would like to thank all the love and care she received from her caregivers and Care Angels.

The care of Mrs. Terrell has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.