Terry Lee Batts, Sr.

Terry Lee Batts Sr. was born November 10, 1953, in Wilson County, North Carolina, to the late William Henry Batts and Bertha Lee Batts. He departed this life on March 22, 2026. Terry grew up in Eastern North Carolina in a close -knit and community. As the eleventh of fifteen children, Terry was a loving, kind, and supportive brother who deeply valued family. He was loved by many and known for his gentle and quiet spirit. He received his formative education in the Wayne County Public Schools And graduated from Charles B. Aycock High School, Pikesville, N.C. in 1972, where was a proud member of one of the first classes to integrate this school. Shortly after graduation, Terry relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, in pursuit of greater opportunities. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and was nurtured in the faith, remaining devoted throughout his life. In 1982 he married the love of his life Shirley Batts, and their union was one of enduring love and devotion. Together, they nurtured their relationship and their children and grandchildren in the word of God. Terry, along with his wife, joined The Church of the Redeemed of the Lord in 1984, where he later became Elder Terry Batts. He loved serving in the house of the Lord: he was a member of the ministerial staff, baptism committee and the church custodian for many years. If it was up to him, he would baptize until his last breath. He was faithful to his family and his commitment to the work of the Lord. He worked diligently to provide for his loved ones and found joy in watching The Baltimore Ravens and The Golden State Warriors. Terry’s life was a testament of faith, love, and quiet strength, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents William and bertha batts, six brothers: David Azell Batts, Timothy Batts, Jimmy Don Batts, Lester Ray Batts, Harold Lee Batts, and William Boyd Batts, one sister Peggy Jean Batts Green; two brothers-in-law Franklin Thornton Sr. and Clarence Thornton. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, the apple of his eye and devoted wife of 44 years, Shirley Batts; his seven children: Rosa Batts, Terry Batts, Jr, Demetria Batts, Sheron Thornton, Gregory Hill (Yvette), Carl Hill (Renee), and Denise Lee (Charles); 18 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; six sisters: Nellie Faye Batts, Patricia Ann Batts, Bertha Batts Fenwick, (Charles), Marva Green (Jake), Edna Artis, and Gale Shiver; two brothers; Johnny Russell Batts (Debra) and Gregory Batts (Gena) two sisters-in-law. Helen Thornton and Gail Thornton, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relative, and dear friends.

Tributes

Terry Lee Batts, Sr.

November 10, 1953 - March 22, 2026