From being displaced from her Mississippi home in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina, to a breast cancer diagnosis in 2021, soon followed by the death of her husband to a rare blood disease in 2023, Lena Terrell remained a beacon of joy to those who surrounded her.
Her colleagues at Lively Technical College said it seemed like the patient care technician instructor, never had a bad day.
“When I think about Lena four things come to mind,” said Matt Zadra, an assistant director at Lively. “Faith, family, strength and positivity. Everything Lena did, she did to glorify God.”
Now the campus is in mourning after Terrell and her 15-year-old daughter Alyson, were killed in a collision on July 4 on U.S. Highway 98 in Wakulla County.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators say a sedan driven by Terrell traveling northbound on Port Leon Drive failed to yield the right of way and was struck by a westbound pickup truck towing a boat trailer on the highway. The result was a fatal t-bone collision.
Alyson Terrell was a Wakulla High School student who enjoyed painting, running track, and playing sports like volleyball and basketball, according to a post on her mom’s social media.
Lena Terrell, who was distinguished as Lively’s Educator of the Year in 2023, leaves behind a community of love, Lively Director BJ Van Camp told the Tallahassee Democrat.
“She was the kind of teacher whose passion lit up every room she entered. Her selfless dedication to both students and colleagues inspired a culture of compassion, excellence, and unity. She didn’t just teach,” Van Camp said. “She uplifted, empowered, and led by example, leaving a lasting legacy of service and heart.”
Terrell worked at Lively for nine years, along with her husband, Altoral Terrell, who served as a welding instructor until his death in 2023 following complications from amyloidosis.
The couple’s 21-year wedding anniversary was July 3, the day before tragedy struck, and Lena’s birthday was a few days later on July 9.
Terrell leaves behind four children, her 17-year-old daughter Aliyah Terrell, who was also a Lively student, and her three sons, Vincent Faulkner Jr., Brandon Berry and Altoral Dijon Terrell.
“Ms. Terrell was a bright and inspiring spirit for her students, fellow instructors and the entire Lively Technical College family. We were blessed to have her as part of our teaching team,” said Rod Duckworth, assistant director at Lively.
A celebration of life service for the mother and daughter will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 19, at the River of Life Church, 445 Donaldson-Williams Road, Crawfordville.
Lively officials who have connected with the family said those who are looking to donate can send money via cash app to Terrell’s son, Vincent Faulkner Jr., at $vincentram.
Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ABrown1@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter/X: @AlaijahBrown3.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Beloved Lively Tech instructor remembered for joyful spirit after fatal July 4 collision
Reporting by Alaijah Brown, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
