Helen M. Terry

Helen Terry, 78, passed away on March 3, 2013 in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Helen McBride was born in Westfield, New York in 1934. She lived in New York until she moved to Fort Pierce, Florida in 1954. She married Gordon Terry in 1952 at the age of 18 in Pennsylvania. They were married 31 years and together had four children, Kent Terry, Dane Terry, Rainbow Rider, and Sienna Terry.

She was a charter member and past president of the Ft. Pierce Art Association, a member of the American Pastel Society and Soroptomist International. She was a member of Truth Church in Fort Pierce and taught art at the Golden Rule Academy.

She was an art instructor at Indian River State College for 28 years, since 1973 and taught in all four counties, Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie County. Her art work has been exhibited at Multiple Images Gallery on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, at Vero Art Club Gallery in Vero Beach and at a one woman show at the Cypress Art Gallery in Fort Pierce.
Helen was a famed portraitist, poet and teacher of art. With nine other artists, including the legendary, Beanie Backus, she was a co-founder of the Treasure Coast Art Association, formerly known as the Ft. Pierce Art Club until 1988, she being the last charter member.

Helen is a recipient of the St. Lucie Award, presented by the St. Lucie County Cultural Affairs Council. She has taught classes at the Port St. Lucie Community Center, taught Adult Education classes at Martin County High School, also taught at the Art League in Hobe Sound and Okeechobee.

Mrs. Terry taught art at the Martin County & Indian River County Correctional Institutes for many years in a program sponsored by I.R.C.C. called the Human Dynamic and Values Clarification.
Helen loved pen, ink, and pastels and was an award winning artist and judge. She called herself a “pastelist”, she also worked in graphics and mixed media, well known for her portraits and animals.

One of her most famous portraits of Jesus, called “This I do for You” is beautifully displayed in the Vatican. She is also known for her Biblical portraits, 39 of them now displayed at the Community Methodist Church in Fort Pierce.

She is survived by her sons, Kent Terry, Rainbow Rider, Dane Terry; daughter, Sienna Wells; brother, Bob McBride.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Golden Rule Academy Scholarship Program, (In honor of Helen to assist young aspiring artists) 3891 Edwards Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.

Services: Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2013 from 2-3 PM with a service to follow at 3:00 PM at Haisley Funeral Home. A reception will follow in the Haisley Reception Center.