For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:6-8.

Dr. Mary Eliza Terrell Charles, a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, departed her earthly home on July 8th,2026, at 8:23 A.M., in Baton Rouge, LA. Mary was the fourth of ten children born to the late Lawrence Mason and Octavia Weatherspoon Terrell on November 10, 1932,in Wilson, Louisiana.

Mary was baptized at an early age at Wesley United Methodist Church in Wilson, Louisiana, where she served faithfully until she married and moved to Baton Rouge and became a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Family. While residing in Minnesota, Mary joined the congregation of the St. Patrick Catholic Church, in Edina, Minnesota. In 1994, the family returned to Baton Rouge, and she united with Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. In January of 2009,Mary returned to Methodism and joined Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church, where she worked with various ministries including the United Methodist Women, the Outreach Committee, Habitat for Humanity, Lay Speaking, the Grant Writing Committee, Chairman of the Status and Role of Women Group, and member of the Communion Stewards.

Mary and Dr. Lloyd Edward Charles were married at the home of her parents in Wilson, Louisiana, on June 3,1954. Mary was a lady of faith who demonstrated qualities of a virtuous woman, as a wife and mother of their two girls, Valerie and Ursula. She was compassionate, gracious, confident, and able to work with everyone.

Mary received her elementary and secondary education in the schools of East Feliciana Parish. She earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education in 1955, and the Master of Education Degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She earned certification in Distributive Education at Nicholls State University and Louisiana State University. On December 16, 1983, Mary was awarded the Doctor of Education Degree (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration and School Policy from the University of Minnesota.

Mary’s first employment was that of a secretary at Southern University, Baton Rouge. She later secured a position as a teacher of business subjects at Scotlandville High School in East Baton Rouge Parish. Upon relocating to Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mary held several positions in District I, Minneapolis, and retired as Interim President at Minneapolis Technical Community College. Upon returning to Baton Rouge, she continued to contribute to the field of education with the Louisiana Department of Vocational, Technical Training, & Education. She also served as a leader and education consultant on an Advisory Committee for the Louisiana Technical College System, Baton Rouge, LA Campus. Mary’s life of service and contributions to the field of education will live on in the lives of those whom she directly impacted.

Mary held memberships in numerous civic and educational organizations in Minneapolis and Louisiana. On October 23, 1953, she was inducted into Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Mary was a Life Member of the Sorority and served as an officer and chair of various initiatives of the Sorority until her health began to fail. Mary was known by family and friends for her culinary skills as a baker. She also enjoyed sewing for her family, church and to Comfort Cancer Survivors. She valued spiritual, mental and physical fitness. She was a role model and inspiration to her family and loved ones.

Dr. Mary Eliza Terrell Charles leaves to cherish her precious memory two daughters and son-in-laws Valerie (Kenneth) Young, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ursula (Stefan) Wilson, Ocala, Florida; four grandchildren: Kenneth and Lindsay Young, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Stephanie (Jelani) Jenkins, Maryland, and Danielle Wilson, Ocala, Florida; two great- grandchildren: Ase’ and Irie Jenkins, Maryland; one sister: Sonja Terrell, Wilson, Louisiana; one brother Dr. Henry (Dr. Velma) Terrell, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota; Godchild, Damon Jarvis (Jessie) Smith, Golden Valley, Minnesota, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dr. Lloyd Edward Charles, two sisters, Ruth Terrell Wright and Harriet Terrell Sensley; five brothers, Lawrence Terrell, Jr., Aaron Terrell, Clarence Terrell, Sie Larry Terrell, and James L. Terrell, Sr.