Mary Emma (Terry) Mcnamee

Mary Emma Terry was born in Steubenville, Ohio on December 19, 1938, the first born to prominent community activist Rev. Cottrell E. Terry, and his wife Anna Augustine (Phillips) Terry. She is survived by siblings Claire Jean, Edwin Cottrell and Harry Lyle.

Mary attended Central High School where she ran track, played violin in the school orchestra, and sang in the choir. She was active in several community churches before the family church, Good Faith Baptist, was built in 1967. Mary studied Business Administration at Otterbein University, and began her career at Western Electric Company, where she made lasting friendships that continue to be cherished to this day.

She met the love of her life, Gordon McNamee, in 1970. Their love was instant. Together they raised six children: Perry, Sherry, Terri, Steve, Gigi and Shannon. Theirs was a family filled with love, music, laughter and adventure. Their vacations spanned the beaches of Florida, to the woods of Burr Oak and Salt Fork State Parks.

Mary's love of music continued through the years. She sang with the Columbus Symphony Chorus, and in 1975 she joined the cast of Vaudvillities where she performed as a soloist for almost 25 years. Through Vaudvillities, Mary met her "girls" -- a close knit group of women whose friendship and love are forever etched in our hearts. Mary was "discovered" in 1984 by Rick Brunetto's Big Band when they were looking for a female vocalist to complete their "big band sound." The band played most of 1984 at the Christopher Inn on Sunday's. They also played eight weeks at Wendell P's in Newark Ohio and Mary appeared with the band New Year's Eve 1985 at Club 5th Avenue.
Many people, after hearing Mary sing in Vaudvillities, asked why she wasn't singing professionally and where they could hear and see more of her talent. Some of her signature songs were "Teach Me Tonight", "Come in From the Rain" and "New York, New York." Other singing engagements included Villa Milano, the Columbus Gift Mart, two Christmas parties at Galbraeth's Darby Dan Farm and a benefit for Buckeyes for Bucks—a $500 per plate affair.

Mary appeared in five television commercials, two promoting Vaudvillities on Barbara Jackson's show on Channel 4, two on Ann Walker's show on Channel 6, and one on Channel 6 promoting Terrie Blair. She was an extra in the "Jesse Owen's Story" movie in Columbus in March 1984 as part of the court room scene. Mary could do Donald Duck and the Chipmunks voice characterizations.

In retirement, Mary was actively involved with the Epworth United Methodist Church, both as a soloist and a member of the bell choir. Mary and Gordon traveled the world: cross country in a mobile home, yearly cruises to foreign countries, hikes in Yosemite, trips to Lake Tahoe and frequent visits to family in California whenever the spirit hit.

Mary touched everyone with her positivity, radiance, and loving spirit. She always had a kind word to say, a smile on her face, and joy in her heart. Looking through Mary's eyes, it was always sunny.

Mary and Gordon are blessed with six children, four grandchildren (Paris, Kaitlyn, Danielle and Avery) and one great-grandchild (Angelina).