Terri (Callahan) Kerr

Terri Callahan Kerr, 62, passed away at her home surrounded by family on Monday, October 20, 2025, following an extended illness. Born on January 11, 1963, she was the beloved daughter of Ira Lee Callahan and Bobbie Rewis Callahan, both of whom preceded her in death.

Terri was lifelong learner, a talented musician, and a passionate educator, who dedicated her life to sharing her love of history and music with others, but her greatest joy was her family. She was devoted to her husband Tim and daughter, Ainsley, whose love and laughter were the center of her world. Terri took pride in every milestone, found happiness in the simplest moments, and filled her home with warmth, care, and generosity.

She cherished family trips to the mountains and especially to St. Simons, where she loved relaxing by the ocean. Whether traveling, taking long drives, or enjoying quiet evenings at home, Terri and her husband shared a deep bond built on friendship and devotion. Tim was her caretaker during her illness and did his best to meet all of her needs. 

A lifelong sports fan, Terri cheered for the Boston Red Sox, “Big Poppy” in particular, and the Georgia Bulldogs, celebrating every win with the same enthusiasm she brought to life itself.

Terri was an accomplished musician, gifted both vocally and instrumentally. Her musical talent was evident from a young age and became one of the great joys of her life. She played the piano with grace and sensitivity, often using her music to bring comfort and inspiration to others. Throughout her life, she shared her talents generously in churches across Laurens and Toombs counties, offering her gift of music as both worship and service to her Lord and Savior.

During her college years, Terri was an active member of the Brewton Parker College Choir, performing in concerts across the region and even touring Europe—an experience she often recalled with fondness and gratitude. She was also a skilled member of the Brewton-Parker Handbell Choir, a group that delighted audiences everywhere with their precision and artistry.

Her teaching career began at Rutledge Academy in Madison and ended at East Laurens High School in Dublin where she taught history from 2007 until her retirement in 2021. During her tenure at East Laurens, she was a proud sponsor of the Beta Club. Known for her passion and deep knowledge of Southern history, she cared deeply for her students and took pride in their success long after they left her classroom. 

Terri is survived by her husband of 29 years Tim Kerr, her daughter Ainsley, the light of her life; her sister, Cheryl West and husband Buddy of Vidalia; her brother, Randy Callahan and wife Beth of Vidalia; her mother-in-law, Ina Kerr of Soperton; her brother-in-law, Mike Kerr and wife Lisa of Hazlehurst; sisters-in-law, Angel Whitman and husband Charlie, of Harrisburg, NC and Polly Kerr; her aunt, Jewell Callahan of Atlanta; her nieces, Kristin Ellison and husband Ben of Waynesboro; Ashley Collins and husband Casey of Decatur; Jessica Flakes and husband D.J. of Millen; Haley Culp and husband Jordan of Powell, TN; nephews, Clay Callahan and wife Traci of Lyons, Brandon Kerr and wife Jessica of McRae-Helena, and Justin Kerr and wife Adrienne of Lyons; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Terri will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former students, and the many lives she touched through her teaching and music.

The funeral service will be held on Friday afternoon, October 24th, 2025, at 3:00 in the chapel of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home with Pastor Bobby Hutto officiating. Interment will follow at Lyons City Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday afternoon from 1:00 until just prior to the service.

Flowers are accepted, or memorial donations may be made to East Laurens High School Beta Club, 1010 Hwy 80 West, Dublin, GA 31027 or Extra Special People, 189 VFW Drive, Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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