Vennise (Johnson) Terrell

Mary Jane “Vennise” Terrell, of New Franklin, passed away at her home on May 23, 2026.  She was 91 years old.

Vennise was born in Slater, MO on June 6, 1934, a daughter of Sylvester and Viola Hoyt Johnson.  When Vennise was three, the family of six moved to Howard County where she attended grade school at Liberty and later graduated from Fayette High School in 1951. 

 On July 2, 1950, Vennise was baptized at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Fayette.  She married William “Bill” Lynn on October 15, 1952.  To this union four children were born, Roger, Danny, Donnie and Connie.  Bill passed away on August 3, 1977, after nearly 25 years of marriage.  

After two lonely years, Vennise was introduced to Lynn Terrell and they married at the Boonesboro Christian Church on October 6, 1979, adding five stepchildren to her family.  Lynn and Vennise enjoyed many happy years until his death on March 29, 2026.

Vennise was employed as a sewing machine operator at Artex, Jostens until retiring from Atchison Products in Boonville in 1979.  Vennise attended Bible Baptist Church in New Franklin for over 60 years.  She loved taking pictures and sharing them with family and friends.  Vennise and Lynn enjoyed animals, watching the deer from their porch as well as birds and butterflies.  She authored a book for her mother, Up Life’s Pathway, and had it copyrighted publishing many copies to share with family and friends.  

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Connie McKee (Chris); stepchildren, Vickie Thornton (Jerry), Becky Gentry and Sheila Bradley.  She also leaves behind a host of loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will carry her memory and example forward to others.  Vennise was also blessed with good health, her faith in the Lord and many family members and friends who were the light of her life.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Bill Lynn and Lynn Terrell, Vennise was preceded in death by her children, Roger, Danny and Donnie Lynn, Mark Terrell and Paula Barr and grandson, Travis Parker; great granddaughter, Rocci Marie Lynn and Baby Kemna and her brother, Louis Johnson,

Services honoring her life will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin.  Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the funeral home.

Vennise’s final resting place at Washington Cemetery in Glasgow following the funeral.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Bible Baptist Church in New Franklin.

Condolences may be shared at www.marklandyager.com.

Markland-Yager Funeral Home is honored to serve Vennise’s family.

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