Terri Combs Orme
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Terri Combs Orme lived life to the fullest and passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2022, with her husband, John Orme, of 42 years by her side. Terri was born in Witchita Falls, Texas on January 13, 1951, to John Clifford Combs Jr. and Wanda Lee Sheehan Combs. Terri leaves behind her husband John G. Orme; her son Charlie (Deena) Combs Orme; her sister Sandra (Darrell) Wilson; nieces Gina (Matt) Jenkins and daughter Summer, Angie (Jared) Custer and their daughters Colbie, Nora and Hannah, and Teresa Wilson; sisters-in-law Cathy (Dan) Schaetzle and Patty (Wayne) Deaton; and nephew Chad (Allana) Deaton and their son Brooks, niece Christina Longo and her two children Kailey and Ava.
Terri was curious from birth and always ready for a challenge. She was raised alongside her younger sister, Sandy, in Hobbs, New Mexico. She exceled in school and her love of learning grew exponentially. Always an academic, she graduated from Baylor University in 1972 with a bachelor's degree in sociology and social work before earning her master's degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1975. Before pursuing her PhD, Terri found a love of children in working with various child welfare and foster care organizations across Texas. In St. Louis, on the very first day of her PhD program, fate intervened when a professor failed to show up for class and her classmate, John Orme, became a coffee shop date for an hour but quickly turned into a partner for life. After graduating with her PhD from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, John and Terri were married in 1980 and together moved to Chicago, Louisiana, Maryland, and finally to Knoxville and the University of Tennessee College of Social Work where they taught for 26 years. Of all her amazing accomplishments and accolades, her greatest is her son Charlie, who they welcomed into their family in 1987.
Terri is regarded in the highest of esteem on so many levels but it's her personal touch and willingness to be present for others that will be most remembered. Terri selflessly mentored countless students, was actively engaged in her community, and was dedicated to bettering the world through the profession she held dear. Terri continued her love and service as a "cuddler" to babies at the UT Children's Hospital, worked in the garden and food pantry with her dear friend Barbara Lamm at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, and delivered meals through the Mobile Meals Program.
Terri was loved by family, friends, colleagues, and students far and wide. Her stature may have been short, but her presence was powerful, and her memory will live on in all those she encountered. Terri was such a bright light in this world, and there are no words to describe how much she will be missed. She had a big heart.
An interment service will be held in the memorial garden at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church for friends and family on June 5, 2022, at 2:00p.m. with Pastor Chris Buice officiating. A Celebration of Life get together will follow with light refreshments for friends and family at the Plaid Apron, 1210 Kenesaw Avenue, in Knoxville, TN. RSVP to John Orme is requested. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Contributions (monetary or shelf stable food) to the food pantry may also be brought to the celebration of life gathering at the Plaid Apron. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.