Catherine Terry Wright

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Catherine Terry Wright was born January 11, 1932, at her parent’s home, the JP Terry Farm and Belle Acres Golf Course in Cookeville, TN.

As the youngest of 5 children by 11 years, Catherine was preceded in death by both her parents Jesse Peyton Terry, DDS and Mary Alice Smith Terry as well as her siblings Jesse Peyton Terry, William (Bill) Terry, Juanita Terry Neal, and James (Jim) Terry.

Enjoying and running the family farm and golf course business developed by her father became a family affair. She desired to preserve her family’s heritage and a welcome green space in the heart of Cookeville. She had free range on the farm and developed a love for animals with the ever-changing menagerie of livestock, pea fowl, chickens, cats, dogs, and even a pet monkey. She would foster and nurture orphaned or injured squirrels and beavers, raise litters of kittens and puppies, and daily feed the birds and enjoy the deer while maintaining a vibrant urban wildlife habitat. Animals would always bring a twinkle to her eyes, a smile of her face, and a joyful comment. She had a passion for the vexing game of golf; had a respectable handicap in the days she played. She could be seen frequently on her front porch rocking chairs observing the 8th and 9th greens, offering a friendly wave to long-time patrons, critiquing a swing or a putt and collecting stray golf balls sliced across Broad Street.

She attended Tennessee Tech as a music education major and taught music in Shelby County public schools as well as private piano instruction. She loved music, was an accomplished pianist, played hand bells, sang with choirs and Sweet Adelines, and instilled a love of music to her children. She initially considered the nursing profession and met her husband, John in biology class as his lab partner over a cat dissection. She followed him to Memphis and supported him through his medical education and there they began their life and family together, then settled in Nashville and eventually lived out her golden years in Cookeville.

She passed away peacefully at her birthplace home on Thursday December 18, 2025 preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, John Kelly Wright of Livingston, and survived by her 3 children: John Kelly Wright, Jr (Judy) of Nashville, Terry Wright Hurt (Chuck) of Lynchburg, VA, Martha Wright Davidson ( Bob) of Nashville and Cookeville; her 8 grandchildren Jesse Peyton, Tyler John and Andrew Charles Wright, Samuel Kincaid, James Matlock and Jackson Charles Hurt, John Robert and Mary Catherine Davidson; her 5 great-grandchildren Ramesh Kelly and Meghana Elizabeth Wright, Kincaid Robert and Lucy Louise Hurt, Charles Anthony Hurt and expected 6th , baby girl Davidson in February 2026.

The family wishes to thank Allison Mills for her several years of loving care and companionship and Gentiva Hospice for their care and guidance in providing peace and comfort in her last days.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to organizations that support the welfare of animals.

Funeral arrangements with visitation and service at 2:00pm Sunday, December 21,2025 organized through Hooper, Huddleston & Horner of Cookeville and interment to follow at the Terry family plot in the Cookeville City Cemetery.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.