Terry Ann Munford Torrence

Terry Ann Munford Torrence, 84, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, wife of the late Major Harry Lee Torrence, died at home surrounded by her family, on October 2, 2024. 

Terry was born December 29, 1939 in New Bern, North Carolina, daughter of the late Heber Maxwell Munford and the late Ann Gorham Munford. She spent her childhood on the beach at Morehead City, and swimming and water-skiing in the rivers around New Bern. She met her future husband, Harry, while still in junior high school. They were married in December 1958, days before Terry turned 19. Their strong and happy marriage lasted nearly 50 years.

Army life took the two of them far from New Bern and the life they knew, but Terry embraced those changes. The family moved frequently between bases in the eastern United States; also serving a tour in England, where they lived on a British base. Through all those moves and during an extended period of absence while Harry served in Viet Nam, Terry grounded the family. By nature quiet and thoughtful, she learned from their nomadic life how to make friends and form community wherever she went. She was a faithful and generous friend.

A wonderful hostess, she was never happier than when loved ones were under her roof. No holiday escaped her notice; she loved a decorated house, and especially relished painting sugar cookies with her children and grandchildren. 

As her children grew older Terry embarked on a career as a bookkeeper and accountant. This served the family well after Harry retired from the military and they moved to California, eventually landing in her beloved Santa Barbara. They lived for more than twenty years on the same cul de sac where the neighbors became extended family. The famously mild Southern California weather was perfect for Terry's golf game.

In 2006, feeling the pull of grandchildren located in North and South Carolina, Terry and Harry relocated to Goose Creek. They jumped in with both feet, becoming members of the Harbor Club and Crowfield Country Club. Terry's competitive streak found an outlet at the Charleston Bridge Club.

Terry will be missed by a large circle of family and friends, but her loss is especially keen to sons Lee Torrence (Margaret) of Swannanoa, NC, and Jeff Torrence of Lexington, SC; grandchildren, Nate Torrence (Luiza Mouzinho), Hanna Torrence and Joshua Torrence; great-grandson, Theo Torrence; and a beloved nephew and nieces. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her dear sister, Alice Turbeville.

Donations in Terry's memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

All of Terry's friends and family are invited to a service giving thanks for her life. It will be held on Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 PM at the Dorchester Presbyterian Church, 10290 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC 29485. A reception will follow in the church's fellowship hall. Terry's family is deeply grateful to the Dorchester Presbyterian Church staff and congregation for providing such gracious hospitality.

__________________________