Mr. Johnathan Terrell

Obituary

Johnathan Terrell, son of Mrs. Jean H. Terrell and the late Mr. Julius Terrell, was born on May 16, 1960 in Atlanta, GA. Johnathan was the first of four children; Jacqueline, Joyce, and Joseph and warmly called “JT”, by friends and family.

Johnathan was an extremely bright young man, and began his primary education at Walter White Elementary School. While at White, he served as a Safety Patrol Guard, learned to play the trombone and was selected to represent the school in the Area IV District Band. He also sang in the school chorus. During his formative years, he joined Boy Scouts of America and mastered a plethora of skills just shy of Eagle Scout!While enrolled at White, Johnathan was active in Allen Temple A.M.E.’s Christian Education Programs; participating in the Youth Usher’s Ministry, Youth Choir, Vacation Bible School, and the Christian Disciple Club. All these programs were an integral part of his spiritual foundation.

Upon entering Henry McNeal Turner High School, Johnathan’s interests in academia and sports thrived and various superlatives included: J.R.O.T.C., Varsity Football, Chess Club, “The ENFORCERS” and Marching Band.

His academic acumen continued to prevail, as he was accepted into Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) and Florida Institute of Technology and he spent the next four years at F.I.T. where he was on the Deans List. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Aviation Management and began employment soon after graduation with Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (M.A.R.T.A.).

He commuted back and forth to work while working at M.A.R.T.A. and during this time he met Gail Napier the mother of their two daughters Shannon Nichelle and Hope Alexandria. During his thirty-three years at M.A.R.T.A., Johnathan’s achievements evolved in keeping with transportation changes globally. He retired from M.A.R.T.A. in 2016, yet he continued to meet new challenges mastering financial literacy.

During his 59 years as a member of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, Johnathan was a member and officer of several auxiliaries; among them were, The Male Choir, Chairman of Men of Allen, Steward Board, Assistant Chair & Chairman of Men’s Day Programs, Sunday School Teacher and Bus Ministry. 

Anyone who had an opportunity to speak with Johnathan, knew of his love for sports and short quips! The Phoenix Sunswas his favorite NBA team and he was an aficionado of Moto GP~(Grand Prix) European Sports Motorcycle Racing! He was an avid biker and hiker. He also enjoyed swimming, traveling, playing and coaching basketball. He had a “mean~3~pointer”and played power forward for Atlantonio, M.A.R.T.A’s basketball team!

Mr. Johnathan Terrell is survived by his loving mother, Jean H. Terrell, his two adoring daughters, Mr. & Mrs. Justin Burks (Shannon) of Dallas, TX., Hope Terrell, two sisters, Jacqueline and Joyce; brother Joseph; two aunts Dorothy Freeman and Patricia Caldwell; grandchildren; Jah’Niyah, Jan’ndel, Jubilee, Milan, Jalen; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

From Heaven, Johnathan wants you to know:

“I’m straight like 9:15!”

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