Terry Sue Pepper

Terry Sue Pepper passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the city where her remarkable life began on October 7, 1948. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, faith, and friendship that touched countless lives.

Above all else, Terry cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Mike Pepper, whose beloved wife Polly preceded Terry in death in 2023; Brandon Coons and his wife, Cheri; and Joshua Coons and his wife, Kari. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Parker Coons and his wife, Leslie; Paxton Coons; Jackson Coons; and Judson Coons, and she delighted in the joy brought by her two precious great-granddaughters, Sloane and Blaire. Terry is also lovingly remembered by her brother, Clark, and his family, as well as her nephew, Mike's son. She was preceded in death by her brother, Mike, whose memory remained close to her heart. Terry also shared a special bond with her many cousins and their children, maintaining close family ties that remained an important part of her life.

A proud citizen of the Kaw Nation, Terry dedicated many years to serving her tribe and its people. At the time of her passing, she was a valued member of the Kaw Tribal Nation Gaming Commission. She had previously served as a receptionist for the Kanza Human Development Division and was honored to serve as Secretary of the Kaw Tribal Council. Through her years of involvement with the Kaw Nation, Terry formed lifelong friendships and meaningful connections, always giving of herself with kindness, integrity, and a generous spirit.

Faith was a cornerstone of Terry's life. As a longtime member of Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church, she found a second family among the close-knit community she loved so dearly. Whether gathering with friends, sharing laughter, or creating treasured memories, Terry found great joy in parish life. She served twice as Junior Warden, sang faithfully in the Saint Dunstan's choir, and sponsored youth mission trips to Navajo Land as well as many other youth activities. Through her work with the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) and as a beloved preschool teacher for many years, she nurtured and encouraged generations of children and their families, playing a meaningful role in their formative years.

Always seeking a deeper understanding of faith and purpose, Terry completed the four-year Education for Ministry (EfM) program through the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. As she thoughtfully explored the relationship between the Christian faith she was raised with and the Native spirituality that was deeply rooted in her heritage, Terry brought wisdom, honesty, and heartfelt insight to every conversation. Her fellow participants remember her as a significant contributor whose humor, compassion, and unique perspective enriched the experience for everyone around her.

To know Terry was to know unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. She was never judgmental, always empathetic, and forever willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her warmth and sense of humor could brighten the darkest day, and her gentle wisdom made people feel seen, heard, and valued. She was a steadfast friend whose kindness left a lasting imprint on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Terry's love and dedication to her family were beyond question. Nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her four grandsons and, in more recent years, her two adored great-granddaughters. They were the light of her life, and she celebrated each of their accomplishments, milestones, and everyday moments with pride and joy.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, those who loved Terry find comfort in knowing that she now rests in peace, reunited with her ancestors and embraced by the eternal love that guided her throughout her life. Her spirit will continue to live on in the stories shared around family tables, in the friendships she cultivated, in the faith she nurtured, and in the generations she helped shape with her boundless compassion and grace.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A memorial service will be held 2:00pm, Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, 5635 East 71st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136.