Theresa Vincelette Sportsman Earl

Theresa "Terry" Marie Vincelette Sportsman Earl, 77, of Hope Mills, NC, formerly of Cornwall, died Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2016.

Born Nov. 3, 1938, Terry was the daughter of the late Alfred Leo and Alvina Marie Vincelette.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Alfred and two sisters, Rosalie and Lorraine.

Terry was born and was raised in West Point, NY and was one of 6 children. Her dad was a World War I and II veteran, and her mother was a Police Matron in Highland Falls, NY. From her early years in Catholic school to the day she passed, Terry was a devout Catholic. For many years Terry wanted to become a nun. David, Mike, Jeff and Laurie greatly appreciate that she changed her mind.

Terry worked for many years as a phlebotomist and nurse's aide and was known for her hard work and loyalty. She had a great passion for feeling needed by others which was returned in her dedication to care giving. For many years Terry's trials and tribulations formed the strong woman she became who raised three boys and a baby girl on her own. It meant the world to her to see her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and prosper. She found great happiness in the later years of her life with Dick, the love of her life. For twenty-two and a half years, Terry and Dick lived in blissful happiness that Terry so deeply deserved.

One of Terry's greatest gifts was the caring she showed for others. To know Terry was to love her. She was the kindest, most self-sacrificing woman you could ever meet. She always put the needs of others before her own.

Terry knew how to appreciate the little things in life, even if she had already experienced them a thousand times before. Her brilliant smile, warm hugs and light-hearted personality were contagious.

Her joy and silliness will live on in all of us. Whenever you hear an ABBA or Bee Gees song, see a hummingbird, or find yourself in front of a big bowl of pasta - think of Terry saying a sweet hello. Return her kiss of love with a smile for we know we will see her on the other side, our beloved Terry.

Terry is survived by three sons, David Sportsman and wife Tabitha, Michael Sportsman, and Jeff Sportsman and wife Peggy; two daughters, Laurie Phinney and husband Ron, and Karen Earl Templeton; brother, George Vincelette; sister, Delores Johnson; grandchildren, Maggie, Kristina, Zack, Jenna, Shane, Katie, Maddie, Brendan, Claudia, Keely, and Stephanie; and great grandchildren, Rayce, Avriana, Taelyn, Zion, and Paige.