Rt. Major Terri B. Ezell

Rt. Major Terri B. Ezell of Columbus, Ga. and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 18, 2025 in the chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30-11:00 AM at the funeral home, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. Interment will be held following the service at Parkhill Cemetery.

Terri was born on May 7, 1959, was the oldest child of Terrell Roy and Judy Booth and was retired a Major of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department. Terri graduated from Hardaway High School in 1977 where her athletic talents were allowed to flourish in basketball and softball. Following her passion for softball, Terri continued playing in commercial softball leagues with her husband Paul lovingly present and keeping score and stats. Terri joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1983 and began her studies in Criminal Justice at Columbus State where she earned her master’s degree.

Terri and Paul were married in 1979 and were devoted to each other for the next 45 years. Their mutual love for family, children, and animals was obvious to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing them. Everyone was welcome to their table and Terri ensured that no one walked away hungry. As for animals, if there was a stray, it didn’t stay a stray for long as the two of them would try to locate the possible owner. If the owner couldn’t be found that animal now had a loving home and a full belly.

The unconditional and endless love that Terri had for ‘her children’ (nieces and nephews) was immeasurable. Their attendance at every school program, athletic event, and birthday party was so constant that everyone knew Terri and Paul. As for birthday parties, Terri was insistent on hosting a pool party. If the kids were running around, laughing and splashing in the pool, she was at her happiest. If there’s a picture of Terri and one her ‘kids’, there’s an honest beaming smile that allowed her heart-light to shine!

Terri’s God-given gift of caring went beyond family and friends as witnessed by those that were under her care as Warden of the county jail. Her care went to those incarcerated and her staff. As stern of an Officer as she was, her gentle and sensitive heart could be easily touched. Terri retired as Major from the force after nearly 38 years of dedicated service.

Terri was preceded in death by her husband Paul in June of 2024 and her father, Roy Booth in April of 2008.

She is survived by her mother Judy Booth, sister Beverly Yarbrough (Sidney), brother Maurice Booth, sisters-in-law Vicki Davis (Mike) and Jeannie Smith, brother-in-law Jerry Hughes (Huong), nieces Kacie Booth, Payton Booth, Lauren Booth (fiancé Chandler Blanton), Amanda McCart (Paul), Pamela Dollar (Joey), Andrea Smith and nephew Janye Hughes (Lynnita), and multiple cousins, great-nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Jude Foundation or The Miracle Ride Fund.