Leola Terry's Obituary
Obituary Leola Terry was born October 7, 1922 in Alto, Texas to Reverend Horace Terry and Aria Johnson Terry. After graduating Dunbar High School in Lufkin, Texas, she married Fred Kinner. From this union they were blessed with the births of Wanda, Fred and Harry. She relocated to San Diego, California in the late 40's, and later to San Francisco in the early 50's. After marrying Vernon A. Adams, they were blessed with the births of Vernon Jr., Cora and Mucie. Shortly after moving to Oakland in 1959, Leola enrolled in the Licensed Vocational Nursing Program at Laney College. Upon graduating and while working in this field, she attended classes at San Francisco State in the Registered Nursing Program where she received her Bachelors Degree. She worked many years as an RN at Highland and Fairmont Hospitals. After a brief retirement from nursing in 1974, Leola reentered the workforce with the City of Berkeley Health Department, specializing in mental health. While there, she attended many community forums with clients, representing neighborhoods in Oakland and Berkeley. In 1979 she played an integral part in establishing the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley. After 7 years she retired (again). Being a strong and avid community activist, Leola collaborated with the Oakland Police Department and helped to establish the City of Oakland's first Community Safety Patrol in 1976; established the non-profit community-based organization, Organized People of Elmhurst Neighborhoods; served as a member on many community-based organizations including Elmhurst District Board, Oakland Community Organizations, Oakland Neighborhood Housing Service, Allen Temple Housing and Development Committee. Upon reentering the workforce (again), Leola began working with the City of Oakland as Assistant to Oakland Councilmember, Nate Miley in 1991 and retired in July 2000. Leola was a loving dedicated mother, grandmother and friend to her family and community. She was a member of the West Oakland Church of Christ under the Pastorate of Brother Ammar Saheli. A devout Christian she attended service when health permitted but always kept her church family in her heart and prayers. Preceding her in death, husband (Fred Kinner), parents (Horace and Aria), daughter (Wanda), and son (Fred). Leola leaves to celebrate her home going: four children Harry, Vernon Jr., Cora and Mucie (T.J.); fourteen grandchildren Vernita, Shirley, Harold, Gina, Tracy, Troy, Shabazz, Alexis, Ebon, Ronniesa, Ashley, Eleassia, T.J. III, Lucretia and Lugenia; twenty-four great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
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