Vivian Terri Darleen Lewallen

Vivian Terri Darleen Lewallen, 53 of Purvis, passed away at her home Sunday, June 27th. Born October 1, 1967 in Hattiesburg, Terri was the youngest of five children to Jimmy David and Annie Mae (Boone) Lewallen. As a child, the beautiful redhead was very quiet. She loved her teddy bears and dolls. She was always with her sister Donna who liked to do her hair, makeup and clothing...she was a mini-me of her and they did a lot together. Terri professed Jesus as her Savior and was baptized at Good Hope Baptist Church at 14 years old with her sister Donna as well. She attended Lamar County Schools and went to Purvis High School. Terri went to work as a waitress and stayed busy doing that all her life. She was attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and was accepted into the nursing program, but was unable to attend because of her migraine headaches. Despite working full-time hours waitressing at Isle of Capri, Terri made high scores in all her classes. She was very smart and beautiful woman that loved being around people. As sick as she was, she didn't want to quit her job because she loved working, but the migraines and other health issues proved to be more than she could bear. She loved her co-workers, especially at Travinia in Florida, where she also worked with her nephew Shane, with whom she was very close. Family was very important to her. She was very close to her siblings, especially her older sister Donna and regarded her sister-in-law Lynn as her sister as well. God gave her older sister Donna the desire of her heart when Terri was born. With three brothers already, prayers for a sister were answered. Terri loved her daughter Alyssa and her 3 grandchildren. She was very protective with family and no matter what, always tried to get family to reconcile when there was a quarrel. Terri never fully healed from losing her mother in December 2008, and took her brother Rick's passing very hard July 4th, 2020. She clung to Rick's Bible and profession of faith letter, which she found after his passing. In friendships, you never had to guess where you stood with her.  If she loved you, she was the sweetest person you'd ever meet. But if you crossed her or her family, you'd see the true redhead come out. Almost more than people (except family) Terri LOVED her dogs. She had miniature Doberman pinchers for about 30 years. They were all such characters and were very smart as well. Serpico, Maxx, Xander and Zoe. Zoe was the last one and is still alive. Terri loved going out to eat, shopping, dancing, watching movies and shows, especially with cute men like 'Fast and Furious' with Vin Diesel and the Rock. She was silly, funny, sarcastic, had a great sense of humor and a great laugh. In many ways she seemed to always be like a teenager. Terri will be greatly missed by her family, especially siblings, nephews and nieces. She was preceded by her parents, Jimmy & Annie Mae Lewallen, and her brother Ricky. Left to cherish her memories are: her only daughter, Alyssa Townsend of Biloxi; her big sister, Donna Lewallen of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and brothers James (Lynnette) and Greg Lewallen, both of Purvis. Terri leaves a legacy of three grandchildren and more extended family, friends and people she has waited on than one could count. Terri's final wishes were to be cremated, which her family is honoring. A Celebration of her Life will be held Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Purvis. The service is set for 3:00 PM with a reception to follow. This is not goodbye to Terri, rather until we meet again... Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Lewallen family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers over this trying time.