Joanne Ruth Terry

Joanne Ruth Henkel Terry was born November 7, 1936 in Sweetwater, TX and passed from this life on December 13, 2025 in DeSoto, TX. Joanne lived a rich life filled with purpose, compassion, and curiosity. As the daughter of Reverend Fred and Edna Henkel, she grew up in a family rooted in faith and service. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Paul and Ross Henkel, and is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Sherlyn and Rhonda, and her grandchildren, Ashley and Peter Van Ausdale. Because her father was a minister, Joanne moved around a lot growing up, but Auburn, Nebraska always held a special place in her heart and felt like home. She earned her degree in physical education and began her journey as an educator at a Catholic school in Lubbock, Texas. As a single parent, she raised two daughters with strength and grace, teaching speed reading while going back to school herself. She earned a master’s degree in psychology from Texas Tech University and eventually became a counselor with the Veterans Affairs office in Lubbock. In 1974, Joanne moved to Dallas and became part of Mountain View College, where she took on many different roles over the years. She started out as Director of the Testing Center, shifted to a Faculty Counselor role, and eventually found her calling in the classroom teaching psychology. While at Mountain View, Joanne also volunteered her time at the Suicide and Crisis Center in Dallas and maintained her own private counseling practice. She retired in 2010, leaving behind a meaningful legacy that touched many lives both inside and outside the college. There were so many things Joanne enjoyed and valued deeply. Some of her favorites included helping others learn and grow through education and mentoring, traveling and exploring both the U.S. and international destinations, caring for animals, many she rescued and gave a loving home, and spending quality time with her family Later in life, she found a special kind of peace on her land where she was surrounded by horses, goats, chickens, and all kinds of pets that were very much part of the family. That quiet rhythm of rural life brought her joy and gave her the space to reflect and connect with what mattered most. Joanne made a difference in the lives of so many people through her warmth, wisdom, and willingness to listen. She'll be remembered not just for what she did, but for who she was — someone who cared, who gave, and who inspired. Her presence will be missed deeply by her family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Tributes

Joanne Ruth Terry

November 7, 1936 - December 13, 2025