Tera Jeanine Sullivan of Lexington, Ky was born January 8 th ,1976 to the late Dr. Nathan R.
Sullivan and Irma J. Waye-Sullivan. She was called to her eternal rest on Monday, October
20 th at the age of 49 following a long and courageous battle with breast cancer.
She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age, becoming a member of New Beginning
Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.), Lexington, KY, where she served in various capacities,
including assistant Pastor's Aide, Choir member, Hospitality worker, and Adjutant.
Prior to giving her life to Jesus, she was a member of a local "secular" dance troupe. Once saved,
she used her love of dance to spearhead an "Interpretive Praise Dance" team with the youth
in the church. She had a positive impact on the youth; she loved them, and they loved her.
She also previously modeled with a local modeling group: "Uniqueness Unlimited". Tera
loved fashion and loved coordinating "attention grabbing" outfits. She'd put these together
along with matching accessories and display them on a mannequin whenever the church
hosted garage sale fund-raisers; this, of course, always boosted sales!
Tera devoted 22 years of her life serving the families of Fayette County, leaving behind a
legacy of compassion, strength, and unwavering care. As a licensed social worker, she was
a professional advocate, a voice for those who needed to be heard, and a steady source of
hope for parents, guardians, and children navigating difficult times. She was a valued Parent
and Guardian Empowerment team member and an irreplaceable asset to Lexington-Fayette
County Government. Her work was more than a career; it was a calling. Whether comforting
a child or mentoring a fellow team member, Tera led with a servant's heart and a quiet
strength that inspired everyone around her.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Tonya Michelle Sullivan.
She leaves to cherish her memory, two sons and a daughter-in-love: Steven Raheem Berry
(Rachel) and Seth Frye; a grandson: Rome Berry; fiancé and caregiver: Joey Truax and two
bonus daughters: Destinie Graves & Nina Khadijah all of Lexington, KY; six aunts: Lula
Waye of Hazard, KY, Laura Byrd of Melbourne, Fl., Phyllis Sullivan and Shirley Sullivan-
Carter (Newland) of Lexington, KY; Rachel Sullivan-Thomas of Sturgis, KY and Elizabeth
Sullivan-Sabir (Ramadan) of Cleveland, OH. Two uncles: Phillip Sullivan (Pam) of
Morganfield, KY and Walter Sullivan of Henderson, KY; a very special sister/cousin: Gloria
Byrd-Gardner, assistant caregiver; and her very special friend since childhood: Kim Byars, as
well as a host of other cousins, co-workers, and friends. We thank God for blessing us to
have had Tera in our lives. She will truly be missed by all that knew her, but her memory will
live on in our hearts.