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Obituary For Terri Ray Walton
Terri Ray Walton, 67, of LaFayette passed away peacefully Sunday, January 18, 2026 just in time for church with Jesus, with her loving husband and youngest daughter by her side.
Born November 1, 1958, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Helen Ray. On February 28,1981 she married Alexander (Lex) Gunn Walton Jr. They shared nearly 45 years of marriage together. She was a dedicated and loving Wife, mother and a most joyful Nonna.
Terri is survived by her husband, Lex Walton; three children, Ollie Walton (Dusty), Chad Walton (Vivian), and Crystal Gatlin (Trent); five beautiful grand girls Makenzie (Caleb), Madeline, Reese, Piper and Hayden; her brother Vincent (Chip) Ray (Dee), brother-in-law Clay Walton (Lisa), sister-in-law Becky Mcpherson (Chuck), sister-in-law Debbie Moore (John) and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Terri was a faithful member of Church of the Highlands Opelika campus where she and her loving husband led many small groups with the last several years focusing on the beauty, power, love and relationship with the Holy Spirit with many of their closest and most dear friends. Terri spent her entire adult life sharing the love of Jesus with those around her. Whether it be working with the youth alongside her husband, playing the piano and singing in church, counseling and mentoring many, or traveling for 16 years accompanying her dear friend as they ministered at women’s conferences all over the Southeast through their beautiful musical talents. Terri has played countless weddings and funerals for her friends and family.
Terri predominantly spent her professional career alongside her loving husband building his CPA practice in LaFayette, AL. She retired for several years to take on her most joyous role as Nonna and later owned and operated a custom closet company out of Auburn, AL.
Terri was well known for her beautiful voice and for being an extremely accomplished pianist. She attended grade school in Birmingham at EB Erwin Elementary and High School and later went to the University of Montevallo on a music scholarship.
Terri lived a life of love and wisdom that can only be birthed in someone through the love and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. She leaves behind a rich and robust legacy of love and servitude with a dash of sass, humor, fabulous fashion, and possessing a black belt in shopping. Her daughters and grand girls had the absolute best shopping buddy. Her family and friends will glean from her legacy for the rest of their lives.
Terri had a brief 44-day illness after diagnosis with a brain tumor. She knew instantly that she wanted to return to her “Cabin in the Woods” to spend the rest of her days with her most treasured family and friends. Her nature shined through the adversity she was facing, and she glowed with all the grace, love, dignity, wisdom, sass and humor that we all loved so dearly. Her family and friends rallied around her to the very end.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 24, at Church of the Highlands Opelika Campus (3300 Anderson Rd. Opelika) by Pastor Kevin Haefner. Visitation 12:30-2 with Service to immediately follow. Flowers may be sent to Church of the Highlands Opelika or in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Church of the Highlands Opelika in Terri’s honor.
Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette, Al
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I was sorry to learn of the passing of Terri. She was a special lady. When we moved back to LaFayette for a while she became a special friend. I will always cherish her memory. E
I have know you since early on and was honored to become your sister in law a little later on in life. I will forever remember your love of coffee which came from my sweet mother who introduced you to fresh ground coffee even before it became a fad. I will remember your beautiful angelic voice when you sang at mine and your brother's wedding after you sang at my sister's wedding. We will miss you very much Terri Ray Walton. I'm sure Heaven's angel choir became so much more beautiful with you being in it. I will always love you.
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