Terri Donna Long was born on March 2, 1957, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Willie Harold Long and Golola Walker Long. She was a proud graduate of Grimsley High School and went on to further her education by earning an Associate's Degree in Secretarial Science from Jefferson College in Greensboro. Later, she obtained a second Associate's Degree in Paralegal Science from Guilford Technical Community College and well as becoming a NC Notary Public, commissioned by a highly respected, longtime sitting public figure Senator Robert G. Shaw.

Terri devoted 38 years of exceptional service to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where she worked as an Executive Assistant and made a lasting impact, particularly through her work with the Institute for Advanced Journalism Studies and the National Association of Black journalist (NABJ). Her career allowed her to travel extensively and connect with influential leaders and changemakers, including Former President Barack Obama, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Rev. Jesse Jackson, as well as many respected journalists. Terri carried herself with professionalism, integrity, and pride, and she retired knowing her work truly mattered with a passion for helping young women.

Beyond her career, Terri knew how to live well and love loudly. She found joy in the kitchen, always perfecting a new recipe, baking beautiful cakes, and welcoming others into her home. Music was her heartbeat—she famously crowned herself "DJ TD," setting the soundtrack for countless family gatherings filled with dancing, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Terri had a gift for advice—always honest, sometimes direct, but forever rooted in love. She was a fierce protector of those she loved and stood firmly against injustice, never allowing anyone to be mistreated on her watch.

Terri was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mary H. Young; her parents, Willie "Bill" Harold Long and Golola Walker Long; her sister, Cecelia "Dill" Long; her brother, Michael Harold Long; and her grandchildren, Tay Ingram and Kentrev White-Long. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Erik Long, Gemia Long, and Nickolaus Long, all of Greensboro, North Carolina; her sister, Lisa Long; her niece, Talisa Long (Joel), of Anaheim, California; nephew Adair T. Long of Jacksonville, FL; her grandchildren, Tamaya Francis (Jermaine), Tahj White-Long, Justin Warren, and Tylen Warren of Greensboro, NC, Jordan Goode of Atlanta, GA; and her great-grandchildren, Kentrev White-Long Jr., Tylen Warren Jr., and Nova Elizabeth Long of Greensboro, NC; along with a host of extended family and friends.

She also leaves to celebrate her life her two life sisters in love, Cynthia "Aunt Cynt" Waddell and Arlicia "Aunt Faye" Campbell, as well as her three adopted children, Natasha Jackson (AJ), Shelton Hasan, and Anthony Irvin, two Cocker Spaniels "Lola" and "Bandit" along with a wide and loving circle of former colleagues, family, and friends who were truly blessed to know her.

Terri Donna Long will be remembered for her infectious spirit, love of music, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to family. Her life was well lived, her love was deeply felt, and her legacy will continue to play on—just like one of "DJ TD's" favorite songs.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Friday, February 6 in the Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel, 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro at 12:00 pm.

All cards can be sent to Hargett Funeral Service, Inc., 905 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401.