Terea Vines

Mable Alice Terea Gregory McNeil Vines was born on December 22, 1931, in rural Fayetteville, Tennessee. The youngest of eighteen children born to William Henry and Leona Gregory, she remained devoted to honoring her parents’ legacy throughout her life. All of her beloved siblings preceded her in death. From modest beginnings, Mrs. Vines distinguished herself through her dedication to education. She was the first of her siblings to pursue higher learning, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College (now Tennessee State University). Achieving this milestone required great perseverance and sacrifice—qualities that would define her life and career. Mrs. Vines served as an award-winning educator for more than thirty-five years. She taught in Tennessee, Kansas City, and ultimately in Maryland within the Prince George’s County Public Schools. Through her steadfast commitment to teaching, she inspired thousands of students and mentored educators who would go on to serve as supervisors and principals, leaving a lasting impact on generations of learners. Deeply devoted to her family, Mrs. Vines combined her commitment to excellence in education with a passion for service. While countless individuals benefited from her dedication to teaching and learning, she was equally recognized for her compassion toward those in need, her faithful service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and her abiding pride in her roles as wife and mother. In 1964, Terea married Lenard L. McNeil, Sr., who preceded her in death. From this union came two daughters: Melodi Je McNeil of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Dr. Patsy Merea McNeil of Bowie, Maryland. In January 1989, Terea married James Mosley Vines, Sr., and relocated from Kansas City to Temple Hills, Maryland. Together, they shared a long and happy marriage. She became the cherished stepmother of James Mosley Vines, Jr. (Doreen), Keven Vines (Rebekah), and Angela Vines. Her family circle grew further through her brothers-in-law—Walter Vines (Pat), Richard Vines (Myrtis), Ulysses Vines (Helena), Carter Vines (Pansy), and Charles Vines (Virginia), Harold Vines (Lula). James Vines, Sr. and all the brothers-in-law have preceded her in death. Following a long illness, Terea Vines passed to her rest on September 14, 2025. In addition to her daughters and stepchildren, she leaves behind step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nineteen nieces, twenty-three nephews, thirty-two great-nieces and nephews, and nineteen great-great-nieces, all of whom added immeasurable joy to her life. She also leaves her dearest and most devoted friends, Eva Stokes, Esther Wroten, Sylvia Dennis and Grace Ware along with many caring companions. In particular, the steadfast devotion of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby and Barbara Ravenell brought her much happiness. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She became a Seventh-day Adventist as a college student while working her way through school at Riverside Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. Terea was dedicated to evangelism, leading many to the church. She was a devoted member of Dupont Park SDA Church, where she served as elder, greeter, liaison to the Usher Board, member of the Fifty-Plus Society, and Vice President of the Church Aid Society under the leadership of Brother Darnell Watts. She was also a longstanding member of the Les Charmes ladies’ group. We celebrate the life and legacy of a remarkable woman whose love, strength, and accomplishments will resonate for generations. Mrs. Vines was a role model to her children, family, students, and community, and her life’s work remains an enduring inspiration

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Terea Vines

December 22, 1931 - September 14, 2025