ELISE MICHELLE RHODES

Friday, August 26, 2022

I had the absolute pleasure of working with MR T for almost 5 years with CJS. I work in the Crawford County Office and he was at the shelter, so our paths did not cross very often, he always made it a point to say hi to me and ask how I was doing any time he saw me or called the office. During COVID when the shelter was quarantined, a few of the Crawford County staff came to cover shifts, and I was so nervous because I had not worked there before, and I was worried I would do something wrong. But Mr T called me several times a day just to check on me, making sure I was okay, that I did not need any help, if I had any questions, and was just there if I needed someone to talk to. You knew Mr T's heart was with those kids. If I had kids who needed community service hours while they were staying there, I could speak to Mr T, and he would hep them to get those hours done while they were there. He is not someone who will ever be forgotten or replaced. His smile and humor was infectious. I feel blessed I was able to work with him and know him. Thank you for everything you've done for the kids, the staff, the shelter, and everyone around you, Mr T. You will never be forgotten.

Amanda Deaton

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

I had the pleasure and honor of working with Mr. T for over 11 years at CJS. I always loved when he was at WAYS because I knew the kids would have someone to talk to if I wasn't available as their caseworker. Mr. T's heart was for the youth we served, and there was absolutely no doubt about that as made evident by all the extra hours he worked, all the extra hats he wore, and the fact that he came out of retirement to help out at WAYS when needed.
I have had numerous clients over the years tell me that he was their favorite staff, and they knew they could always talk to him because he actually listened and cared about what they had to say. Mr. T was great at keeping it real with the clients, but he also let them know they were loved and safe while at WAYS. Plus, he could definitely make them laugh as he was quite known for his sense of humor.
I have also had countless clients over the years come in and talk about how they would still call WAYS to talk to him long after they had been discharged when they needed someone to talk to. If I had a concern for a client, I also knew I could always call him no matter what time or day, and he would take the time to hear my concern and help figure out a way to resolve it.
My life was blessed by knowing him. I feel honored to not only be able to call him a colleague but a friend as well. He will truly be missed, and my heart goes out to all of his family and friends that also knew and loved him, and that he too loved so dearly. He always spoke so fondly of his dear Anna and Tiffany. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this terribly difficult time.
Mr. T, thank you for all you did for the youth we serve as well as the countless other's you helped during your time on earth. Please watch over us, and I know I have another Guardian Angel in you.

Betty Yarbery

Sunday, August 7, 2022

My Dearest Nephew, Terriel,

I have such happy memories of you and Greg. Thank you for blessing my life. My deepest condolences to Anna, Tiffany, and Greg.

Your Aunt Betty (Yarbery)

Jerry Zeigler and Regena

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Ashley Bonds

Thursday, August 4, 2022

I graduated HS with Tiffany and also worked with Mr. 'T' at WAYS. My youngest sister, Mackenzie, got to work with him there, too--over a decade later! I can only reiterate all the condolences for his family and upmost respect for him that others have already said so beautifully here. He was truly awesome at being human, as generous as his soul was gifted, and one of the only people I've ever known with the superpower of positively impacting everyone he met, most remarkably teenagers.
I teared up while reading Ms. Justice's post about the letter...I remember him receiving heartfelt letters like that often when I was at WAYS and can only imagine how many others have felt that same gratitude for him over the years. I'm certainly grateful for knowing him and that his contagious inspiration will continue to spread with each memory.

Sincerely,
Ashley Bonds

Niki Robinson

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I didn't know him very long, but in the two years I knew him I had so many great conversations. He was a wonderful man. I wish I would have known him longer. You are all in my thoughts and prayers

Briana Phillips

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Mr. T will be greatly missed. He brought light to my day everytime I saw and I will miss that so much. My prayers are with his entire family.

Judy Miller

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

I worked with Terriel for many years when he was with AR DHS and with the Western AR Youth Shelter. He was always helpful and went the extra mile for the juveniles we worked with. He was always pleasant and cheerful no matter how difficult the situation that we were dealing with was. I will truly miss him and I offer my condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers.

Judy Miller, AR Division of Youth Services

Cassie Foster

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Mr. T was a special man and friend to all. In the last year or so he has had the opportunity to meet my son Sean and try to be a mentor to him as well. I just ran into him and Anna at Harp’s not to long ago. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for you all In the days to come Anna and Tiffany.

Love,
Cassie

Nancy M Smith

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

I will miss Terrill. I enjoyed his visits to the library and our conversations. I am so sorry for your loss Anna and Tiffany. He was one of the few individuals that really cared about youth and what would happen to them. The world lost one of the good guys.

Teresa Lasater

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Terriel would always light up the room and bring smiles with his words. Met him and Anna at the library and they were a delight to see every time. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Prayers for Anna and Tiffany.

Janice Justice

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Terriel was a very important part of our shelter, Western Arkansas Youth Shelter, for 20 years. Known as Mr. T, he wore many hats during his time with us, but the very best hat he wore was that of being a friend and father figure to the kids there. It was clear they loved him and he loved them. His heart was in making the kids feel safe and loved, always providing a listening ear when they needed it most.

In the words of one of the youth who left behind a letter for Mr. T, "“Twenty years from now, I am gonna look back and remember that you were that one person who could turn every frown into a smile in a few simple words;
that person who lifted my head when I was losing faith in myself;
that one person who carried my tears on his shoulders after every bad phone call I got, every bad day in court, and every nightmare.
The one person who accepted me after all the decisions I have made;
the one person who knew me better than I know myself;
and the one person that made the biggest impact on my life.
Thank you, Mr. T.”
That letter says it all. You will be missed, Terriel.

Janice Justice, Executive Director, Comprehensive Juvenile Services

Hillary Ross

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

I will miss seeing his smiling face passing through walmart or the grocery store. Every place i ran in to him at whether it be here in Ozark or in another town, he always recognized me. We always asked how one another was doing and he would keep me update on how his daughter Tiffany was. Rest in peace Mr. McLaughlin. You will for sure be missed.

~Hillary

Bethena Verhagen

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

RIP Mr Terriel You will be missed...

Casey Crawford

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

I absolutely loved this man. He was the best boss, he will truly be missed

Judy Lynch Rose

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Anna I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judy Allen

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Anna,
I am so sad to know Terriel is gone.
I pray you will draw strength and comfort from the only One who can give you peace, our Lord Jesus Christ.
The days, weeks and next few years will be rough but I know God does not take without giving back.
You have the future of heaven to look forward to and meet him again.
My prayers are with you, dear lady.

Fred and Dorthy Permenter

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

RIP Terriel,, you will be missed,, I will always remember our first hunting adventure, right behind the house, it was fun and hillarious , but we finally got that 11 point,,, I will miss your laugh and your sense of humor,, Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life threw Fred,,, Till we meet again ,, Enjoy the big bucks in the sky,,,
Prayers to you Anna and Tiffany,,, God will get you threw this, and we pray for your comfort and peace,, Love you Dad and Dorthy

Bear and Debbie Leakey

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Tiff and Anna, so sorry for your loss. If we can help please let us know. Sorry we can't be there, your in our thoughts and prayers.

Porsha Russell

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

I’m so sorry for your loss. Terriel was the best neighbor. I just want to say thank you for loving and taking care of us. We will miss him terribly.
Love,
Porsha, Tanner and Mattie