Harriett (Carlson) Terwilliger, 96, passed away peacefully on Jan. 20, 2017. She was born Aug. 31, 1920 in DeKalb, Ill. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Roger William (Bill) Terwilliger, her father and mother Arthur and Bertha (Derix) Carlson of DeKalb, Ill., and her brother Maj. Howard A. Carlson, USAF. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John and Chris Terwilliger of Troy, Ohio, two grandsons, Matthew (Meghan) Terwilliger Columbus, Ohio and Luke Terwilliger of Nashville, Tenn., and her daughter Cynthia Terwilliger of Tryon, N.C.

Mrs. Terwilliger graduated from Waterman, Ill. high school in 1937 and received a B.S. in Home Economics (1941) and a Master in Reading (1954) from Northern Illinois University. She taught in the DeKalb school system for 38 years as an elementary teacher at Haish and Cheeseboro Schools. She was recognized by students and her peers as an outstanding teacher and was named State Conservation Teacher of the Year. In DeKalb she was active in the First Methodist Church, The Ellwood House Museum, AAUW, Alpha Kappa Gamma, and The Southside Brick Street Restoration Project. She was an avid golfer and nine-time club champion at Kishwaukee Country Club. She played on the Lincoln Highway golf league and competed in the Illinois state amateur golf tournament.

In 1969 the family opened an extension of their retail store, Terwilliger Athletic Supply (located in University Village, DeKalb, Ill.) on Mackinac Island, Mich. Bill and Harriett and their daughter Cynthia, operated The Sweatshirt Shop located on Arnold Line dock and Terwilliger’s Gifts on Market Street for 25 years. The family had a residence on the East Bluff for more than 30 years.

On the island, Harriett was a long time member of Wawashkamo Golf Club, Bike and Buggy Bridge, Mackinac Island Yacht Club, and Mackinac Island Needlepoint Club (MING). She was a member of The Little Stone Church, and a supporter of the Mackinac Island Horseman’s Association and 4-H program. She loved to play golf, play bridge, ride her horse and garden.

In 1980, the Terwilligers retired to their property, Pacolet Point, in Hunting Country, located just outside of Tryon, N.C. They purchased a log cabin built in 1795 and had it moved to their property and used it as the central portion of their home. Harriett’s taste for American primitive antiques was a perfect blend. Harriett was a member of the Red Fox Country Club, the Tryon Country Club, FENCE, Carolina Carriage Club, Tryon Hounds, Tryon Garden Club and the Columbus United Methodist Church.

Harriett was well loved wherever she went. Her gracious demeanor, her quiet, deep faith, her enthusiasm for life, and her hospitality are legacies that will be remembered by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held in DeKalb, Ill. at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to: in DeKalb, Elllwood House; on Mackinac Island, Mackinac Island 4-H Club; and in Tryon, Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home & Crematory
Landrum, S.C.