Life Story

Valo Terry was born to the late Florene and James Terry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Philadelphia General Hospital. Of this union, Valo was the youngest of his two brothers, Chapel Terry (Okinawa, Japan) & Donald Terry (deceased).

Valo attended Benjamin Franklin High School (Philadelphia) and completed his 11th year. At age 19, he joined his father in employment at the Philadelphia Shipyard, Local 19. Valo was a shipbuilder and proud to work alongside his father.

He later married Doris Moore, and had two sons, Amir Terry and Valo Terry.As a civilian, Valo affectionally called “Terry” to his co-workers, enjoyed his career with the US Navy. During this time, he traveled extensively overseas, while holding a US passport, and uniquely, a diplomatic passport as well. Valo’s hobby was fast cars and rebuilding them. Valo was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason and belonged to the Hiram Lodge #5 M.W. Prince Hall Grand of Pennsylvania. He was distinguished for zeal and fidelity to the Craft. He was received and acknowledged by all Free and accepted Masons wheresoever dispersed. He also held a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. As a respected member of his community, he was part of the Pennsauken, NJ community-based Town Watch. He took this commitment very seriously, as he was protective of his neighborhood and proud of his home.

In 2018, Valo met Brenda Jean Crawford, and he was honored to ask for her hand in marriage in 2019. Brenda fell in love with Valo and loved that he was a strong man, a family man, and a real mans-man! Valo affectionately known as Mongo, with Brenda by his side, he enjoyed their Friday night routine of having dinner at the Four Seasons restaurant in Philadelphia Pa, and Sunday morning breakfast at Westmount Diner in Haddon Township, NJ. Their Sunday routine also included enjoying on-line fellowship service with the Upper Room Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Carlton Aiken. Mongo and Brenda shared the love of music. They would enjoy live music at the local juke-joint, and listening to some of his favorite artists, such as Donald Byrd, Frankie Beverly, and Percy Sledge. His favorite band at juke joint was Wisdom Stick.

On April 22nd of 2020, Valo had an accident that would change his life forever. As a result of the accident, Valo would be unable to walk, along with serval medical issues. Mongo and Brenda were married in May of 2022, and Mongo was happy to gain his bonus children, Sean, Tracey, and Lacey. Their wedding day was beautiful filled with family, friends and loved ones Everyone dresses in African garb and there was amazing afrobeats.

Valo” Mongo” Terry, is survived by, his wife Brenda Terry, his brother Chapel Terry (Okinawa, Japan), his sons Amir Terry (Texas), Valo Terry (New Jersey). Their children plus (Valo’s grandchildren), Stepchildren, Tracey (Domonique), Sean, Lacey. Step grandchildren Stacey, Candace, Gary, Nanette, Devon, Amaris (Amar) and Lacey Jr.. Great-grandchild, Ishma’iI Crawford Mathis, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.