He was more than a professor. He was a colleague, a mentor and a friend. Last week, Eastern University lost a treasured member of its community, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all whose lives he impacted.
Dr. Robert Terrence “Terry” Weathersby began teaching as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Eastern University in 2000. During those years, he battled through two bouts of throat cancer. Last summer his cancer reappeared, this time in his lungs. Chemotherapy treatments weakened his immune system and he contracted pneumonia. The beloved professor went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 23, at the age of 59.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Eastern on the Walton Terrace on Sunday, November 6, at 2 p.m. As part of the memorial, a tree will be planted in Dr. Weathersby’s honor with a plaque commemorating his life and impact at Eastern. In the case of inclement weather, the service will be carried out in Gough Great Room. Following the service, Dr. Weathersby’s wife and family will host a reception in Baird Library in Walton Hall.
The Waltonian staff extends our deepest sympathies to Dr. Weathersby’s family. Our prayers are with Dr. Weathersby’s wife Jill and his two children, Jennifer and Geoffrey.
“Terry was the consummate Christian scholar: someone who deeply cared for his students’ intellectual and spiritual formation, someone who continued to follow Jesus intentionally and without grumbling through very difficult circumstances, and someone who quietly modeled for our community perseverance fueled by hope. Dr. Weathersby will be missed, but not forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace.”
– Dr. Joseph B. Modica, University Chaplain
“When I think about my friend and colleague, Terry Weathersby, I am reminded of the verse that he chose to have near his picture in our department: “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). This embodies the way that Terry lived. Everything he did was with a humble grace and a quiet strength, pointing always the way to Christ. … We will miss him dearly, but the gift of his life and the time that he spent with us was, indeed, an example to us all.”
– Dr. Tara Stoppa
“The students said he was a fabulous professor who was tough. … They all mentioned his sense of humor … and how much he was an inspiration. … His passion was so palpable. He always had students in his office sitting, talking. … He was just a rock. … He knew so much about so many things.”
-Dr. Yolanda Turner
“Dr. Weathersby was an inspiring model of a humble, quiet servant behind the scenes. … I was privileged to share many late evenings with him working together in the Psych department. … Those moments of laughing together will be with me for a long time.”
– Dr. Jo Sabba
“Dr. Weathersby lived out the Christian example of emptying himself on behalf of others in this community. Rather than talk about his own battles, he always asked students and colleagues how they were doing. We will miss him and be careful to be more like him.”
– David Black, President
“Dr. Weathersby was an amazing man. God truly made him a unique masterpiece with his dry sense of humor and positive outlook regardless of his situation. His sincere, tenderhearted words helped me through a rough time, and I feel blessed that God gave me the opportunity to know him and use him to positively affect my life. My prayers go out to his family and friends.”
– Esther Bliss, junior
“I have realized that he was a real and true example of Christ within my life at Eastern. I recognized the incredible work ethic and humble nature that this man so quietly presented to every student in his classes. In following Dr. Weathersby’s example, I hope to one day hear the words, ‘well done, good and faithful servant,’ as I am sure the Lord has said to such a man upon his passing.”
– Steve Edwards, senior
As my advisor, my mentor, and most of all my friend, Dr. Weathersby left a seemingly tangible impression on me, one that resides within me, as a part of my personality. There will never be a day that goes by where Dr. Weathersby will not cross my mind, my heart, and my soul; I would like to dedicate the rest of my academic career to the man who has made me into the student I am.”
-Maxwell McCullough, junior