Terri Lynn Torstrick Carnes

Terri Lynn Torstrick Carnes, 72, of Salisbury, North Carolina, passed away April 8, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born April 6, 1953 in Louisville, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Melvin A. Torstrick and Shirley Lee Torstrick. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 47 years, John Carnes; daughters, Kristin Stafford (Jesse) of Larchmont, New York, Brittany Carnes of Houston, Texas; mother, Shirley Lee Torstrick of Davidson, North Carolina; brothers, Brent Torstrick (Alice) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Brian Torstrick (Kim) of Woodway, Texas; and grandchildren, Tyler Stafford, Kendall Stafford and Paulina Zuniga. A Celebration of Life will be held at FUMC Salisbury on April 26 at 10:00. Following the Celebration will be a reception at Trinity Oaks, 728 Klumac Road, Salisbury, where flowers may be sent. Terri grew up as a missionary kid first living in Costa Rica then in Santiago, Chile where she attended elementary school through 10th grade. She enjoyed spending her free time in Villarrica, Chile where she also learned to water ski. The family traveled around South America which led Terri to fall in love with traveling as well as the Latin culture and the Spanish language. The family moved back to the states where Terri graduated from high school in Richmond, Virginia. Terri attended Baylor University where she was very active in Chi’s service sorority as well as many other student organizations. After graduating cum laude from Baylor University in 1974 she taught Spanish at a local preparatory school in Waco before relocating to Richmond, Virginia. Terri and John were married in Richmond, Virginia on December 16, 1978. Terri taught Spanish and French at a local middle school. A year and a half later John’s work transferred the couple to Manila, Philippines. There they enjoyed the Philippine culture and developed many good friends. Terri was not legally able to work so she provided translation help at a Vietnamese Refugee Center and participated in several other volunteer projects. While in Manila, the couple attended a non-denominational church. Terri was also able to return briefly to Richmond to complete her graduate studies at the University of Richmond where she earned a Master of Education. Both Kristin and Brittany were born in Manila where they lived for five years. During the winter of 1985, the family moved to Virginia Beach where John started his career with Hewlett Packard. Terri continued teaching Spanish and French at the high school level. While living in Virginia Beach, the family was active in what is now a local United Methodist Church. In late 1989, John was transferred to Corvallis, Oregon where Terri continued teaching at middle and high schools. While in Oregon, the family was active in the First UMC Corvallis. When John retired the t couple moved in 2006 to Georgetown, Texas where Terri continued teaching Spanish and French at the high school level. In 2006, Terri was awarded the National Language Teacher of the Year representing the Pacific Northwest. After retiring from teaching in 2018, the couple moved to Larchmont, New York to live briefly with Kristin and her family before relocating in 2019 to Trinity Oaks, a wonderful CCRC in Salisbury, North Carolina. Terri spent a number of years working with Crosby Scholars and the Arabelle Center tutoring young students. She worked on several volunteer activities at their retirement home, including as President of the Resident Association for a period. She was also active in her church, FUMC Salisbury. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family, and serving her community. Her kindness and spirit will be deeply missed and will continue to live on in our memory. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Carnes family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Terri Lynn Torstrick Carnes

April 6, 1953 - April 8, 2025