Josephine Evelyn Visted Terrell, 93, formerly of Smithtown, N.Y., and Mount Pocono, died March 13, 2025, in Fellowship Manor, Whitehall.

She was the wife of the late Donald Smith Terrell.

Born Feb. 4, 1932, in Suffolk County, N.Y., she was raised in Smithtown, by the late Alexander T. Visted and Ingeborg (Seldal) Visted Bratos.

She retired from the Smithtown and West Babylon School Systems in 1987, after 32 distinguished years in education.

Through her long and sustained commitment to educational excellence, she demonstrated her abilities as a caring and compassionate teacher.

She had been the lead teacher in mathematics and her teaching assignments included positions at Smithtown, Sweetbriar and Mill Pond elementary schools and at Great Hollow Intermediate School.

A graduate of the State University of New York at New Paltz and Hofstra University, she was directly involved in the formation of the first 6-7-8 school program. On her sabbatical leave, she studied computer centers throughout the United States, focusing on their application in the education field and then went on to implement learning labs within the Smithtown School District.

A popular educator throughout her professional life, her career served as an inspiration as she strove to increase the quality of life for all students within the Smithtown and West Babylon school systems.

In addition, she was an integral part of a team that created the Wesleyan School as part of the Smithtown Methodist Church.

Serving the community’s need for a safe and nurturing preschool, she brought to life a fully accredited program designed to enhance early childhood educational foundations and school readiness.

She was an active member at Smithtown United Methodist Church and Mt. Pocono Methodist Church, where she held many leadership roles.

Locally, she attended Asbury Methodist Church, South Whitehall, as a member.

She was a member of Smithtown Bay Yacht Club, initially co-founded by her parents, former book club member, Mathematics League advisor, founder of the Wesleyan Pre-School, parent volunteer to the Wesley Touring Choir, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, member of “My Brother’s Keeper,” and the “Pocono Promise” as well as life-long advocate for women’s rights and civic responsibility.

Most recently, she was conferred the honorific title of Lady Josephine Evelyn Visted Terrell by the laws of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Her survivors include a daughter, Pamela A. Bowman of Nazareth; son Daniel A. Terrell and his wife, Rebecca, of Schnecksville; grandchildren Kara, Ryan and Lauren; and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, Frank Visted and his wife, Eleanor.

Her memorial service will be 2 p.m. May 17, at the Zentz Center on the campus of Fellowship Community, 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall.

Family and friends may pay their respects 1-2 p.m. Saturday in the Zentz Center.

Interment will be private.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Robert Zentz Memorial Scholarship Program, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.