Mary Virginia Terry

To those that know her, they would say Mary Virginia Terry’s philanthropy – not only in the Jacksonville community, but throughout the Southeast – comes as natural to her as breathing.
Mrs. Terry’s name, along with that of her late husband C. Herman, can be seen on many buildings in Jacksonville, however, their giving goes far beyond the beautiful buildings that exhibit their namesake.
Born and raised in Quitman, Georgia, Mrs. Terry has lived most of her adult life in Jacksonville. Her most notable charitable work involves organizations centered on education, children, healthcare and the arts.
“My husband and I have always believed that giving back to the community and to those less fortunate is so very important,” said Mrs. Terry.
Their philanthropic efforts in the Jacksonville community can be seen at downtown Jacksonville’s Terry Theatre in the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts; the concert hall at Jacksonville University; the Terry Gallery at Jacksonville’s Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens; the Conference Center and Cancer Center at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Riverside; The Women and Infants Pavilion at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Southside; the Children’s Heart Center at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Theatre at the Jacksonville library.
Mrs. Terry is also generous with her time and energy, which she has devoted to many causes in Jacksonville. She served on the advisory board of Florida Community College Jacksonville as well as the University of North Florida Foundation Board and the Jacksonville University Board of Trustees. Her commitment to give back to the community can also be seen through her service on the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Women’s Board, and the boards of the Children’s Home Society, Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, I.M. Sulzbacher Center, St. Vincent’s Hospital Foundation as well as the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville Leadership Council.
There is no doubt that the humble Mrs. Terry exemplifies the true nature of philanthropic giving and, with great joy, asks for nothing in return.