Terryl M. Carter, Jr., a faithful servant of God went home to receive his heavenly reward on July 17, 2026 at the age of 32. Terryl, affectionately known as TJ, was a dear son, devoted father, and beloved uncle, nephew, cousin, and faithful friend. Many who knew him described him as one of the most exceptional people they had ever met.

Terryl was born on January 19 , 1994, to a loving mother and father, Pauline and Terryl Carter. He brought constant joy to their lives from a very young age as he pursued excellence at every level and in every endeavor.

TJ was baptized at an early age and enjoyed praising and worshipping the Lord with his parents. He was a faithful member of Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, where he was an active member of the Sunday School. His knowledge of the bible was exceptional, and he was an inspiration to everyone in the class.

On September 21st, 2018, TJ and his wife Breanna were blessed with a handsome son Terryl M. Carter III, also known as (Trey) . Trey was the apple of TJ’s eye, and he loved him with all of his heart. Trey exhibits his father’s excellent academic and athletic skills and seems destined to follow in his footsteps to become an outstanding student and athlete.

TJ attended East Baton Rouge Parish elementary schools before attending middle school at Redemptorist, and high school at Catholic High School. Instilled with the importance of exhibiting excellence in every endeavor, TJ received numerous awards for his academic, leadership, and athletic skills. He received the Billy McCurley Memorial Award, given to “A Student Who Freely Gives Service, Demonstrates Leadership, Love, and Loyalty to St. Gerard Majella Elementary School”, and he was an honor roll student and member of the highly selective National Beta Club at Redemptorist. At Catholic High TJ was an outstanding football player and ran track in 9th and 10th grades before his illness prevented him from further participation in sports. He was also an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Even after spending long stints at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TJ graduated from Catholic High School with honors in 2012 and received a certificate of honor for Academic Achievement as an Academic Program Scholar. He was also a talented artist, winning an award for his pencil drawings. The ultimate honor in high school was being named the Catholic High School “Man of the Year” his senior year.

TJ continued to exhibit the same spirit of determination and excellence as a student at Louisiana State University. He graduated in 2016 with a degree in Sociology. After graduation he became a substitute teacher in East Baton Rouge Parish where he shaped young minds and inspired a thirst for excellence.

After serving as a substitute teacher in EBR, TJ joined his parents at the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office where his mother is a captain and his father was a lieutenant. TJ served for 6 years as a deputy in the prison records department until his health made it impossible for him to continue.

Throughout his life TJ inspired others to find strength and perseverance within themselves. He was always a kind and compassionate man. TJ’s happiest times were going on vacation, watching basketball games, and cheering on his Pittsburgh Steelers. The pinnacle of his activities was playing with his son Trey.

TJ was a natural leader with a humble spirit. He was always a cheerful giver with his beautiful smile. TJ loved his family dearly and treated everyone he knew as if they were part of his family. He enjoyed every moment of his life. It didn’t matter that he was disabled or very sick at times. He never complained or blamed anyone for his illness. He would always say “God is in control of everything.” TJ lived his life to the fullest just as God wants us to do. He lived his life according to Colossians 3:23. Whatever he did, he worked at it with all his heart, as if working for the Lord.

TJ leaves to cherish his wonderful memory his beloved mother Pauline G. Carter (Johnathan Johnson, fiancé); son Terryl M. Carter III; two special aunts, Katherine Wilson and Monica Wessinger; sister Kirsten Campbell (Christopher); Paternal Grandmother Joyce B. Moses; two nephews, Christopher Helm II and Kresten Helm; one niece, Christen Helm; three God sisters, Maisha Mena, Tia Bell, and Jamyra Griffin; God mother, Joyce Bell; special Gran-Gran, Saundra Yancy McGuire; ex-wife Breanna Carter; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

TJ was preceded in death by his father Terryl M. Carter Sr., Maternal Grandmother Ethel Friels Simmons Guient, Maternal Grandfather Joseph Guient, Paternal Grandfather Roy Lee White, Sr.; and Godfather Darrell Bell.

Viewing

Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church
Saturday, July 25, 2026
9:00 am – 11:00 am

Services

Celebration of Life
Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church
Saturday, July 25, 2026
11:00 am

Interment

Winnfield Memorial Park