Giselle Lynn Terrell-Perry
On November 29, 1976, Giselle Lynn Terrell-Perry, affectionately known as “Mique,” was born in Auburn, New York, to Deborah McKinley Copes and Willie Terrell. She spent most of her adolescent years in Auburn, where she built lifelong relationships with family and friends. In 1989, Giselle moved to Rochester, New York, where she attended and graduated from Edison Technical and Occupational Education Center in 1994. While at Edison Tech, she ran track and developed a passion for photography.
As the McKinley family began migrating from Upstate New York to Atlanta, Georgia, Giselle later made the move to Atlanta in 1995. In 1998, she graduated from Herzing College with a specialized Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration. That same year, Giselle began her career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a Management Analyst. She loved her work and took great pride in her career in public health administration, continuing to grow professionally throughout her journey. Dedicated to education and lifelong learning, she later attended Georgia Perimeter College, where she earned an Associate of Science degree. Mique truly loved learning and continuously sought opportunities to grow both personally and professionally during her years at the CDC.
To know Giselle “Mique” was to absolutely love her. She had a vibrant spirit, loved joking around, and was always playing playful tricks on those she loved. She had a gift for making people laugh and making everyone in her presence feel seen, welcomed, and loved. Mique never met a stranger. Her light shined so brightly that people naturally gravitated toward her warm and uplifting energy.
Mique loved dancing, especially to reggae music. Nothing made her happier than the sounds of reggae and Afro-beats or spending time in beautiful Jamaica, her happy place where she felt most at peace. She was truly the life of the party, often raising her glass high with Bailey’s and Jamaican cream rum in hand. Giselle was a beacon of light among her family and friends. Her positivity helped others through difficult times, and she was always there to celebrate the joys and accomplishments of those she loved. She was selfless, compassionate, and deeply lovable.
Giselle spent more years of her life in Atlanta, Georgia, than in Upstate New York, and it was in Atlanta where she met and found the love of her life, Laddyan Perry. Giselle and Laddyan were married in 2022 and cherished their many vacations together to Jamaica.
On May 6, 2026, Giselle peacefully departed this earthly life at the age of 49. She took her place among the angels and entered the pearly gates of Heaven, reunited with the loved ones who had gone before her. Her love, laughter, radiant spirit, and unforgettable presence will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She was predeceased by her grandparents: Marlene McKinley, Eddie McKinley, Willie Lee Terrell Sr., and Senora Barksdale; her cousin, Ronell Agee; her aunt, Ida Terrell; and her Godparents, Lucille & Bobbie Flowers, and Beverly Ann Borges. She is survived by her husband, Laddyan Perry; her mother, Deborah Copes; her father, Willie Terrell Jr.; her grandmother, Mildred Copes Wells; her brothers: Aundell Terrell Sr. (Aliya), Terry Ford, and Alsahdeem Brown; her sisters: Tanesha Terrell and Tiara Ford; her aunts: Cathy McKinley, Christine Copes (Nate), Vernisa Gayle McCutchen (Terrance), Arcola Barr, Powell Mejias, Mattie Terrell, Paula Terrell, Diana Yogar, and Renice Major; her uncles: John McKinley (Linda) and Michael McKinley (Annie), Wayne Terrell, Michael Terrell (Rean), and Kenneth Terrell (Robin); her God sister, Shirley Albert-Alexander; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
There will be a homegoing service at 11 AM on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Roosevelt Memorial Baptist Church, 101 Fitch Avenue, Auburn. The burial will be at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn.
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