Friends,
I am writing to let you know that Eldora Haworth Terrell '49, who served as a Guilford College trustee from 1976-2003, died Sunday, Jan. 7, in High Point after a brief hospitalization.
Eldora was a reliable Quaker conscience known for her good judgment, advocacy on issues for which she had a strong conviction and for her good sense of humor. She was the board’s secretary for 22 years and, among other commitments, served at length as chair of the Yearly Meeting Relations Committee (later Quaker Life & Heritage).
She was active in the organization and launching of Friends Center at the College and supportive of the Quaker Leadership Scholars Program, initiatives that have helped keep Quaker values and principles alive and well at Guilford. She was an active, eighth-generation member of Springfield Friends Meeting in High Point.
The Haworth, Terrell and Hood families with which Eldora was connected are deeply rooted at Guilford. Her grandmother and great-grandmother graduated from New Garden Boarding School in the 1800s. Her mother, Sarah Richardson Haworth ’17, daughter, Sarah Beth Terrell ’77, and granddaughter, Julia Hood ’06, all graduated from the College.
In addition to her trustee leadership, Eldora served as president of the Alumni Association Board and chair of the Loyalty Fund. She was honored with the Distinguished Service Award – considered the College’s highest alumni honor – and the Sesquicentennial Leadership Award.
Eldora met her future husband, Gene, at Guilford, and together as Biology majors they wrote their Guilford senior thesis – An investigation of the antibiotic activity of plants used as home remedies in Guilford County and an Investigation of the antibiotic activity of corn smut.
They attended medical school at Duke University, graduating in 1953, and were trailblazing physicians who retired from practice in the early 2000s. For many years they owned Double T Farm in Trinity, N.C., where they raised cattle. They were married 72 years when Gene died Nov. 20, 2023.
A memorial service for Eldora is planned Saturday, Jan. 13, at 2 pm at Springfield Friends Meeting, 555 E. Springfield Rd., High Point. Please join me in holding her family and friends in the Light at this time.
Warmly,
Kyle Farmbry, J.D., Ph.D.
President