Marjean Gay Terman

Marjean Gay “JeanGay” Terman, 66, of Grand Island, NE passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, surrounded by family at Tiffany Square in Grand Island. Celebration of Life Services will be at 2pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastor April Wegehaupt officiating. Burial will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-7pm at Apfel Funeral Home. Memorials will be designated to these places near and dear to Marjean’s heart; Trinity United Methodist Church - Neighbors in Need, and in appreciation of the wonderful staff at Tiffany Square Rehabilitation & Care Center.

Marjean was born on March 8, 1960, in Ogallala, NE, the daughter of C. Burnett “Burnie” and Marjorie L. (Rubottom) Terman. The family moved to Grand Island in 1964 and Marjean graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1979. After graduation, she was a part of Mid-Nebraska Individual Services (MNIS) for many years.

Marjean enjoyed being an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church throughout her lifetime. It was there that she made vows for a Forever Union to Robert Steele on May 4, 2001, during a love-filled ceremony. Marjean and Bob enjoyed time together singing country music, traveling to places like Branson, spending time with family, and going to events with friends from MNIS or Special Olympics.

Being known for giving the best hugs and having an infectious smile, Marjean left an impression on everyone she met. She was known by loved ones as a compassionate sweetheart, an encourager, and her positivity was contagious. Family has enjoyed hearing her called “a bright shining star” from various caregivers and staff that she had worked with along her journey. She was a friend to all, able to share unconditional love with everyone who needed it, and was a natural caregiver to others throughout her lifetime. On multiple occasions she said, “I know that I was born with a disability, but God gave me the ability to help others.” While on this side of eternity, she understood her role in helping those around her. She told family that she didn’t just help because she wanted to, “but because God asked me to do it.” Over the years, her family learned that while they thought they were caring for her, she was always making sure they were taken care of, too.

Marjean’s faith in God and comprehension of our ultimate purpose in life, far exceeded people’s expectation or understanding of her abilities. She truly “got it” when it came to Mark 12: 30-31. She loved the Lord her God with her whole heart, and she loved her neighbor as herself. She found no complexity in those commandments, and loyally upheld them with a servant’s heart. Our world could use a lot more of that loving insight, without hesitation to put the needs of others before our own. Marjean will be dearly missed by many, but her legacy will carry on in the lives of those she touched along her journey.

Left to cherish her memory are her lifetime partner, Bob Steele; mother, Marjorie Terman; brother, Reverends Russell (Anna) Terman-White of Omaha, NE; sister, Peggy (Paul) Lackore of Aurora, NE; nephew Evin (Anna) Lackore along with their children Ellie, Kayla, and expected great nephew of Kearney, NE; and niece, Ashlyn (Paul) Cramer along with their children Gracelyn and Mercy of Aurora, NE

Marjean was preceded in death by her father, C. Burnett “Burnie” Terman; and both maternal and paternal grandparents.