LaRita Brown and Dorothy Fuller-Dudley, former Pico neighborhood residents, collectively remember Thelma Terry, who sponsored The Terryettes, an African-American drill team in Santa Monica. Larieta and Dorothy remember Mrs. Terry as strict, patient and supportive. They describe being in the Terryettes as a highlight of their lives as they remember their practices, competitions, and uniforms. As a community leader, Mrs. Terry influenced many African-American youth through her work in teen recreation and athletics. Aside from sponsoring and training The Terryettes, Mrs. Terry hosted a range of activities at The Recreation Center, also known as The Rec, now Memorial Park. Her work with African-American youth and way of being had a lasting impact on many, which is why Virginia Avenue Park named one of its buildings after her.