Teresa "Terri" Lee (Zier) Black

Our world became quieter with the passing of our strong, loving, and amazing mom, whose love shaped our lives every day. With broken hearts, we announce her passing. Teresa “Terri” Lee (Zier) Black, age 76, of Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Meritus Medical Center, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Born in Perth, Western Australia, on Monday, August 29, 1949, she was the daughter of the late David and Barbara (Allen) Zier. She came to the United States when she was only six years old to receive a new procedure for children—open-heart surgery. She graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, Virginia, in 1968.

She worked hard her entire adult life before opening her own restaurant in the 1980s and later retiring from Citibank. She opened her home and heart without hesitation, where many of her “bonus” children—Steve Barkley of Boonsboro and Chris Bowers of Illinois, to name a few—came for love, support, and just plain ole fun. She loved horror films, anything by Stephen King, all the Harry Potter movies, going to bluegrass festivals with her family, collecting Santa faces, and simply being with her children and grandchildren every chance she was given.

She never forgot a birthday, always had something to give, never let anyone leave without a comforting hug, a kiss, and an “I love you,” and she never missed a chance to tell us how much she loved and cherished us. She taught us that kindness matters, that family comes first, and that love should be spoken out loud every day. Her strength, patience, love, and support will continue to guide us in the years ahead. She had a contagious smile and a way of looking into your eyes that made you feel important, fully loved, and heard—you always knew just how proud she was of you.

Terri, as she was lovingly known, leaves behind the family she cherished beyond measure: her children, Michael Brooks and wife Kristi of Hagerstown; Jennifer Leese and husband Thom of Hagerstown; and Jason Brooks and wife Lorah of Hagerstown. Terri’s legacy extends to her grandchildren, Nicholas Leese, Cameron Leese, Jordan Leese, Liam Brooks, and Lucy Brooks, as well as her younger brothers, Daniel Zier and wife Mary, niece Katie, and nephew Jacob; and Peter Zier and wife Joyce, nieces Angel, Tara, and Ashley. She is also survived by Ian, her late brother David’s son; many extended family members throughout the United States; and her loving family in Western Australia. She also leaves behind many treasured friends, including her best friends Denise of Virginia, Jennifer of Gettysburg, and Lynne of Florida, who will carry her memory in their hearts. Lastly, she leaves behind her cat, whom she lovingly named Nuisance.

Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her son, Kevin Black, granddaughter, Hayden Brooks, her brother David Zier, and her nephew Shawn Zier.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in her name to Brooke’s House, 17670 Technology Blvd., Hagerstown, MD 21740—her favorite charity to support.

Arrangements are entrusted to J.L. Davis Funeral Home in Smithsburg. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.jldavisfh.com.

The world was brighter because she was in it, and though our hearts ache with her absence, we carry her love with us always. Thank you for being our mom. We will miss you every second of every day.