Galesburg, IL--Terry Nathaniel Haywood, 62, former editor-in-chief of The Paper, a Galesburg weekly newspaper, passed away Friday, Jan. 31, 2014 at home.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

 

Born Oct. 15, 1951, in Peoria to Tyson and Shirley (Donaldson) Haywood, he descended from the Choctow Nation, a native American tribe, and Mississippi African American slaves. The Haywood family has been long established in Rock Island and Galesburg.

 

As a youngster Terry grew up in Rock Island and Davenport. He attended Davenport Central High School and later graduated from St. Ambrose University in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. He later married Raidine Taylor, of Dallas, in 1990. Terry had a long career in radio and television, and was both an editor and columnist for GateHouse Media in Galesburg.

 

 “Terry was instrumental in helping many, many Knox College journalism students launch their careers by giving them their first professional newspaper by-line and opportunities to professionally edit their work,” said Distinguished Professor Emerita of Journalism Marilyn Webb.

 

For over a decade, noted Galesburg resident Jim Jacobs, Terry was a driving force among Progressives in town. “(As a) leading columnist for The Paper (he) and was much read and referenced by people across the political spectrum,” Jacobs said. “Terry's column always jabbed at our conscience, reminding his readers of the forgotten people--those beaten down and overlooked. Terry's columns were also beautifully written, as if he and the reader were sitting together talking with each other. Moreover, Terry was not afraid to take a stand.”

 

In his youth, Haywood supportive of the Black Panther Party’s particularly breakfast program for kids. He sold the Black Panther newspaper to raise money in this program’s support. As an adult, he served on many nonprofit boards in Galesburg and wanted every child to have equal opportunities for life-long success.

 

Terry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by…Brothers, Cyril I Milburn, Tyson Haywood, Cosby T Johnson, Robert Williams and Clarence Williams III, Sisters, Linda and Marsha Jones ….Foster Mother Bernice Jones….. Children Michael Lowery, Derick Terrell, Savanna and Mary M Haywood… and dozens of nieces , nephews and friends throughout the country.    

 

Orr’s Mortuary of Rock Island is taking care of the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to www.orrsmortuary.com.