Terrance Jeremy Lockette is the sweetest soul who loved his family and friends dearly from the day he was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania (March 20, 1981) to the day the Lord called him home (June 5, 2023). Terrance, affectionately known as TJ, was the life of every party for 42 beautiful years.

After attending vo-tech in high school, TJ attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he started his career as a chef. He was a master in the kitchen, whether in 5-star restaurants or just at home making ramen (his favorite). One thing about TJ: he couldn't spell but his intelligence allowed him to turn nothing into something with just his hands. In 2020, he retired to a slower pace, working the overnight shift and spending his days enjoying his favorite hobbies: smoking a good cut of meat, napping, or enjoying the outdoors. Whenever he had the chance, he and his best friend headed up to camp; and he would always come home with a piece of tree to craft into beautiful art.

He lived in Pittsburgh, PA with his loving companion of 16 years, Holly Winter Burke. His generosity and love spread to his neighbors; he made community wherever he went, even in his passing. His final wishes included organ donation, which offered him the chance to save 3 lives - a chance only 50% of Pittsburghers opt in to do.

He's survived by his mother, Denise Lockette; father, Rodney (Pamela) Lockette; brothers; Xavier (Angela) Lockette and James McGruder who preceded him in death; sisters; Azzelia (Brandon) Jones and Angela McGruder; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

While he had no kids, he was a father-figure to many, including the upcoming chefs he mentored in the kitchen over the years. He was even considering a teaching career to give back the same knowledge, coaching and mentoring that helped him in his early days at vo-tech. He was a goofball at heart who would have made an incredible teacher.

In lieu of donations and/or flower arrangements, the family encourages those who'd like to give in TJ's honor to plant a tree (or flower or vegetable). TJ always had a garden and loved tomatoes!

I'm sure everyone who knew TJ has special things they will hold dear: his snoring, his yell, his love. His love of movies, candy, and popcorn. His love of music: country, rap, but especially Michael Jackson! Most of all, the love he had for the Lord: with all his heart, all his mind, and all his soul. May he find eternal rest and dwell with the Lord forever.