Mourning Terry Allen Triplett

The Alford family is saddened to share news of the passing of Terry Allen Triplett.

Terry's obituary:

Terry Allen Triplett, beloved husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle and friend, was born to the union of Armon and Lena Triplett on June 1,1959 in Spiro, Oklahoma. Terry was the second of six children and a cherished part of a close-knit family. In 1960, the Triplett family relocated to Pasadena, California where Terry attended Madison Elementary School, Wilson Jr. High School, Blair High School and Pasadena City College. He continued his education at Oklahoma State University and then San Jose State University. Terry went on to his eternal resting place on November 12, 2025, at his home in Bakersfield, California. Those blessed to know him will carry the memory of his jovial spirit, optimism, bright smile, infectious laugh, and genuine love for people.

Growing up, Terry treasured summers at camp and in Oklahoma with his grandparents, where he experienced the hard work and fun adventures of farm life. He had a lifelong passion for sports. He played football and baseball in high school and college. His high school record is memorialized on a plaque at Blair. Even after his school days ended, Terry continued to work out like an athlete. Other fond childhood memories include building and racing go-karts and motorized Apple Krate bicycles around the neighborhood before he got his first car, a cherry red Fiat sports car.

Terry’s professional path reflected his passion for connecting people and entrepreneurial drive. After leaving San Jose State University, Terry worked at Burlington Railroad in the shipping department. He began his entrepreneurship journey by starting a commercial janitorial business with other friends from San Jose State. After moving to Bakersfield, he bought a National Mail Center franchise. Later he went to work for Carnation Foods where he met his business partner, Albert Locke. They co-founded Adventure International in 1997 and developed an aloe vera based health drink called Tropical Sunrise, which was ahead of its time. Terry was proud to have his company featured in Black Enterprise Magazine in 2000. Terry had a natural gift for building relationships, which allowed him to excel in the various sales and marketing jobs he held while living in Bakersfield. His final career as a Mentor and Job Coach for individuals with disabilities gave him a sense of purpose. With patience and compassion, Terry went above and beyond to empower his clients to believe in themselves.

The greatest joy of Terry’s life began in September 1980, when he met his soulmate, Tamie Jennings, at San Jose State University. They married on August 11, 1984, and together built a beautiful family with two children, Talesha S. Triplett and Tavares C. Triplett. Terry’s devotion to his family was unwavering-he was a constant source of love, guidance, and strength. Terry’s faith in God radiated through the joy he brought to every room. He accepted Christ while attending Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Jose and later became a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Bakersfield.

Terry was preceded in death by his father, Armon Triplett, his brother, Calvin Triplett, his sister, Verlene Triplett, and Nephew Damion Triplett. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his mother, Lena Triplett, his loving wife of 41 years, Tamie Jennings-Triplett. His daughter Talesha Triplett and son Tavares Triplett. Sister, Rena Bevel (Dexter). Brothers, Reginald Triplett and Armon Triplett Jr. (Mykala). Brothers-in-law, Everett Jennings and Otis Jennings. Nieces: Kenitha Lamar (Shariff), Rochelle Bevel, Roxanne Haines (Michael), Lenay Triplett, Tiara Triplett, Kiona Noel (Eras), Kori Blair (Sean), Janessa Jennings, Naomi Jennings. Nephews: Kenn Edwin, Marcus Bevel, Miles Bevel (Brittany), McKellis Triplett, Andrew Jennings, Michael Jennings, Kaleb Jennings. Self-adopted grandchildren: Matthew Martinez, Grace Hendrix and David Hendrix. Along with a host of family and friends.

Terry’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Please continue to pray for the Triplett family during this difficult time.

Funeral Arrangements:

Friday, December 5, 2025

5 p.m. PST

Private family viewing hour from 4-5pm

Living Waters Funeral Care

620 Oregon St

Bakersfield, CA 93305

For those unable to travel, services will be streamed at the following link on December 6, 2025 at 1:00pm-3:30pm:

Instead of flowers, please donate to the scholarship we have established in Terry's name to benefit male student athletes:

Legacy:

Terry Triplett is the husband of Tamie (TJ) Jennings-Triplett;

Tamie (TJ) Jennings-Triplett is the daughter of Everett Milton Jennings & Barbara Banks-Jennings;

Granddaughter of John D. Jennings & Vivian I. Davis-Jennings;

Great-Granddaughter of Effie Alford-Jennings & Anderson Jennings; and

Great-Great-Granddaughter of Matthew Solomon Alford & Lucy Berry-Alford.