Terrell Hegler Oakland CA Obituary, Death: With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we gather in spirit and in memory to honor the life and legacy of Terrell Hegler, a cherished member of the Oakland community whose sudden and untimely passing has left all who knew him in deep mourning. Terrell was more than a professional, more than a husband, more than the roles he fulfilled so capably—he was a man of warmth, dignity, and purpose, whose impact will resonate far beyond the boundaries of time and space.
Terrell’s life was one of quiet strength and unwavering service. As a former Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff in the City of Oakland, Office of the Mayor, Terrell was deeply committed to public service and community betterment. His contributions behind the scenes reflected a deep understanding of civic duty, justice, and equity. He was a part of the machinery that worked tirelessly to uplift Oakland, to give voice to its people, and to build bridges where divides once stood. In every role he played, Terrell led with integrity and humility.
He was also a valued team member of a prominent nonprofit organization, where he worked with passion and purpose. It was in this space of community-focused work that Terrell continued to shine, collaborating with others to bring about meaningful change, always focused on making life better for the underserved, the unseen, and the unheard. The news of his passing—discovered by the very CEO he worked alongside—has shaken the nonprofit world and those who stood beside him in the fight for equity and opportunity. Terrell was deeply respected, not only for his professional dedication, but for the humanity and compassion he brought to every meeting, every initiative, every conversation.
Terrell’s academic path led him through the halls of Merritt College, right here in Oakland—a place where he refined his intellectual skills and grew as a thinker, communicator, and advocate. He was proud of his educational roots and often credited his time at Merritt for giving him the foundation upon which he built a life of impact.
But beyond the resume, beyond the impressive career milestones, it was Terrell’s heart that made him so beloved. He was a deeply devoted husband to Venus Johnson, a top state prosecutor known for her own passion for justice. Together, they were a powerhouse couple—servants of the people, committed to equity, fairness, and a better world. Their bond was one built not only on love but on shared values, mutual respect, and an unbreakable belief in the power of justice and community.
Our hearts ache most for Venus, who has not only lost her partner in life but also her confidant, cheerleader, and safe place. There are no words that can adequately express the pain of such a loss. Theirs was a union grounded in strength and vulnerability, shared dreams and individual growth. To lose someone so entwined in your very soul is a grief that defies expression. To Venus, and to all who loved Terrell deeply, we offer our most heartfelt condolences and our unwavering support. Please know that in your sorrow, you are not alone. We are holding you in the light, in love, and in prayer.
To those who had the privilege of knowing Terrell personally, they will remember a man of quiet wisdom. He was not loud, not boastful, not one to seek the spotlight. But when he spoke, people listened. He had a way of making others feel seen and heard. He remembered names, followed up on conversations, asked about your family. These simple gestures spoke to a depth of kindness and empathy that is increasingly rare in our world.
Terrell believed in uplifting others. Whether mentoring a young professional, advocating for marginalized communities, or simply offering a listening ear to a friend in distress, he gave freely of himself. He did not view his work as a career—it was a calling, a way to serve. And in doing so, he became a beacon of light to so many.
As we try to come to terms with this devastating loss, we are reminded of the words of Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Terrell made us feel valued. He made us feel hopeful. He made us feel that change was possible—one act of service at a time.
In moments like these, grief often comes hand in hand with confusion and questions. The suddenness of Terrell’s departure is a blow we could not prepare for, a wound that may never fully heal. But in honoring his life, we must not let our sorrow overshadow his light. Let us remember him not only in mourning, but in movement—in how we live, how we serve, how we treat others, and how we love.
Let us keep Terrell’s legacy alive in the choices we make each day—in our commitment to equity, in our refusal to be indifferent, in our belief that kindness is strength and service is the highest form of leadership. Let us make space in our lives for community, for justice, and for each other. To his family, to his many friends, to his colleagues in public service and nonprofit work, and especially to Venus—we send our deepest sympathies, and we wrap you in love. Terrell’s legacy will not fade. His contributions to Oakland, to justice, to all of us, will be remembered.
