Described as just an old country store where some customers still run an account and pay once a week, Terry's Tide Pride on Dawes Road for many people is more than just a gas station.

And it's all because of owner Terry Sweat.

"She's like a mommy to everybody," said Vikki Parnell, a longtime customer.

Parnell said Sweat is feisty and has no problem telling people to wipe their feet before coming into the store.

"She tells you like it is from the start," Parnell said.

"The biggest thing about Ms. Terry is she's always willing to help you. If you're willing to work, she'll work with you," said Paul Tillman, another customer.

Sweat is a mother and grandmother figure and a friend to so many people that when she needed support recently, community members came through for her. Sweat recently suffered a stroke that has left her paralyzed on one side of her body. Her husband, Kirk Sweat, said she's in a rehabilitation center recovering.

Because she may have to rely on a wheelchair, the couple's home has to be renovated to make it handicap accessible.

The Sweats' friends wanted to help with the cost of the renovation by holding a fundraiser, but Kirk Sweat had to be persuaded first.

"I told him, you're going to be surprised with how many friends you have," said Doug Bryant, who's known Kirk Sweat for about 40 years.

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