Tennessee Annual Conference June 14, 2019 - Tennessee ...
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Tennessee Annual Conference
June 14, 20192019 TN Annual Conference
Memorial Service
Gathering
Opening Voluntary Nocturne Philippe Gaubert
Greeting
We have gathered here to celebrate the lives of those
who have served faithfully through the years
and now share the triumph of Christ.
We affirm with praise and thanksgiving the goodness of our Lord.
Let us rejoice in God’s presence with us, in death as in life,
among those who mourn
as with those who now see Christ face to face.
In the midst of our grief we sing with joy,
for God’s love is over all that has been made.
Blessed be God’s glorious name forever.
*Hymns For All the Saints UMH 711, stanzas 1-4
Hymn of Promise UMH 707
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
You lived that we may live,
You died that we may be redeemed,
And you rose, denying the grave its victory.
Your life is our life.
You called people to follow you,
And through your disciples
You gave life to the church.
All this was for the sake of the world,
That it might be transformed
And moved toward perfect love.
We gather today to give you thanks–
For the saints among us
And the saints who have gone before us.
Your likeness is now their likeness,
2And your love is their love.
Like them, may we love and serve you faithfully,
Adding our witness to the cloud of those
Who have been changed from glory into glory;
And at the end of our lives,
Make room for us in the company of heaven.
This we pray in your most holy name. Amen.
Prayer for Illumination
Holy God,
as we hear your scripture read and proclaimed,
may your word take root and flourish within us. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Psalm 23
John 10:14-18
Response
The word of God
For the people of God.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray
Act of Remembrance Jim Allen (or Designee)
God of time and eternity,
We offer you our thanks for the saints
Who loved and served you alongside us.
Our time with them was blessed,
And we grieve their absence.
As we name our friends before you now,
May the sound of their given names
Echo through the heavens
As a witness of our love for them.
Carolyn Wynelle Allen
Horace Clement Bass
Peggy Cohea Bloodworth
Donald Ray Choate
John G. Corry
Annella Creech
3Edward Lee Crump, Jr.
Thomas Vernon DeRamus
Lois Alyene Capps Fowler
James Walter Graham
Nancy Dickens Van Atta Harrub
Betty Johnson Hobgood
Carl Thomas (Tom) Hutson
David Merrill Jones
David W. Kingsley
Frances N. Link
Wanda Meadors
Maurine McCahan Nichols Olin
Leo Norman Pennington
Daisy Lenora Ritter Rippy
James H. Rowlett
George Boone Rye
Samuel Dickerson Sims
Adrienne T. White
Charles Edward Williams
Elease Spann Williams
In the mystery of your love,
in the power of your spirit,
we are one with them.
We give great thanks as we pray together:
Prayer for the Saints and Faithful Departed
O God of both the living and the dead,
we praise your holy name for all your servants
who have faithfully lived and died.
Thank you for the sacred ties that bind us
to the unseen cloud of witnesses that surround us.
We pray that we may follow our example,
to comfort those who mourn,
to preach good news to the poor,
to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind;
to be the hands of Christ in your world,
cherishing life and spreading the joy you give to your people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Hymn Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above UMH 709
4*Dismissal with Blessing Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray
The blessing of God, the creator of life,
the blessing of Jesus Christ, who gave us his life,
and the blessing of the Holy Spirit, the breath of life,
be upon us this day and bring us into everlasting life. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
We go in Christ’s name.
Closing Voluntary Postlude on “Hymn to Joy” Albert L. Travis
Worship Leaders:
Rev. Dr. Kennard Murray, preacher
Rev. Cheryl Wood, organ and piano
Rebecca Sewell, flute
Rev. Jackson Henry, song leader
56
We celebrate the lives of individuals who are saints!
Some of them, with us, are a part of the whole body of living Christian believers, and others who
have finished their lives here on earth are a part of the church triumphant! Some have touched us
compassionately so we could experience the love of the Lord while others have reminded us to
be faithful and avoid drifting into life away from God.
They have all shaken our being–all have been faithful examples of lives of wholeness, working
for justice.
O God of both the living and the dead...
… who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Table of Contents
Carolyn Wynelle Allen 9
Horace Clement Bass 9
Peggy Cohea Bloodworth 11
Donald Ray Choate 12
John G. Corry 13
Annella Creech 15
Edward Lee Crump, Jr. 16
Thomas Vernon DeRamus 19
Lois Alyene Capps Fowler 20
James Walter Graham 21
Nancy Dickens Van Atta Harrub 22
Betty Johnson Hobgood 23
Carl Thomas (Tom) Hutson 24
David Merrill Jones 26
David W. Kingsley 27
Frances N. Link 28
Wanda Meadors 29
Maurine McCahan Nichols Olin 30
Leo Norman Pennington 31
Daisy Lenora Ritter Rippy 31
James H. Rowlett 32
George Boone Rye 34
Samuel Dickerson Sims 34
Adrienne T. White 35
Charles Edward Williams and
Elease Spann Williams 38
7Lord, you have examined me.
You know me.
You know when I sit down and when I stand up.
Even from far away, you comprehend my plans.
You study my traveling and resting.
You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.
There isn’t a word on my tongue, Lord,
that you don’t already know completely.
You surround me—front and back.
You put your hand on me.
That kind of knowledge is too much for me;
it’s so high above me that I can’t fathom it.
Where could I go to get away from your spirit?
Where could I go to escape your presence?
If I went up to heaven, you would be there.
If I went down to the grave, you would be there too!
If I could fly on the wings of dawn,
stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean—
even there your hand would guide me;
even there your strong hand would hold me tight!
If I said, “The darkness will definitely hide me;
the light will become night around me,”
even then the darkness isn’t too dark for you!
Nighttime would shine bright as day,
because darkness is the same as light to you!
Psalm 139:1-12
8Carolyn Wynelle Allen
November 17, 1934 – May 10, 2019
Carolyn Wynelle Allen, age 84, passed away May 10, 2019, at her home
in Pulaski. Her husband was the late Rev. Paul Allen and she was also
preceded in death by a son, John Mark Allen.
Survivors include her daughter, Marie Allen Freeman and husband
Steve of Pulaski; her son, Paul F. Allen, Jr., and wife Alicia of Giles
County; her grandsons, Brett Case and wife, Kayla, Ryan Case,
Matthew L. Allen and wife Bonnie, Roye Allen, Bryce W. Allen, and
Jared G. Allen; and her great-granddaughter, Evangeline Jo Allen.
A Service of Death and Resurrection was held at Pulaski First United
Methodist Church on May 13. Wynelle is buried at Maplewood
Cemetery.
A complete memoir will be included in the 2020 Memorial Book.
Horace Clement Bass
December 10, 1929 – August 7, 2018
Rev. Horace C. Bass was born on December 10, 1929, to Rev. W. A.
Bass, Sr., and Ethel Mae Shook, in Big Rock, Tennessee. He was the
youngest (that survived past childhood) of 10 children in his family. His
father was a circuit riding Methodist minister until his early death in
1942. It was then, at the age of 12, that his mother moved the family to
Pulaski, Tennessee, where they attended Pulaski First Methodist Church
and he was a student at Giles County High School, where he was
president of his senior class.
After graduation, he joined the Navy and married his high school
sweetheart, Margaret Long, and she joined him in Norfolk, Virginia.
After a short stint in the Navy, he received an honorable discharge as a
radio electronics technician. They moved back to Pulaski and he was
employed by the Southern Bell Telephone Company, where he worked in various positions.
He and Margaret, along with their first three children, were active members at First Methodist
Church in Pulaski, where they served as youth ministers. It was in July, 1960, while attending a
tent revival, that at the age of 30, he and Margaret answered the call from God to the Methodist
ministry.
9The first church he served was Ardmore Methodist, where he also commuted to Martin College
and Athens College to pursue his college undergraduate degree. In 1965, he moved his family
to Nashville, serving Antioch UMC, while obtaining his Masters of Divinity from Vanderbilt
University in 1969. In 1970, at he was ordained an elder in the church by Bishop Ellis Finger at
Tulip Street UMC. In this church, he had a ministry of healing the homeless and other poverty
problems and was part of organizing the East Nashville Co-operative Ministry with nine other
United Methodist churches.
In 1975, he took a leave of absence from the ministry and was appointed by the governor of
Tennessee to serve in his cabinet as commissioner of Welfare for the State of Tennessee. His
first act was to change the name to the more appropriate Department of Human Services. During
this time, he no longer held a full-time position as a minister, but served as the minister to
small churches in the Nashville area as well as guest minister to churches across the state. He
continued this part-time role, serving several churches, until his retirement from the ministry and
even after.
In 1979, following his service as commissioner, he was appointed head of the Department of
Economic Development for Metro Nashville government by Mayor Richard Fulton. In 1985,
Horace and Margaret purchased Capitol City Mattress and developed a mattress line called
Fluffo. He had great success with the company and enjoyed advertising his live commercials on
local TV and radio stations, where he became known as Mr. Fluffo.
As another part of his continuing ministry, he was instrumental in starting an adoption agency for
the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church, which is now known as Miriam’s
Promise. It was one of his proudest accomplishments and he loved each child as they were
placed in the arms of their parents.
Horace was always active in his communities and many civic organizations, having served
as presidents of the Jaycees and the Lions Club. As a life-long Democrat, beginning with his
brother’s first run for congress (Senator Ross Bass), Horace remained an active participant in
politics. He was an avid golfer and well known for his long ball. He played in many tournaments
and at his clubs, Hillcrest in Pulaski, and Old Hickory and Hillwood country clubs in Nashville.
In his retirement years, he and Margaret were active members of Belle Meade United Methodist
Church for over 20 years, where he frequently taught the Oxford Sunday school class. During
this time, he also served as a trustee on the Board of Trustees at Martin Methodist College. Of all
the roles he filled in his rich and varied life, he was most proud of his role as a United Methodist
minister, serving our Lord.
He passed this earthly life to join his heavenly Father on August 7, 2018, after a long battle
with Alzheimer’s. After 69 years of marriage, he is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, their
children, Eddie (Joan), Betsy Miller (Bob), Linda Wolf (Ron), and Mary Harper (Matt), and
seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Lovingly submitted by his daughter, Betsy Bass Miller
10Peggy Cohea Bloodworth
September 26, 1932 – September 6, 2018
Peggy Jean Cohea Bloodworth, age 85, passed away peacefully at her
home on September 6, 2018. She was born on September 26, 1932.
Peggy was the devoted wife of Rev. John M. Bloodworth. To this union
were born six children: Donna Faye Wells, Sheila Jo Sands, John M.,
Jr., Pamela Sue Batey, Melissa Jean Darrow, and Timothy Scott.
After Brother John was admitted in full connection into the Tennessee
Conference in 1964, Peggy worked and supported her husband while
he served 15 churches across the years. As Sarah, the wife of Abraham
did, when God called John, Peggy, and family to move to serve different
churches, she was always ready and left each parsonage clean and
spotless—always cleaner than the ones they were moving into.
Peggy was widowed at the age of 44 when the Lord called John home at the age of 48. Faith in
life, as well as in her husband’s death, she raised the three children still at home at the time of
their daddy’s death. She never remarried.
She continued to work in the Methodist Church, until her health began to fail. She was a deeply
dedicated, loving wife, mother, and servant of God. She had a great faith and trust in her Lord
that someday she again would joyfully see and walk hand in hand with her beloved husband and
my daddy.
I was blessed to be at my mother’s bedside in her last hours. I tearfully asked her when she got to
heaven to give daddy a kiss for me, and she replied, “I sure will!” I know she did!
My brothers and sisters and I have been blessed to have Christian parents, a home where such
great love abided. They taught us to love God and always keep Him the center of our lives. To
work in the church would not be in vain.
How great the blessing to have known and loved John and Peggy!
Loving submitted by her daughter, Donna Faye Wells
11Donald Ray Choate
August 15, 1940 – July 2, 2018
Donald Ray Choate was born August 15, 1940, in Greenbrier,
Tennessee, to Ben P. and Vetrice L. (Fryer) Choate. He was the second
of three children.
Don loved reading, math, and history when he was very young. When
he started school, he was told he could make the first and second grades
in one year, if he so desired, but his parents preferred he stay with his
age group and would not allow him to do it.
Don’s family moved to Aiken, South Carolina, when he was 11 years
old and in the sixth grade, where he continued doing well in school.
While in Aiken, he made the National Honor Society. In the middle
of his senior year, the family moved back to Greenbrier where Don
graduated from Greenbrier High School in 1958.
Don’s dream was to become a history teacher, so he enrolled in Belmont in the fall of 1958
where he majored in history. Don was Mr. Belmont his senior year. He graduated in 1962 with a
degree in history. He then earned his Master’s Degree in history from Peabody College.
Don started his teaching career at Central High School in Nashville. After one year of teaching
history at Central, he moved to Dupont Junior High where he taught history and math for several
years.
While teaching, Don felt the call to become a United Methodist minister. His father was a
Southern Baptist, but his mother’s family members were all United Methodists, including two
double first cousins who were Methodist ministers.
Don enrolled in Vanderbilt University where he earned a Master of Divinity degree. He served
as minister over the next 30+ years at several United Methodist churches in the Nashville/
Davidson County area. He retired from active ministry at Woodbine United Methodist Church in
2005. Afterwards he filled in at a couple of other churches in the Nashville area. Even after his
retirement, he still felt a great need to visit people in hospitals and in their homes.
Don was a people person. He never met a stranger. He loved to tell corny little jokes and he also
performed one-man comedy skits while in high school. He loved people, and he loved his family.
Although he never married, he loved his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children. He
always had Thanksgiving dinner in his home for all the family. He loved cooking for the family
and Christmas was always a very special time for him.
Most of all he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was saved at Marion Street Baptist
12Church in Aiken, South Carolina, when he was 12 years old. His love for God and his love for
people were the largest part of his character.
He was good friends with Henry and Sarah (Minnie Pearl) Cannon. He was very pleased that he
was asked to participate in Mrs. Cannon’s funeral.
Don will be sorely missed, not only by his family, but by all the students, parishioners, and
friends whose lives were affected by this kind, gentle man.
Loving submitted by his brother, Mac Choate, and his sister, Bettye Choate Kash
John G. Corry
February 17, 1930 – April 6, 2019
May the Works I’ve Done Speak for Me
John G. Corry, son of the late Rev. Clarence C. and Leila Borders Corry,
was born in Cleveland County (Shelby), North Carolina, and reared on
his father’s farm.
He attended high school in Cleveland County, graduating in three
years. He received the Bachelors of Arts degree, with honors, from
Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was
inducted into Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society and Phi Kappa
Alpha Humanities Honor Society. He was initiated into Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity at Rho Chapter (Johnson C. Smith University) on December
12, 1949.
He received the Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta,
Georgia, where he maintained a straight A average for the entire three years of matriculation
for that degree—the first student to do that. He received the Doctor of Ministry degree from
Vanderbilt University Divinity School, and the Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the
Nashville School of Law. He was licensed to practice law in Tennessee.
Upon graduation from Gammon, he was appointed to a two-point circuit in Eden, North
Carolina. Three years later he became the youngest pastor appointed to St. Matthews Methodist
Church, Greensboro, North Carolina, the leading church in the North Carolina Conference
(Central Jurisdiction)—largest membership, highest salary. After five years at St. Matthews he
was transferred to the Tennessee Conference (Central Jurisdiction) to pastor Clark Memorial
Church in Nashville.
13When the Tennessee Conference Central Jurisdiction merged with the Tennessee Conference
Southeastern Jurisdiction, he became the first African American appointed as district
superintendent in the merged conference. After six years on the district he was appointed the first
African American Council on Ministries director in the Tennessee Conference and Southeastern
Jurisdiction.
After two years as council director, he was recruited by the late Dr. Lloyd C. Elam, president
of Meharry Medical College, to come to Meharry to establish a chaplaincy service. He was
employed by Meharry for 35 years where he served at various times as director, Pastoral
Services; director, College Counseling Services; assistant general counsel and senior advisor to
the president for United Methodist Church Affairs. He also taught Health Law and Ethics in the
School of Graduate Studies and Research, and Dental Jurisprudence and Ethics in the School of
Dentistry. Upon his retirement from Meharry in June 2011, he was named chaplain emeritus.
In the Tennessee Conference he served as conference statistician, conference secretary,
conference parliamentarian and conference chancellor, the first African American to hold the
last three of those offices. When he retired as conference chancellor in June 2012, he was named
chancellor emeritus, the only former chancellor so named.
At the national church level, he served 16 years as a member of the Judicial Council—four years
as vice president and four years as president—the first and only African American to have served
as president of the council. He represented Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Inc. for eight
years on the Connectional Table of The United Methodist Church.
In addition to serving as pastor of Clark Memorial, he served two different times as pastor of
Braden Memorial, and two different times at Patterson Memorial United Methodist Church while
serving at Meharry Medical College. Patterson Memorial built, consecrated, and named their
family life center, The Dr. John G. Corry Family Life Center in 2013.
The Tennessee Conference Black Methodists for Church Renewal established the John G. Corry
Scholarship and Leadership Awards more than 25 years ago.
John devoted his life to advocacy and fairness within The United Methodist Church at many
levels and spoke for many of you when you would not or could not speak. We give praise and
thanksgiving for the gift of his life.
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like
eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Lovingly submitted by his wife, Shirley Corry
14Annella Creech
July 13, 1926 – February 21, 2019
Annella, born July 13, 1926, was the third child of four born to John and
Mary Creech. Growing up on a farm on Old Lebanon Dirt Road in Mt.
Juliet was an adventure for the Creech children. Days were spent doing
chores, playing, and getting into mischief with her younger brother
Leon.
Annella recognized the value of education and graduated valedictorian
from Donelson High School. After graduation, she completed three
years of pre-med studies at Ward-Belmont and Vanderbilt University.
Her experience with organic chemistry at Vanderbilt helped her decide
that medicine was not her calling. Her life took a new direction as she
was recruited to fill in as church secretary at Hobson United Methodist
Church. At that time her parents were living on Greenwood Avenue in
East Nashville and she was within walking distance to the church. After her exposure to church
work, she felt her vocation lay in service to the church.
Annella decided to go back to school. She received her B.A. in 1950 and her Master’s degree in
1953 from Scarritt College. While Annella was attending Scarritt, she would ride the bus across
town. She met her lifelong friend, Milbrey Dugger, during one of these commutes. Because
it was a long commute from East Nashville, Milbrey offered to share her parent’s home with
Annella. Milbrey would take Annella to Scarritt en route to her job.
Annella held jobs as director of Christian education in four churches in Virginia and Tennessee
before becoming director of Children’s Ministries for the Tennessee Conference. When Annella
moved back to Nashville after working in Memphis, Milbrey again offered her home until
Annella could “find something of her own”. When her position was no longer in the conference
budget, Annella went to the Methodist Publishing House where she stayed for 23 years and
became editor in the department of Children’s Literature. She was on the first board of Diaconal
Ministries for the conference.
Annella did extensive traveling in the U.S. and abroad. Birding was a passion. She and
Milbrey had observed 700 species of birds on their life lists. They were active in the Tennessee
Ornithological Society. In 1989 they retired to McKendree Village where they lived in a cottage.
When travel became impossible, they continued to enjoy their backyard birds at McKendree
Village with feeders and flowers to attract their feathered friends. Annella could describe the
birds using their common name, scientific name, appearance, sound, and habitat.
While at McKendree, Annella became known as the Unofficial Mayor of McKendree Village.
She served on the Cottage Residents’ Council, was editor of The Villager, volunteered at the
clothes closet, and was a board member of the McKendree Foundation. After living there for 29
years, there were few people who didn’t know and love her. She often visited friends that she
15made over the years. When she visited with friends she was “present” in the conversation and
always wanted to know what was happening in their life.
Annella’s life was one of committed service to the Church and to Christ. Everyone who knew her
loved her. She deeply cared about and loved her family and friends. She had a sign on her desk
that stated “Live simply so that others may simply live.” Her life exemplified that quote and upon
her death many charities and foundations benefited from her simple life.
Lovingly submitted by her niece, Dorothy Giles
Edward Lee Crump, Jr.
July 13, 1928 – May 24, 2019
Born July 13, 1928, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Rev. Edward
Lee Crump, Sr., and Lucy Frances Caldwell Crump, Ed grew up in a
Methodist pastor’s home in southwestern Virginia and Tennessee. He
accepted God’s call to ministry at the age of 17 on the day World War II
ended, while working with the Youth Caravan Program of The United
Methodist Church in Santa Ana, California. That began a lifetime
carrying out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and spreading love
and grace in His name in what would eventually be “unto the ends of
the earth.” Ed possessed a special God-given gift for relating the Gospel
to all, but especially to youth and strengthening youth ministry in local
churches.
During his nearly 70 years in ministry, Ed served for 43 years in active
service under appointment in the Memphis and Tennessee annual conferences and an additional
26 years of ministry helping people see the Bible through new eyes leading pilgrimages to the
Holy Land and around the world. Those in congregations which he served recognized him, in
their words, as a “kind and gentle leader,” “one who walks ‘with’ the flock exemplifying love,
relating faith to the Gospel and to the lives of the people … by example” and as one who knew
how to help others “experience God’s transforming love through Jesus Christ.”
Ed graduated from Cohn High School in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1946; he then attended Martin
Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee, before graduating from Memphis State University in
1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1952, he earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree from
Candler School of Theology, Emory University, followed by graduate study at New College,
University of Edinburgh, Scotland, during 1952-53. Ed was ordained deacon in The United
Methodist Church in 1952, and ordained elder in 1955. He attained his Master of Divinity degree
at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and received his Doctor of Divinity degree
16from Lambuth College.
During his high school days, some of Ed’s interests, in addition to his many friends, included
serving as president of the school drama club and the National Forensic League. He was awarded
the Citizenship Award in his graduating class. He loved debate and participating in school stage
plays as an actor and stage manager. Another key interest was photography; Ed created his own
studio and offered photo developing and finishing services to the public. At Cohn High School,
Ed did all the annual pictures for the school for four years, in addition to taking photos for local
newspapers and later for colleges he attended.
While attending Martin College, Ed met and married Georgia Lee Atkinson in 1947 with the
ceremony performed by both of their fathers, who were both Methodist ministers. During these
years, Ed and Georgia Lee lived in and raised their family of four children in western Tennessee
and Kentucky while Ed began his ministry.
As part of the Memphis Conference, Ed served as pastor at Temple Methodist Church in Lucy,
Tennessee, 1953-56; Northside Methodist Church in Paducah, Kentucky, 1956-60; Davant
Avenue Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, 1960-65; First Methodist Church in Martin,
Tennessee, 1965-69; and Madison Heights United Methodist Church in Memphis, 1969-73; as
an exchange pastorate at High Street Methodist Church in Bideford, Devon, England, during
the summer of 1968; and as district superintendent of the Paris District of The United Methodist
Church, 1973-78.
Upon transferring to the Tennessee Conference, he served as pastor at Belle Mead United
Methodist Church in Nashville, 1978-82; as district superintendent of the Columbia District of
The United Methodist Church, 1982-83, and of the Nashville District, 1983-88; and as pastor of
First United Methodist Church in Franklin, Tennessee, 1988-1993; and as an exchange pastorate
at Lorton Street Methodist Church, Cockermouth, England, 1997.
Over the years, Ed served as chairman of the School of Religion at the University of Tennessee
at Martin (1968-69) and taught at the school for four years; vice-chairman of the Tennessee
Conference Cabinet and Board of Ordained Ministry; secretary of the Memphis Conference
Television, Radio and Film Commission; Council District Youth Director and Conference Youth
Camp Director for many years; and trustee of Martin Methodist College.
He served as a delegate to the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (1976, 1984,
1988); the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference (1976, 1984, 1988); and the World Methodist
Conference in Dublin, Ireland (1976), Honolulu, Hawaii (1981), and Nairobi, Kenya (1986).
In addition, he served on the Methodist Hospital Board of Trustees and vice president of the
board; McKendree Village Board of Directors; and the Rotary Club.
Known to many as the “Traveling Pastor,” Ed led more than 80 pilgrimages to the Holy Land
and around the world, including 50+ Holy Land tours and 11 tours re-tracing the Journeys of
the Disciple Paul. Since his first journey to the Holy Land in 1952, Ed developed a deep passion
17to introduce people to the Bible story through travel. He became a tour host with the Christian
travel company, Educational Opportunities Tours in the early 1980s, serving as a director of
Travel Ministries since 1995. He was an area director of the entire Southeastern region for many
years. Those who have ever “sung their way through the Holy Land” with Ed know that his life
was a light and witness to Jesus Christ that will always outshine words that try to describe it.
An important and favorite place in Ed’s life was Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. He first visited
there around 1935 at the age of seven and continued to visit regularly his entire life. In 1977, Ed
and Georgia Lee purchased a vacation home there on Lundy Lane. Ed kept it for the rest of his
life. Ed was an active board member of the Junaluska Associates for many years.
In 2009, Ed and Sara married at Inspiration Point above the cross at Lake Junaluska. Ed said
many times that Sara was his “Wesleyan second blessing.” Their love of God, love of each other,
love of family and friends, their work with Educational Opportunities, love of travel, the arts, and
the many people and cultures around the world filled their lives to overflowing.
Ed is preceded in death by his wife, Georgia Lee Atkinson Crump; father, Edward Lee Crump,
Sr.; mother, Lucy Frances Caldwell Crump; and brother, John Robert Crump.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Pearson Crump; his four children, Stephen Patrick Crump and
wife, Terry, of Antioch Harbor, Tennessee, Kathi Sue Martin and husband, Steve, of Havelock,
North Carolina, Mimi Lee Brown and husband Eric, of Nashville, Tennessee, and Lorri Beth
Givens and husband, Thomas, of Durham, North Carolina; nine grandchildren, Keven, Ryan,
Robb, James, Ian, Rebekah, Matthew, Christopher, and Jacob; two great-grandchildren, Gracie
and Abby; brother, William Henry Crump and wife, Carol, of Abingdon, Virginia; sister-in-
law, Linda Crump of Memphis, Tennessee; Sara’s three children, Sara Coleman Ghorayeb,
and husband, Elias, of Washington, DC, Mary Elliott Coleman Farrell, and husband, Stuart,
of Richmond, Virginia, and Lucy Jackson Coleman of Washington, DC; and her three
grandchildren, Thomas, Sillers, and Elliott.
Lovingly submitted by his wife, Sara Crump
18Thomas Vernon DeRamus
January 13, 1929 – July 14, 2018
Thomas Vernon DeRamus was a native of Giles County Tennessee and
the son of a Methodist minister, Rev. William Vernon DeRamus. He was
a graduate of Martin Methodist College in Pulaski and received his
bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Scarritt College. He
attended Vanderbilt School of Religion. Thomas was ordained in The
United Methodist Church in April 1948.
He was on the Board of Ordained Ministers for the Murfreesboro
District. Several younger ministers who attended his funeral spoke of
how much Thomas had helped them and encouraged them when they
were starting in the ministry. He retired in 1991 but he continued to
serve where needed, celebrating 50 years in the ministry of The United
Methodist Church in 1998.
Thomas was a familiar face in the community, taking active roles in civic work. It was a
reflection of his heart to serve his community. He held several offices in the Lions Club and was
editor of their district newsletter. He served on the Board of Directors for the Franklin County
Senior Citizens Center. He also served as the director of the Hunger Fund for the Murfreesboro
District.
Those who knew him knew how he had a love for repairing TV’s, cars, and even some plumbing.
His work at Beersheba Springs was greatly appreciated. Any time there was a work day (and
times in between when he created special work days of his own) he was there to help. He was
also helpful in the research of the history of Beersheba Assembly. His remembrances go back to
1954 and stories of his father’s experiences there from the beginning of the assembly in 1941.
Thomas enjoyed going to yard sales. He purchased items throughout the year to give away at his
annual Bingo party. He and Lou hosted the retired Methodist ministers and their wives each year
in November. He furnished the chicken tenders and barbeque for the meal. Afterward, the group
played Bingo. Each winner was able to go to the room where the prizes were displayed and pick
what they wanted to take home. Sometimes he wore his Pilgrim outfit for the occasion.
He was born with a heart to serve, and he fulfilled that calling with honors. After many years in
the ministry, he retired in the community of Estill Springs, Tennessee. Thomas passed from this
life, peacefully, in the early morning hours on July 14, 2018. He was preceded in death by his
wife of 67 years, Lou Agnes Wright DeRamus and parents Rev. William and Elsie DeRamus.
Lovingly submitted by his sister, Barbara Anderson
19Lois Alyene Capps Fowler
February 18, 1918 – July 14, 2018
Lois Alyene Capps Fowler celebrated her 100th birthday on February 18,
2018, surrounded by her five nephews, one niece, a great-niece and a
great-great niece and great-great nephew. The fact that all of them
traveled to Fort Scott, Kansas, to be with her on that special day gives
you a glimpse of what she was like throughout her life.
She was born in Gurdon, Arkansas, the daughter of James Roy and
Della Mae Wingfield Capps. Growing up, Alyene attended school in
Gurdon as well as the First Presbyterian Church. She graduated from
Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where she majored
in home economics and was crowned homecoming queen in 1938 and
senior class vice-president.
At a summer church camp meeting, she met her future husband, Dr. Henry Thornton Fowler,
a Methodist minister, and they married on December 30, 1940. Having lived all of her life in a
small town in Arkansas, it must have been a real challenge to move to Tennessee with her new
husband.
In those early years, they moved frequently and she set up a new home in each community
and became involved in each church that Thornton served. He was the pastor in Smithville,
Savannah, Cookeville, and Nashville, Tennessee. While in Cookeville, they were instrumental in
building a new church building.
They had twin boys who died at birth and were never able to have other children. She always
loved children and was a very special aunt to her nieces and nephews. They loved to visit Alyene
and Thornton in Nashville where she made them feel very special. Many years later, two great-
nieces visited her and she took them to Opryland and rode the rollercoaster with them when their
mother declined—becoming the “cool” aunt in their eyes! She was also very interested in the
youth of each church and taught Sunday school (9th, 10th and 11th grades) for many years.
Dr. Fowler served as the senior pastor at McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville,
Tennessee, from 1952 until 1962. They remained in Nashville while he served as district
superintendent (1963-1970) and then as associate publisher of The United Methodist Publishing
House until his death in 1978.
Alyene was a wonderful homemaker and minister’s wife who was always a cheerful, caring
person. She moved to Presbyterian Village in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 2003 and she maintained her
sense of humor and her infectious laugh throughout her life.
Alyene is survived by her nephews, Dean (Becky) Mann, Georgetown, South Carolina (formerly
of Fort Scott, Kansas), Dr. Michael (Carolyn) Mann, Houston, Texas, Robert Mann, Pearland,
20Texas, Dr. James Austin (Judy) Capps, Jr., Conway, Arkansas, Dr. Billy Roy (Betty) Capps, Hot
Springs, Arkansas, and niece, Nancy Mann (Jim) Adkins, Houston, Texas, and many great-nieces
and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, her husband,
twin sons—Joseph Roy Fowler and Henry Thornton Fowler, Jr.—a brother, James Austin Capps,
and a sister, Mary Louise Capps Mann.
A memorial service for Alyene was held September 13, 2018, with burial in the Woodlawn
Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee.
Lovingly submitted by her nephew, H. D. Mann and his wife, Becky Mann
James Walter Graham
May 18, 1930 – January 5, 2019
Rev. James Walter “J.W.” Graham, aka “Jay”, age 88, passed peacefully
from this world on the morning of January 5, 2019, at Bailey Manor
Assisted Living Facility in Manchester, Tennessee. Born May 18, 1930,
in Tracy City, Tennessee, to Homer and Renice Graham, he was the
third of eight children. Jay grew up with a love for gospel music and
strong Christian values passed down through generations. He loved to
sing and play the piano. He had a strong work ethic and in his early
adult life worked as a grocer, coal miner, upholsterer, shirt factory
cutting-room foreman, and furniture builder.
Throughout his life Jay was active in church as a self-taught pianist and
choir director. He played piano for his family’s quartet known first as
the Spiritualaires and later as the Singing Victors. He also played for the
Cumberland Boys Quartet. He attended Motlow Community College and Athens State College
in his mid-forties, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in religion. After completing
divinity course work at Emory University and Vanderbilt University, he was ordained as a
Methodist minister in 1985. He pastored several churches in the Middle Tennessee area during
his career including Pleasant Hill, Smith’s Chapel, Harris Chapel, Turkey Creek, Pleasant Grove,
Eagleville, and Concord United Methodist. He entertained and touched many lives through his
musical talent and ministry.
Jay is survived by his son Tony Graham (Debi), grandsons Jared Graham and Chase Graham
(Suzie), two great-grandchildren, Mary-Michael and Jack Graham, a step-son, Arvis Williams
(Robyn) and step-grandchildren, Amanda and Nicholas Williams. He is also survived by two
sisters, Doris Hughes and Carol Gray, two brothers, Homer Graham, Jr., and Larry Graham. He
was “Uncle Jay” to numerous nieces and nephews.
21He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Beard Graham, his parents, Renice and Homer
Graham, Sr., brother, Robert Craig Graham, two sisters, Anna Lee Harris and Oma Ruth Ledford,
and step-grandson, Christopher Williams.
Funeral services were held January 9, 2019, at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, Tennessee,
with Brother Danny Coffelt officiating. Entombment was at Sequatchie Memorial Gardens in
Jasper, Tennessee.
Nancy Dickens Van Atta Harrub
January 18, 1932 – April 22, 2019
Nancy brought love, joy, and hope to her world. She was the daughter
of Catherine and Raymond Dickens who predeceased her. A Nashville
native, she grew up in the Pennington Bend area and graduated from
Donelson High School. While in high school she was FFA queen and
captain of the cheerleaders. While in Donelson High, she fell in love
with the captain of the football team, Robert L. (Bob) Van Atta.
Nancy and Bob were married for 35 years and had five children: Tony
(Sandra), Becky (Larry), Gary (Courtney), Cathy (Gregg), and Robin
(Donny). At her death, she had 15 grandchildren and about that many
spouses. These had seven great-grandchildren and three great-greats.
Family gatherings were somewhere between chaos and riots. A good
evening brought neither sirens nor bloodshed!
She was known as Meema or Grandma by her grandchildren and she enjoyed choosing and
mailing birthday cards, never missing a chance to celebrate their births.
Bob died at age 55, and Nancy was a single woman with five rowdy children. A couple of years
later, she married Rev. Calvin N. (Bud) Harrub, who brought three more rowdy children to the
mix: Calvin (deceased), Kevin (Staci) and Brad (Melinda).
Nancy and Bud travelled widely by air, ship, train, and kayak. They tasted conch fritters in Aruba
and tres leches in San Juan, and visited some exotic places, enjoying things like swimming in the
south Pacific or walking the ancient streets of Rome where the Apostle Paul had walked. They
participated in several mission trips and the Walk to Emmaus.
She was an athlete and golf was her sport of choice. At age 85, she was actively playing in the
Lebanon Country Club Senior scrambles. She would occasionally sink a 30-foot putt to enhance
her reputation as Queen of the Greens. She had discovered her love for golf found at Ravenwood
prior to its closure. She also loved competing in card games at 50 Forward in Donelson. She
22was also a fan; especially of the college teams her son (Gary) was coaching and the Vanderbilt
Commodores.
Her artistic talent was evident in her paintings and stained glass creations. She claimed to
have inherited her talent from her mom, who was called Tashy. Her faith was enhanced by her
membership in Hermitage United Methodist Church and the Shalom Seekers Sunday school
class. Nancy was a willing worker in her churches, taught Sunday school, played piano and as
she said, “I was born on the steps of Pennington Bend United Methodist Church.” She was a
perfect fit in the churches Bud would serve as pastor in Middle Tennessee and North Florida.
Surrounded by the large family and supported by many friends, she slipped from the pain and
illness of this world to the joy of God’s presence.
A celebration of Nancy’s life was held on April 27, 2019, at Hermitage United Methodist
Church.
Lovingly submitted by Brad Harrub
Betty Johnson Hobgood
November 28, 1929 – September 11, 2018
Betty Johnson Hobgood was born to John and Ethel Johnson on
November 28, 1929, in Nashville Tennessee. Betty attended Bailey
Elementary and East High School, where she was a cheerleader and part
of the student body council.
At the age of 16, she caught the eye of James Hobgood. They both
attended Hobson United Methodist Church. He was 21 at the time; not
knowing her age, he invited her on a date which she refused because
she was playing paper dolls with a girlfriend. Their mothers were good
friends and eventually, she said “yes” to that date.
They were married in 1950. Jim’s work took them to Jacksonville
Florida, where they had their first child, Gordon Hamilton, in 1952.
Moving again because of work, they had their second child, Heather Ann, in Knoxville,
Tennessee, in 1955. Shortly after, they moved back to Nashville to be near family.
When Heather was old enough to go to kindergarten, Betty began working at Levy’s men’s
clothing store in Madison, Tennessee. She would spend the next 35 years with Levy’s and was
the first female manager of the Levy’s store in Opryland Hotel. She always had a love for people
and working in the Jewish community during the depression taught her many skills which she
23carried into her sales position.
When Jim accepted Christ in his late 40’s and was called into the ministry, Betty supported his
decision and was a wonderful servant of Christ in the two churches they served, Barth-Vernon
and 61st United Methodist Church. Upon Jim’s retirement, they attended Dalewood United
Methodist Church. Betty was a regular attendee of women’s Bible studies that included Precept
Ministries and Beth Moore studies. She had a Bible at every spot she sat in her house.
After Jim passed away, she moved her membership to First United Methodist in Hendersonville,
Tennessee, which was closer to home. Betty was a part of the Lakeshore Quilters and Young at
Heart and worked in the office on Wednesday afternoons.
She was a very fun-loving person and loved to play board games and cards. She and Jim enjoyed
camping when their family was young and then again when she had five grandchildren. She was
a great hostess and loved to entertain in her home. She was a very strong believer in tithing and
giving above and beyond. She never met a stranger and was always willing to volunteer. She is
missed!
Lovingly submitted by her daughter, Heather Patton, and her son, Gordon Hobgood
Carl Thomas (Tom) Hutson
April 22, 1944 – November 29, 2018
Carl Thomas (Tom) Hutson was born April 22, 1944, in Nashville,
Tennessee, to Bessie Mae and Carl Hutson. He was the oldest child,
followed closely by his sister Frances and later by his brother John.
Tom’s parents were strong Christians and active in the church, his
mother and sister attending the Presbyterian church his mother had been
raised in, while Tom, his father and later John, attended the Church of
Christ where his father had been raised. Tom always credited his
knowledge and love of the Bible and Jesus to his parent’s strong faith
and insistence on church attendance, Bible study, and daily scripture
reading.
Additionally, Tom’s father was very active in the Boy Scouts of
America and encouraged Tom as he graduated through the ranks from
Cub Scout to eventually becoming the youngest Eagle Scout in Tennessee at that time. Through
the Scouts, Tom further developed his love of nature and desire to seek ways to serve others.
Tom graduated from Maplewood High School in 1962, received his B.S. degree in biology
from Austin Peay, his M.S. in education from MTSU and was conferred his Ph.D. in school
24administration from Vanderbilt University. Because of his love of the natural world, he began
his career as a resource manager with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Administration. He
eventually felt he wanted to be more directly involved with young people and help them realize
their potential so he set his sights on teaching. He worked in the Metro Nashville School System
for 30 years, starting as a biology teacher and football coach before moving into administration.
During this time, he remained active in the church and, when he and his wife Cara moved to
Gallatin, Tennessee, they began attending Rehoboth United Methodist Church, where he was
asked to teach the adult Sunday school class. After retiring from Metro Public Schools he was
excited to continue working with young people but in a different capacity. He became the
associate director of the Master of Arts in education at Cumberland University, a position he held
for nine years.
He continued teaching the adult Sunday school and felt led to become even more active in the
church, starting the process of being licensed in pastoral ministry in The United Methodist
Church. He was licensed in June, 2009, and began his new career as pastor at Saundersville
United Methodist Church, a position he held until his death in November 2018.
Although Tom had many professional accomplishments, the achievement he was most proud of
was raising three extraordinary sons: Tommy, Mark, and Blake. They were the light of his life
and brought him, and all they meet, great joy. As he watched them grow and mature, he marveled
at the wisdom, compassion, love of life, and great humor they exhibited. They all shared his
love of nature and the outdoors and together had many exciting hunting and fishing adventures;
listening to their exploits was something the entire family enjoyed. His sons each married kind,
strong Christian women (Cathi, Gina, and Christina respectively) giving Tom eight grandchildren
and 12 great-grandchildren. God blessed Tom in many ways, but his biggest blessing was his
family and he loved each member dearly.
Tom felt that his entire life had been preparing him for the ministry. He was a natural teacher
with a way of imparting knowledge that made the learner understand even complex issues and
leave them with a hunger to learn more. That, along with his generosity, empathy, compassion,
patience, humor, and devotion to Jesus served him well in his role as pastor. Tom will remain
a model and inspiration for all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his wife, family,
congregation, and friends.
Lovingly submitted by his wife, Cara
25David Merrill Jones
November 27, 1946 – August 17, 2018
David began his ministry working along with the youth minister at his
home church, Meridian Street United Methodist on Nashville’s East
side. At that time, he began his studies at the night school of University
of Tennessee in Nashville. He completed his undergraduate education at
Scarritt College for Christian Workers in 1974. David married Judy
Crane on January 4, 1975.
David graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Divinity with
a Master of Divinity in 1977. He was ordained as a deacon of the
Tennessee Conference in 1975 and as an elder in 1978. He served
several Tennessee churches (circuits) in Savannah, Gallatin, Franklin,
Clarksville (Sango), Clifton, and Rover before moving to Ohio to
pursue further graduate studies at Ohio State University.
While living in Ohio, he served as associate pastor of First United Methodist in London. In
1995 David and his family moved to Illinois where he accepted a position at St. Philipus United
Church of Christ on the South Side of Chicago. He served as their pastor for nine years before
guiding them through the process of closing the church. This congregation, who believed they
had only months left to be a church when David came to them, was able to maintain ministry to
its elderly parishioners and families for another nine years. At its closing, the church was able to
sell its building and contribute the profits to several other ministries and programs of the Chicago
Metropolitan Association and Illinois Conference. Later, he accepted a position as pastor of
Hometown Christian Church, serving for three years before he retired in 2008.
David was a “creator.” He could take a little bit and make the most of it. He could take a
Scripture passage and create a well-thought-out sermon as easily as most people would write
their grocery list. He created beautiful pieces of furniture, things like a china cabinet, tables, a
very special wooden music box for his father-in-law, and a swinging cradle for our sons. David
was an excellent cook, creating delicious meals and breads for his family and friends. He worked
with several different types of paint to create beautiful pictures. He even did a bit of sculpting.
He was, up to the end, a consummate student, especially delving into the Old Testament and
writing liturgies.
David had many talents that he shared with the churches he served as well as his family until
those last few years when we watched the creative light fade slowly from his life. His wife Rev.
Judy C. Jones, his sons, Dr. Samuel Jones and Christopher Jones, his daughter-in-law Holly and
his granddaughter Rachel walked with him through the last year when Parkinson’s disease and
dementia took away his voice and the words that he so eloquently spoke for all of his 71 years.
Through all of his illness he maintained his sense of humor. Now, as the old Gospel hymn says,
“He walks with the Lord in the light of his life.” David is remembered and missed by many
friends in all three states.
Lovingly submitted by his wife, Rev. Judy Crane Jones
26David W. Kingsley
March 31, 1942 – October 17, 2018
Affectionately known as “Bro. Dave,” he was born in Johnson City,
New York, the middle child of three sons. His family soon moved to
Oxford, Wisconsin. As a preacher’s kid he was raised in a loving and
caring family. Faith in Christ was learned and experienced early on.
Dave’s education included Campbellsville College, Tennessee Tech
University, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was
ordained as a Baptist minister and transferred into the Tennessee
Conference of The United Methodist Church in 1982. He became an
associate member of the conference in 1984.
Bro. Dave left Wisconsin in 1964 and moved to Nashville, Tennessee,
where he met Pat and both fell in love. They were married three weeks
after meeting on April 25, 1964. They celebrated 54 years of marriage with Pat as his companion,
friend, and partner in church life. He worked for a few years as a route salesman, when he
decided to stop running from our Lord. Bro. Dave loved to sing and had a booming baritone
voice. Hearing him sing is Pat’s favorite memory of Bro. Dave.
Bro. Dave loved this world and being a part of it. He was an avid outdoorsman and was very
good at it. He love to hunt and fish but was very clear that he preferred to be a fisher of men and
a hunter of the truth of Christ. He witnessed to many people who would never attend church but
they experienced the love and warmth of Christ in Bro. Dave. With an infectious laugh, he made
friends quickly and often.
He served two Baptist churches and 17 United Methodist churches over the years. Bro. Dave
was a great preacher. He loved God’s word, studied it, and loved to tell what God would do in
forgiving sin and making one whole. He preached numerous revivals and led many to Jesus. It
was his passion and the fulfillment of God’s call on his life.
Bro. Dave’s love of God, people, and the outdoors led him in retirement back to Savannah,
Tennessee, where he had served Barnhill, Eureka, and Campground United Methodist Churches.
Bro. Dave was a faithful person and trusted God completely. Whenever God opened a door he
would go through it without question. A man of great honesty and integrity, he would do what he
said he would do, completely and totally.
Bro. Dave was known for many sayings, such as “Be still my heart,” and “Lord loves a duck.”
The saying he was most known for is the response he always made to the question, “Bro. Dave,
how are you doing?” He would always reply, “Any better and I’d have to be in heaven.”
Lovingly submitted by his wife, Evelyn (Pat) Kingsley
27Frances N. Link
September 27, 1927 – August 27, 2018
Frances was born September 27, 1927, in Saltville, Virginia, where she
grew up and attended school. She was a member of the Saltville
Methodist Church. She was the church pianist. It was there that she met
W. C. Link. They played music together—she played the piano and he
played the violin during services.
They were married in February 1927, and they had three children:
two boys and one girl. They named them from characters in the Bible:
David, Daniel, and Deborah. David was born August 1948; Daniel,
September 1950; and Deborah, September 1953.
During their marriage, Frances and W. C. served together in the
churches to which he was appointed: Barren Plains, Thompson Station,
St. John’s, Glendale, Winchester, and Manchester. They are best remembered for the 22 years
(1968-1990) which they spent at McKendree Village. Even today the impact she and W. C. had
on that ministry and the residents continues.
Frances loved playing the piano and was an accomplished painter. Many of her works were sold
in auctions. She also liked being an interior designer and dabbled in real estate.
She passed away on August 27, 2018, in Zephyrhills, Florida, where she was close to her son,
David.
Lovingly submitted by her son, David
28Wanda Meadors
May 11, 1940 – July 17, 2018
Wanda was born on May 11, 1940, in Nashville, Tennessee, to the late
Everett and Opal Denton. She was raised by her mother and loving
stepfather, the late Clyde Hall. She was the middle child of three—older
brother, the late Donald Denton, and younger sister, Marsha. Wanda
grew up in East Nashville and was educated in the local school system.
Professing her life to Christ at an early age, she attended East End
United Methodist Church with her family.
Wanda met the late Rev. John Meadors at an East End UMC revival.
They married in 1972 and spent 37 wonderful years together.
Throughout her life, Wanda loved working in the church and cherished
praising the Lord. She served the Lord, her family, friends, and
community every day with all her heart. Wanda was deeply involved
in every church John pastored. She was the quintessential preacher’s wife. She was involved in
many aspects of the church, including teaching Sunday school, serving on committees, quilting
group, Mary Martha Circle, children’s nursery, taking care of the plants, teaching children’s time,
serving on the church board, and attending meetings.
In the early years, Wanda worked as a key punch operator at Industrial Uniform and Towel
Company in Nashville, Tennessee. In the later years, she worked at Chick-fil-A in Goodlettsville
where she served customers. After she retired, she volunteered at Bellshire Elementary each
week tutoring reading skills. She truly enjoyed making a difference in the children’s lives.
Wanda was bedridden for a year as a child and was told she could never have children due to
her heart condition. But she persevered and gave birth to a son, Scott. She actually said she felt
better during her pregnancy than she had ever felt before. Scott was three years old when she and
John married. She also became a Mimi in October 1994. She never dreamed she would live long
enough to see her grandchild and was a loving and doting grandmother.
Wanda was always more concerned with others than herself. She would go to great lengths to
ensure family, friends, and even strangers were taken care of. She had great passion in caring
for others, even though she experienced many health challenges throughout her lifetime. She
enjoyed her weekly card games and lunch on Thursdays with her friends. She also enjoyed going
to see movies with her friends. She enjoyed community events, attending church singings, plays,
and dinner auctions. With an ever-caring heart, she delighted in prayer and did not shy away
from praying for and with others.
She was at her happiest when spending time with family, laughing, and helping others. Wanda
was a loving and caring individual, devoted wife, mother, and friend. She always thought of
others first before herself; to know her was to love her. Wanda was beautiful inside and out. She
remained vigilant in her faith her entire life.
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