Thomas Swann Teague

Thomas Swann Teague, age 82, of Jefferson City, TN departed his earthly life on July 6, 2020. He began his journey of life December 9, 1937 in Kernersville, NC as the first child of Ethel Swaim Teague and Thomas Carrick Teague, growing up on the 5th generation Teague family farm there. He attended Mars Hill College, and graduated from Florida State in 1962, when he came to teach voice at then Carson Newman College, later earning his doctorate from FSU. In addition to teaching voice at CNU, he directed many productions of Lyric Theater and chaired the Concert Lecture Series. He also served as the choir director at First United Methodist Church from 1969 -2009. After his retirement from CNU in 2003, he taught voice classes at Walters State for six years, filling the rest of his time continuing to direct music at First United Methodist Church, spending time with family, and farming. He and his family enjoyed farming, boating and horseback riding together when the children were growing up. He was preceded in death by parents Carrick and Ethel Teague, daughter Julie Wahl, son Matthew Freshour, and grandchild Logan Teague. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Nyoka Haworth Teague; brother, Reggie (Ruby) Teague; sister Martha (Leon) Smith; children, David Teague, Rachel (Mark) Watson, Chris (Paige) Freshour; grandchildren, Aaron and Alex Thompson, Lauren (Read) Walden, Luke and Lannah Teague, Drew, Reese, and Ivy Freshour, Josh, Jayden, and Jordan Watson. He further leaves behind a host of other family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Thomas Teague Music Scholarship Fund at Carson Newman University or First United Methodist Church music fund in Jefferson City. A small family graveside service was be held at West View Cemetery with First United Methodist pastor Lloyd Jones officiating. A Celebration of Life service in memory of Dr. Thomas Teague will be held at First United Methodist Church Jefferson City on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. Music will begin at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN 865-475-3892 www.farrarfuneralhome.com