Tommye Louise Rankin

Tommye Louise Rankin - 82, Knoxville, TN died Sunday, August 5, at her home. Born November 9, 1935, in Jefferson City, TN, she was the fifth daughter of Isaac Lafayette "Fate" and Grace Ward Rankin. Tommye was born blind and briefly attended Tennessee School for the Blind as a child. She lived with her mother and father on the family dairy farm on Fate Rankin Road, but after the death of her mother went to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Lillian and Robert Holsaple in Fountain City. Tommye was a member of Fountain City Presbyterian Church. She loved attending Sunday School and church services and helped teach a Sunday School class. She was an avid prayer warrior and always said the blessings at family meals and holiday celebrations. She also loved listening to books on tape and studying her Bible. Tommye dearly loved all of her sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and caregivers. Tommye was preceded in death by her parents and her sister and brother-in-law, Lillian Rankin Holsaple and Bob Holsaple; sisters, Myra Rankin Fielden and Cleva Rankin Cox; and niece, Shelba Cox Curry. She is survived by sister, Wanda Rankin Thomas of Jefferson City; and many nieces and nephews, including Dr. Melanie (Jack) Hodgson of New Market; Tanya (Russell) Turner of Jefferson City; Anita (Lee) Stroupe of Boone, NC; Dr. Gary (Dr. Rebecca) Fielden of Kingsport; Terry (Sandy) Cox of Blaine; and Judy Cox Gregory of Florida. Great-nieces and nephews include Cara (Sia) Vojdani, Trevor (Jamie) Hodgson, David Stroupe, Kristin Stroupe (Jeff Loperfido), Laura (Maria) Fielden, Natalie ( Rob) Helton, Taylor (Anastasiya) Fielden, Mike Trower, Cindy (Chris) McCormick, Robin (Andy) Frattin, Jeff Trower, Teri (Britt) Graham, Tim (Brenda) Cox, David Pemberton, Danny Pemberton, Dena Pemberton, and Chad Strobeck, and there are many great-great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Farrar Funeral Home on Friday, August 10, at 11am until 12 noon, with the service to follow at 12pm. Burial will immediately follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens.