Jackie Thompson Byrum, RN and CPN, 81, of Athens, died on Saturday night, April 30, 2016 at NHC of Athens after a lengthy illness and went to be with the Lord and her family in heaven.
She was born on June 4, 1934 in the Piney Grove Community to the late Lake and Agartha Rowland Thompson.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Partain, and brothers, Wade Thompson, Ray Thompson and W.A. Thompson.
Jackie was saved at an early age, and was a longtime member of East Athens Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school, Training Union, and Vacation Bible School. She graduated from McMinn County High School in 1953 and married Bobby Byrum on November 11, 1955. After her sons Doug and Todd were born she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in 1972, from Cleveland State Community College. Jackie was an Emergency Room and ICU Nurse at Bradley Memorial Hospital from 18 years, later she was employed by Hiwassee Mental Health for 14 years where she receive her Psychiatric Nurse Certification before retiring in 2008.
Jackie will be remembered for her love of God and church, as well as, her soft spoken nature and caring sentiment.
Jackie is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 60years, Bobby L. Byrum, of Athens,; sons, Doug (Karen) Byrum of Athens, Todd (Chris) Byrum of Ringgold, GA; grandson, Rowdy (Angie) Byrum, great-grandson, Liam Byrum of Medina, TN; granddaughter, Brooke Byrum of Ringgold, GA; special niece, Patti (Bucky) Hall of Athens, and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Thompson of Chattanooga and Patsy Byrum of Orangeburg, SC.
A celebration of life will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, at East Athens Baptist Church in Athens with Dr. Jon Hathcock officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service.
The committal service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 9, at McMinn Memory Gardens Mausoleum.
Pallbearers will be Debo Toomey, Hoby Toomey, Sam Guthrie, Gerard Jabaley, Brad Byrum, Rowdy Byrum, Jack Allen, and Dan Lemons.
The Byrum family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Dr. Maynard's Office, Starr Regional Medical Center, NHC and Hospice of Chattanooga.
The family suggests memorials be made to East Athens Baptist Church, 301 Central Ave., Athens, Tn. 37303.
If you are unable to attend this service or visitation you may sign the guest register at www.smithfuneral&cremationservicesofathens.com.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Jackie Thompson Byrum.