Ella “Nana” Wooten
Ella “Nana” Wooten, 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at her home in Hixson, Tennessee, surrounded by her family.
Ella was born in McMinnville, Tn., to parents John Calvin Thompson and Lillie Mae Ables Thompson on December 3, 1932 and was the fourth of five daughters. Ella was married to her loving husband, Paul Wooten, for 74 years, tying the knot in Chattanooga when she was just 16 and he 18; they went on to raise their family of girls in the area. Ella’s laugh, smile, and sweetness filled any room she entered, recognizable to family, friends, and passersby alike. Hearing her trademark “Hey Sugar” was like comfort food and is a phrase her family will cherish forever. She loved her people fiercely and whether you were near or far, she made sure you felt it with phone calls, cards, and sometimes even a little piece of Juicy Fruit gum tucked inside. Ella was a lifelong member of the Sequoyah Baptist Tabernacle, finding comfort in her final moments with prayer.
Ella is survived by her husband, Paul Wooten; her children, Linda (Frank) Smith and Vicki (Jeff) Burke; her grandchildren, Jason (Jenny) Hill, T.R. Hill, Lauren (Andrew) Lingle, and Erin Burke; her great-grandchildren, Annabelle Hill, Elliott Hill, and Burke Lingle; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Donna Marie; and her sisters, Pauline Gossett, Gladys Morgan, Arlene Lewis, and Della Holloway.
Celebration of Life service will be held at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at Sequoyah Baptist Tabernacle (8405 Daisy Dallas Road, Hixson, Tn. 37343), with Pastor David Stancil officiating. The family will greet friends with a visitation at 11 a.m. prior to the service, also at the Tabernacle.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hearth Hospice (www.hearthhospice.com/make_a_donation.php). We are thankful for the comfort and care provided to her by Nurse Cindy.
We will love you and carry you with us forever, Mama/Nana/Gran-Nana.
Please share your memories, stories, and photos at www.legacyfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, Soddy Daisy, Tn., 423 843-2525.