Willena “Grace” Tipsey Gray Nunn
Willena “Grace” Tipsey Gray Nunn was born on June 11, 1938.
She was the second daughter of the late Ida Mae Tipsey Gray and the late James Gray, of Chattanooga. Willena attended Howard School from elementary through high school.
Willena began attending church early in life and accepted Christ at an early age. Her mother, Ida Mae, was a strong Christian who instilled in her two daughters, Jean and Willena, the love of Christ. Willena was a faithful member of Greater Tucker Missionary Baptist Church and loved her Sunday School class. When she was no longer physically able to attend, she faithfully listened to Sunday services online. She also supported church events whenever she could attend.
Willena began working early in life, ironing clothes in a foundry to help support her six children. After a period of doing this type of work, she was determined to change her path in life. She came home from work one day, sat her children down, and informed them she was preparing to attend nursing school. She had originally wanted to be a doctor, but with segregation and race relations as they were at the time, she was only permitted to be a nurse. She attended one of the early nursing classes at Baroness Erlanger Hospital, graduating as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She worked as a nurse at both Erlanger and Parkridge Hospitals, and later at Mahoney Detox Clinic. She also worked many years as a private duty nurse. Because of her kind and caring spirit, she formed lifelong bonds with many of her patients.
Willena later earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1980, thereby switching to a career in social work. She was a social worker for the State of Tennessee’s foster care division, where she formed bonds so strong that many of the foster children continued to be a part of her life long after they reached adulthood.
Willena was an amazing mother to her six children, Reginald, Marlena, Rita, Judith, Jenny, and Wilson, Jr. She built a true “family” environment in her home. One of her children' s many favorite childhood memories was playing Monopoly, Pokeno, and other board games. Willena was a "hands-on” mother, who loved teaching her children skills that would last into adulthood such as sewing and playing the piano. She believed in family time, and loved making memories, such as festive holiday events. Another of her favorite pastimes was reading. She loved to learn, and always had a new book around. She would share books with her children, and open discussions when the books were finished.
She had such a big heart, and not only loved her own children, but welcomed neighborhood children into her home too. Many times, she would open her home to children needing a temporary place to stay. She had a genuine love for people. She built a Godly home for her late husband, Wilson Henry Nunn, Sr., and her children. Even after becoming adults, one of her children’s favorite pastimes was to come over on the weekend and sit on the porch. These “porch” visits were full of laughter, conversation, friendly debates, sharing life updates, and gaining wisdom. She often had fish fries for her children and invited everyone over.
Willena also loved to travel, and instilled this love in her children. She was not afraid to venture out, and never hesitated to allow her children to venture out. She loved attending movies, Broadway shows, local events (going out to eat, and shopping), and was never hesitant to try new things, and re-invent herself. These memories will always be cherished.
Willena was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Henry Nunn, Sr.; father, James Gray; mother, Ida Mae Tipsey Gray; beloved only sister, Erma Jean Jackson; brother-in-law, Noble Jackson; favorite uncle, J.W. Tipsey; favorite aunt, Erma Mathis; nephew, Larry Starling; and niece, Wanda Gaye Jackson.
Loved ones left to cherish her loving memory include her sons: Reginald (Angie) Tipsey and Wilson Henry (Beth) Nunn, Jr, all of Stockton, California; daughters, Marlena (Roger) Russell, Rita Lorraine Hubbard, Judith Brown, and Mae Jenny Gaines, all of Chattanooga; 13 loving grandchildren include, Toni (Reggie) Brown, Martial (Carli) Tipsey, Leander Tipsey, Fenesa Brewer, April Russell, Joy (Travis) Jones, Thomas (Markeyda) Hubbard, Marcus (Aba) Hubbard, Adam (Skieree) Brown, Anthony Brown, Adrienne (Kincaid) Wilson, Amara Brown, and Layra Nunn; 14+ great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and very special niece, Earlene Jackson Goodwyn; special nephews, Jerry and Kelvin Jackson; special friends, Melba Brown and Jackie Scaife; special cousin, Gussie Montgomery, a host of other cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.
She will lie in state on Friday, Aug. 8, at 9 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home.
Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery.