Dorothy "E" Wilbanks Tennyson

Mrs. Dorothy “E” Louise Wilbanks Tennyson, age 91, of Santa Fe, passed away on Friday, February 19, 2016, peacefully in her sleep at her residence.

Dorothy, who came to be known as “E”, was born on December 19, 1924 in Sheffield, Alabama to Hubert and Amy Miller Wilbanks. She grew up to be an amazing lady who wasn’t afraid to do things that were traditionally out of the ordinary for women. For instance, she served as a member of the Women’s Army Corps during World War II, and was honorably discharged. She also drove her own tractor and ran her own farm. She absolutely loved being outside, raising a garden and growing beautiful flowers. She was quite the outdoorswoman, traveling to all 48 contiguous state, tent camping along the way with her children. She had quite an adventurous spirit.

In 1953 Dorothy married Eugene Tennyson, Sr. and they had two children together. Unfortunately, Mr. Tennyson passed away in 1965. Mrs. Tennyson never married again, but worked hard raising her family. She was a graduate of Memphis State University and worked as a special education teacher in Spring Hill, finally retiring in 1989.

“E” was a dedicated Christian woman who was a long-time Methodist. She was a member of Goshen United Methodist Church in Santa Fe. However, her faith was more than a church membership to her. She lived her faith daily in action and deed. She was selfless, always putting others first. She was loving, and never said a bad word about anyone. She was always happy and joyful. In short, she loved her family, loved her church, and loved her Lord.

“E” lived out her last years in her home thanks to her very special friends Melody Bills and Debbie Jones who were her caretakers from Home Instead Senior Care. Debbie became “E”’s very best friend and second daughter during her time loving and caring for “E”.

“E” is survived by her children: Eugene and his wife Karen Tennyson of Estill Springs and Amye and her husband Gerald Humphrey of Santa Fe; grandchildren: Megan Humphrey, Weston Tennyson, Lara Tennyson, Savannah Tennyson and Ben Tennyson; her best friend: Gracie; She was preceded in death by her parents: Hubert Wilbanks and Amy Miller Wilbanks; husband: Eugene Tennyson, Sr.; and brother: Hubert Wilbanks.

The family will visit with friends on Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tennessee.

Funeral services for Dorothy will be held on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Goshen United Methodist Church in Santa Fe, Tennessee with Rev. Joe Bowers officiating. There will be a one hour visitation Monday from 12 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. before the service. Burial will follow at the Goshen Methodist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19.

Eugene Tennyson, Ben Tennyson, Weston Tennyson and family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Gerald Humphrey will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Memorial donations may be made to the Scholarship Fund of Goshen United Methodist Church, 3523 Goshen Road, Santa Fe, TN 38482.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.williamsfh.com .