Ruby Jean Thurman Hood

Mrs. Ruby Jean Thurman Hood, age 86, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2016 at Lifecare Center in Columbia. She was a devoted wife, aunt and friend. She instilled in us the values of respect, unconditional love and selflessness.

Jean was born in Giles County on October 8, 1929 to the late James Ervin Thurman and Josie Elizabeth (Big Mama) Williamson Thurman. She graduated from Jones High School in Lynnville. Jean married the love of her life Clarence Douglas (Doug) Hood on November 30, 1946 after his discharge from military service during World War II. Doug preceded Jean in death on February 19, 1987. After their marriage Jean and Doug settled in Santa Fe, Tennessee where she enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the community. Jean worked many years at Hood’s Grocery in Santa Fe, then Firestone, and she worked at First Farmer’s and Merchant’s Bank until she retired in 1997.

Jean was a very active member of Santa Fe Baptist Church. She was active in missionary work, served as a Sunday school teacher, WMU, and Vacation Bible School until the heavy hands of time and deteriorating health took their toll. Jean was a “real” granddaughter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. She was an honorary member of the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19 Ladies Auxiliary.

A Celebration of Life funeral service for Jean will be conducted on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia with Jack Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Santa Fe Cemetery. Family and friends will visit from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service also at the funeral home. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Santa Fe Cemetery, c/o Norman Harris, 1331 Crofton Park Dr, Columbia, Tennessee, 38401.

Survivors include many nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces and cousins and friends. Paul (Mikki) Breeden and family, J. C. (Gail) Lancaster and family, Buddy (Sara) Lancaster and family of Shreveport, LA, Larry (Gail) Thurman and family, Pam (Mike) Dawson and family, Jim (Sherry) Thurman and family, Trenton, MI, Wanda Jones and family, Royce (Connie) Thurman and family, and many, many more great nephews and nieces and great-great nephews and nieces, cousins and friends. Special thanks to Billy and Brenda Potts, Joey Potts, Linda Potts, Ray Potts, Mary Ruth Ragsdale and all her Santa Fe friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son: William Ervin Hood; brothers: James Thurman and LeRoy Thurman; sisters: Charlotte “Lottie” Lancaster and Thelma “Babe” Beaver; half-sisters: Lillie Thurman Weatherford and Lacy Thurman Williamson; half-brother: Marshall Thurman; and many beloved family members and friends.

Paul Breeden, Royce Thurman, Larry Thurman, Billy Potts, Scotty Lancaster, Bucky Rowland and Gerald Adkisson will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to express thanks to the loving, caring staff of Lifecare of Columbia and to Dr. Kanth.

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