Mrs. Tommie Lee McCormick

The family of Tommie Lee Tennent McCormick announces her beautiful soul passed from this world on November 29, 2012. “Some things, like a parent’s love, do last forever in a time and place where all broken hearts will forever be made whole. And if, in the silent vastness of a mysterious universe, or in the quietness of men’s hearts, there is such a place as heaven, then it couldn’t be anything more than that.” – Richard Paul Evans. Tommie Lee was born in Lumberton, MS to Tom and Hattie Tennent. Her family moved to Laurel, MS when her father, a pharmacist, bought Robert’s Pharmacy. Some of her fondest memories of her beloved father included her sitting on the counter while he filled prescriptions for customers. She remembered him as a kind and generous spirit, especially to those who could not afford needed medicines. His legacy of giving lived on in Tommie Lee’s service to others. When Tommie Lee was 13, her father died after a lengthy illness and her family moved to Yazoo City, MS to be near relatives. After graduating from high school in Yazoo City, Mrs. McCormick attended Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL. In 1991 she was chosen as South Mississippi’s representative of Huntingdon College. While attending Huntingdon, she met and married her husband, M.L. McCormick, Jr. After finishing her degree at Huntingdon, Mrs. McCormick taught school in Jackson, MS while her husband finished his degree at Millsaps College. Mrs. McCormick and her husband moved to Meridian, MS where she devoted herself to raising their children and supporting civic activities. She was president of the Marion Park Elementary PTA, member of the Meridian Garden Club, American Association of University Women, the Meridian Jaycettes, and Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. On Mother’s Day in 1954, she was recognized as Meridian’s Outstanding Mother. After her husband, the Rev. M.L. McCormick, entered the ministry, she continued her involvement with civic, church, and youth activities. She organized, taught, and directed the preschool program at Richton United Methodist Church. She was a junior high math teacher, interior designer, and office manager at Beacham Memorial Hospital in Magnolia, MS. Mrs. McCormick’s God given talents were integral in her church ministries. She was pianist, choir director, bible study teacher, and Sunday school teacher for many congregations. She served as president for United Methodist Women and a district officer for the Seashore District United Methodist Women. Mrs. McCormick designed and made seasonal banners for church services and organized the creating of Chrismon ornaments for several churches. After serving churches in the Jackson County area, Mrs. McCormick and her husband decided to retire to Gautier, MS. While in Jackson County, Mrs. McCormick was an active member of the Gautier Civitan Club, where she served as Chairperson of Minister Appreciation Week, secretary, and served on the nominating and finance committees. Her association with the Civitans led her to become an active participant with the Jackson County Special Olympics and the MS Special Olympics. In 1991, Mrs. McCormick was nominated by the Civitan Club as a Jackson County Volunteer of the Year. Mrs. McCormick was an advocate on the Jackson County Foster Care Review Board, a membership volunteer for the Community Concert Association, a member of the Gautier Friends of the Library, and a member of the Duchess de Charmont Chapter of DAR. For many years, she was a neighborhood volunteer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Gautier, where she and her husband had ministered to the congregation prior to retirement. Mrs. McCormick had a passion for reading and received great joy when working in her yard, planting and caring for flowers. Mrs. McCormick is survived by her husband, Rev. M.L. McCormick, Jr. and her children, Richard (Dick) McCormick and his wife Elaine of Dyersburg, TN, Laureen Chandler and her husband Larry of Gautier, MS, and Tom McCormick and his wife Susan of Biloxi, MS; her sister, Mary LeGrande Wiggers of Tupelo, MS; brother-in-law, Dr. James McCormick and his wife Patricia of Cumming, GA Other survivors include her grandchildren, Allison (Mark) Schneider of Dyersburg, TN, Stephanie (Scott) Flynn of Arlington, TN, Tiffany (Billy) Riggins of Olive Branch, MS, Alan (Kimsey) McCormick of Flowood, MS, Robert (Shaunna) McCormick of Gulfport, MS, and Laral Chandler of Gautier, MS; great grandchildren, Ethan and Jake Schneider, Hannah Stewart, Tyler Flynn, Kyle (Megan) Flynn, Colin, Sivana, and Sadie Riggins, and Lydia McCormick. A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Gautier at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, 2012, with a visitation prior from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mrs. McCormick’s name to the church and organization that she loved and supported: First United Methodist Church of Gautier, P.O. Box 127 Gautier, MS 39953 or The Special Olympics of MS, 15 Olympic Way, Madison, MS 39110-7380. Holder-Wells Funeral Home of Moss Point is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com

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Mrs. Tommie Lee McCormick

November 29, 2012 - November 29, 2012