Theda Tankersley

Theda Clark Ball Tankersley, surrounded by her adoring husband and children and lifelong friend, Fairlie Lane Haynes died Thursday, March 28, 2013.

She was descended from pioneer Montgomery families. Her mother was Caroline Davidson Ball and her father was Frederick St. Clair Ball, the former Senior Partner of the Ball Law Firm.

She was born March 31, 1933 and graduated from Saint Catherine's School for Girls in Richmond, Virginia in 1949 and attended Bennett College in Millbrook, New York.

Her two sisters, Lee Ball Ruth and Jane Ball Reynolds, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Major General (ret.) Will Hill Tankersley, her son, Will Hill Tankersley Jr. and his wife, Kristin Henson Tankersley, son, Davidson Carter Tankersley, daughter, Theda Ball Tankersley, and granddaughters, Amelia Prieur Tankersley and Isabel Hill Tankersley. Her sister, Caroline Ball Matthews and her lifetime friend, Fairlie Lane Haynes also survive her.

Funeral services will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church at 11:00 am on Monday April 1, 2013, followed by a graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery.

Pallbearers are her sons, Will Hill, Jr. and David, Charles David Ocheltree, her nephew, Dr. Stewart Tankersley, Major General (ret.) A. Bowen Ballard, Richard A. Ball, Brigadier General David Funk, and Samuel Clark McLemore. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Felix Marcus Tankersley, Jr. and her godson, Oliver Lynn Haynes, III.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 113 Madison Avenue 36104, or your favorite charity.