Connie Faye "Kirby" Ethridge

Connie Faye (Kirby) Ethridge, age 84, of Moscow, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at her home on August 11, 2025. She was born on November 16, 1940, in Dell, Missouri, and raised in Bolivar, Missouri. After marrying the love of her life, Jerry Alan Ethridge, the couple moved to Peoria, Illinois, before settling in Collierville, Tennessee, in 1975. They shared 63 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on July 18, 2021. Connie devoted her early years to being a loving wife and mother, building a home filled with warmth and laughter. She and Jerry shared a deep love of traveling, golf, and family. Together with dear friends, they explored much of the United States and beyond-taking beach trips, mountain getaways, national parks, and road trips. Whether discovering new places or simply enjoying the journey, they cherished every moment together and created a lifetime of memories. After her children were grown, Connie pursued her education and earned her Bachelor's degree in Education. She was active in literacy work for many years, volunteering with the Dyslexia Foundation, Memphis Literacy Council, serving as the first president of the Collierville Literacy Council, and helping countless adults learn to read. She gave freely of her time to help others discover the gift of literacy. Her greatest passion, however, was her family. Connie's grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she loved nothing more than spending time with them. She made every visit special - She had a way of turning simple days into lasting memories-baking cookies, making Mickey Mouse pancakes, singing silly songs, playing games, giving back rubs, and watching them swim for hours on end. She taught them to read, ride their bikes, and tie their shoes, but most of all, she made each one feel deeply loved and treasured. Her playful spirit and endless patience filled their lives with laughter, comfort, and joy. Connie will be remembered for her warmth, humor, kindness, and boundless generosity of spirit. Her legacy of love, patience, and laughter will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, and all who were blessed to know her. She is survived by her children, Richard Ethridge of Moscow, TN, Jerri (Ethridge) Grisham of Rossville, TN, and Brad Ethridge of Garfield, AR; and her beloved grandchildren, Evan Grisham of Dallas, TX, Kelsey Grisham of Bentonville, AR, Laura Ethridge of Garfield, AR, and Tatum Ethridge of Garfield, AR. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Alan Ethridge. A visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, September 20, 2025, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a celebration of Connie's life at 11:30a.m. Both are being held at Brent Taylor Funeral Directors, 534 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN 38017. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor her memory may do so with a donation to Collierville United Methodist Church or the Dementia Society of America.