Louise Cantrell Spain

1914 - 2016

Louise Cantrell Spain

Jackson, TN

Graveside services for Louise Cantrell Spain, age 102, will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Browns Cemetery. Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Spain died Thursday, December 1, 2016.

Louise Cantrell Spain was born in Kenton, Tennessee, May 27, 1914 to the late Ethel L. Cantrell and May Ella Stovall Cantrell. She had one sister, Eunice Cantrell Odom. After graduating from high school in Kenton, Louise and her family moved to Jackson where she attended Lambuth College and attended the First Methodist Church. It was at Lambuth where she met Joe Spain and following graduation in 1936 they were married at Browns Methodist Church by pastor Bro. W. W. Henley in 1937. Louise has been a faithful member of Browns Church for over 70 years and has been active in all areas of the church. She and Joe worked together with the Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) for many years and made lasting memories for a large number of young people.

The Spain family had a grocery store that they eventually had to close the store because they had extended so much credit to their customers and couldn't ask for payment because they were all kinfolks. They tore down the store and Joe and Louise built their present home on the same site using some of the wood from the store building. Joe later went to work for the American Cancer Association, a job he kept until his retirement.

Louise stayed home and reared their daughter, Joanne. After having lost a child in infancy, Joanne was a joy and delight for both Joe and Louise. She was a star basketball player for North Side High School and then attended Lambuth. Joanne was a singer/songwriter and while at Lambuth she sung with the Lambuth Lyrics Quartet. They performed at many events and were highly sought after when entertainment was needed. She was also a very competitive golfer who won many tournaments. Joanne passed away in 2009.

Louise started her teaching career at Beech Bluff where she taught third and fourth grades. She later moved to North Side High School and taught 9th and 10th grade English. Louise was as kind as she was pretty and many students will remember her as not only a teacher but a nurturer and a wonderful Christian example in their lives. She always liked to do needle work, quilting and sewing. These things were second only to her love of music, singing and dancing. Anyone who sat near her in church can attest to the fact that her feet can't be still during the music portion of the service. But, maybe it was the love of her Snapper lawnmower that took first place. She was the lawn mower and it was her Snapper. No help needed!

She was also well known for her snappy come-backs when someone attempted to tease her and she really enjoyed their comradery. She had been quick with the answer to "How are you? I'm 99 and doing great, then I'm 100 and doing fine."

When asked to what she attributed her advanced age, she replied, "My mother always told me to never over eat, eat right, eat enough, but don't eat too much." That must have been good advice since she enjoyed good health, only taking an aspirin a day and one other little pill. She was not a complainer, loved people and was always pleasant. Louise had lived alone since Joe's death in 1984 and had only in the last few years had to have limited assistance in her home.

Louise drove her car until a slight mishap resulted in having to turn her license over to the sheriff's patrolman even after she explained that she didn't really leave the scene of the accident, she just didn't want to be late for the Ruritan Pancake Breakfast. She was still mad at the patrolman for telling her she was too old to drive.

Louise loved a good laugh even if it was on her, but she always had a comeback. Anyone who didn't know her would never guess she is 102 years old and she said it doesn't seem possible. One of her favorite quotes has always been, "Tempis Fuget", Latin for "Time Flies".

When you know the Lord your God, live a full-filling life, have the love of family and friends and know that you have done your best along the way "Tempis Fuget".

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Browns United Methodist Church, 181 McLeary Rd., Jackson, TN 38305.

Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Saturday at Browns United Methodist Church. Lawrence-Sorensen Funeral Home, 731-424-2424