Fayla Briley

Fayla Woods- Age 93 On October 20, 2024, Ms. Briley passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness with dementia. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, William Thomas Briley, parents Denton and Orlean Woods, stepmother Beulah “Boots” Woods, and brother Gale Woods. Survived by sons Donald A. (Kim) and Cary D. (Nikki), grandchildren T.J. (Kelsey), and Andrew Briley. Great grandchildren Benjamin and Quinn Briley. Sisters-in-Law Pam Woods, Lacey Briley, Peggy Brooks, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ms. Briley was born in Old Hickory, Tennessee as her father was employed by Dupont. At an early age the family moved to Madison where she was raised. She attended Litton High School and would go on to attend Peabody College for Teachers, now a part of Vanderbilt University.

Ms. Briley was an elementary teacher for Metro Nashville Schools for 30 years having taught at Stratton, Margaret Allen, Inglewood, and Bellshire. Following her retirement from Metro, she taught 3 years at Davidson Academy. 

She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ, attending Neelys Bend, Madison, and Goodletsville Church of Christ. She enjoyed many church activities such as teaching Sunday school and participating in mission trips to Baja Mexico and the church at El Zorillo, MX. 

She was a Golden Sister of Alpha Delta Kappa teacher society and the last founding member of the local Alpha Rho chapter. 

She and her husband raised their family in Madison and Neelys Bend. She emphasized the importance of a relationship with God, time with family, and education. She was always active with her children’s schools as they grew up. She worked to provide the best home for her family. She was an avid gardener and there was never a Sunday where she was not preparing a meal for family and friends. 

She loved to travel. She saw the world with her husband traveling throughout Europe, Middle-East, Caribbean, and throughout the United States. Even after his passing, she continued to travel throughout the United States with various friends and tour groups. She was never scared of an adventure whether it be riding camels in Morocco, snowmobiles through the Rocky Mountains, or riding on the back of dolphins in Mexico, she sought to fill her life with the experiences of the world.

As life moved on, she spent her time with her children’s families. She was always present at her grandchildren’s sporting events and continued to host family and friends at her home every Sunday and holiday.

Her family is heartbroken but finds great peace in her faith and the countless memories she has left with them.

Funeral Services will be at the Madison Funeral Home on Saturday at 3 PM. The family will have visitation from 1-3 on Saturday with a private burial on Monday at Spring Hill.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in her name to Baja Missions, NLEOMF, St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, or the charity of their choice.