Nancy Fitzpatrick

Nancy Black Fitzpatrick (Mom) was born on December 4, 1938 in Monterey, Tennessee. In 1952 her parents, Paul and Rose Black, moved Mom and her five siblings to Cookeville. On Mom’s first day as a freshman at Central High School she met Sue Rogers (Chaffin) in the office. Sue took mom to her first class and that encounter led to a 70-year friendship. Others in this special group of lifelong friends include: Lavena Eubanks Kline, ClaudeAnn Huddleston Burton, Sue Haste Malone, Mary Agnes Christian, June Moore Barrett, Glenda Ray Newsom, and Eunetta Finley Jenkins. This group never missed a birthday party, slumber party, holiday, celebrations of life and then ultimately the mourning of dear friends. While at Central High, Mom met the love of her life, David Ronald (Ronnie) Fitzpatrick. Mom and Dad became high school sweet hearts and eventually married in May 1963. They moved several times in a few short years while dad was building a career with Associates and Loan. Across the many moves, Jamestown was one of their favorite places to live. There they met many lifelong friends, and came to love the entire Smith family as their own. Mom and Dad loved adventure. They would go anywhere and do anything to try something new. They loved scenic train trips out west, boating and skiing on the lake, enjoying Friday night supper club (that also revolved around viewing “Dallas” and “Knots Landing” broadcasts), card games with friends lasting late into the evening, and spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. While in Jamestown, Mom would drive to Tennessee Tech several days a week to complete her B.S. degree (1968) with a newborn baby and toddler at home. That undergraduate degree led to a Master’s Degree (1991) and then the completion of her Doctorate of Education in 1995. Education was near and dear to Mom’s heart. Mom began her educational career in 1976 as a substitute teacher. In 1979 Mom began a full-time teaching career that lasted until 2004. At that time, she was presented with the opportunity to move into educational leadership, becoming the Assistant Principal at Prescott Central Middle School. In 2006 she transferred to Cornerstone Elementary in Baxter to become their Principal until retirement. In total, she served the children and families of Putnam County through public education for 32 years. Across the years she was frequently reacquainted with former students as they continued their education and built lives in Putnam County and across Middle Tennessee. Each would share heartfelt stories about the impact Mom had on their lives, their education, and often their children’s lives. One of Mom’s greatest gifts was the ability to meet children where they were. Her own childhood helped her to recognize the importance of every child’s education and that each had a unique style of learning and communicating. She used these insights identify their individual learning needs and tailor effective educational plans to foster personal success. Mom loved interacting with the children in her schools - using fun and engaging activities to build strong connections, including kissing a pig, receiving a pie in the face, cheering on participants during field days, and riding along on school trips. She reminded kids to eat and sleep well before their achievement tests and kept snacks in her room just in case. Mom used the power of music to help children with belonging and learning. She wrote the Parkview Elementary School song. She made up jingles to help children remember grammar rules of the road, the pronunciation of certain words, and the phonics of letters. Mom’s passion was giving children the gift of education. It was important to her that every child be well-spoken and successful in their pursuit of education. She passed on her love of English language and the importance of using proper grammar to all that were in her classes - and some that were not. Even at the age of 83, Mom enjoyed diagramming sentences with and correcting the grammar of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love of reading for learning and entertainment has been passed on to every generation. Mom is survived by daughters Kacie Fitzpatrick-Dunavan (h. John Dunavan) and Kelli Fitzpatrick, her grandchildren Katie Wilmoth and Klay Brewer, and her great grandchildren Mason, Ellie, Emma, Mia, Lukas and Elijah. Mom was preceded in death by her husband Ronnie Fitzpatrick, and her beloved grandson Kole Brewer, two brothers, Paul Black, Jr. and Teddy Black. She leaves her siblings Robert Black, Mary Black Dyer, and Peggy Black Walls to remember their adventures and great memories. Of the many books Mom enjoyed reading to her students every year, some of her favorites were those authored by Dr. Seuss. So Mom, Kelli and I, and the kids will always remember this quote from Dr. Seuss when we think of you - “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Southeast Bank (Kacie Fitzpatrick “Donations”) so school supplies can be donated to elementary children in mom’s name. Information will be made available at a later date regarding the celebration of Nancy. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.