She was born to the late George Huey, Sr. and Nora Huey on October 18, 1936 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl Christian, Sr.; her second husband, Melvin House; her third husband, Bill Greene, her son, Kenneth Christian; granddaughter, Bridgett Pruitt; her brother, George Huey and many other loved ones.
Tommie is survived by her adoring son, Earl Christian, Jr. (Beth); grandchildren, Brad Christian (Julianna), Ginger Christian (Joseph Chapman), Kevin Christian (Patrice), Roman Christian; great-grandchildren, Avery Hays, Shyenne Williams, Corinne and Isla Christian, Brinley Paige Christian; and a great-great granddaughter, Ariana Barber. She also leaves her dear younger sister, Nancy Head, and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
Tommie married the love of her life, Earl Christian, Sr. in 1955 and in 1968 they relocated to Memphis with their two sons to continue his career in sales with American General Insurance Company (Interstate Life). The family settled in Raleigh, and eventually moved to Bartlett, where Tommie resided until her final days. Tommie also worked in sales for American General and later for Memphis Funeral Home. She enjoyed sales, she was fast on her feet, and never met a stranger. Later in her life, she actively volunteered at the Bartlett Senior Center. Tommie’s quick wit and sense of humor could lighten up any room. She was kind, and she was a good friend. She saw the best in everyone. Tommie was an avid card player, with canasta being her game of choice. She loved to travel, and later in her life she orchestrated many trips through Diamond Tours. Her travel group always looked forward to the next one, making memories in some fantastic places.
Tommie outlived three husbands. She and Earl, Sr. were happily married for 43 years, until his untimely death to cancer in 1998. Later in life, she met and married Melvin House. They spent eight happy years together until his death in 2010. Sometime later, Bill Greene set his sights on Tommie and after multiple attempts, he finally got her to agree to a date. Bill brought joy to Tommie, and they were married in 2019 until he passed away in 2021.
Tommie was a resilient woman who didn’t let the grass grow under her feet. She moved into Robinwood Retirement Home & Resort in 2019, and didn’t miss a beat. You could often find her in the middle of a card game, or a game of “baseball”. She was proud of her many homeruns.
Eager until the end, she always put others ahead of herself, and left you feeling better than she found you. She was a beautiful person, with a deep faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Tommie’s family wishes to thank the dedicated staff and her friends at Robinwood in addition to the caring staff at King’s, Daughters & Sons. To her best friend, Marie Maxey, thank you for all the love, care, and support you gave Tommie and her family until the end.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until the start of the service at 10:00am on Friday, April 26 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd, Bartlett, TN. A reception will follow in the reception hall.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made in her name to Bartlett Senior Center or a charity of the donor’s choice.
