Evelyn Crews Cagle

She was born on July 31, 1931 in Jackson, TN to William James and Flora Mai Kemp Crews. After losing her father in an accident prior to her birth and her mother to an illness when Jimmie was only three years old, she was raised by her maternal grandparents, Madison Irving and Arkansas Lee Burnside Kemp. Jimmie fittingly passed 54 years to the day after she stood holding her grandmother’s hand as she passed away in 1971.

Jimmie grew up in Beech Bluff, TN in a house full of aunts, uncles, and cousins, becoming the “youngest child” of her mother’s siblings. She was a cheerleader and Miss 4-H, graduating from Beech Bluff High School in 1950. On July 22nd of that same year, she married LV Cagle, sharing a love and life like few are privileged to have. The two made their home in Jackson together for 46 years until his sudden passing on April 24, 1996. She spent the following 28+ years waiting to be reunited with LV in heaven.

Jimmie, known as Aunt Jimmie, Aunt J, and her favorite title: Nannie, was the definition of selfless love in action to her family. A lifelong homemaker, she showed her care with every pan of biscuits and swipe of her clothes iron. Alongside LV, she raised her daughter Reba and later cared each day for her granddaughter Caitlin with joy and steadfast devotion.

She will be remembered most of all for her unwavering faith, the beacon that guided her for 93 years. Jimmie always said “the Lord will take care of me” no matter the issue at hand, and now more than ever, she is right.

Jimmie is survived by her devoted daughter, Reba Cagle Roach, and her doting son-in-law, Jackie Roach, of Jackson, TN. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter, Caitlin Roach Clark, and her husband Will, of Munford, TN. Cherishing her memory forever is a special niece, Janice Cagle McBride (Rick) of Jackson, TN, cousins Sandra Weaver of Jackson, TN and Karen McCarver of Uptonville, TN, and a wealth of other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

While technically an only child, Jimmie considered her cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law to be her siblings. In addition to her parents, grandparents, and husband, she was preceded in death by many of these individuals.

A visitation for family and friends will take place on Monday, January 6, from 4-7pm at George A. Smith & Sons South Chapel at 1544 S Highland Avenue in Jackson. Her funeral, with Reverend Larry Kirk officiating, will follow on Tuesday, January 7, at the funeral home at 1pm, with visitation beginning an hour before the service. Burial will follow at Independence Cemetery in Blue Goose, TN. Pall bearers to serve will be her nephews: Jeff Cagle, Jimmy Cagle, Mike Cagle, Phil Cagle, Tim Cagle, and Tommy Cagle. Honorary pall bearers will be her nephews: Todd Cagle, Charles Manley, and Rick McBride.

The family would like to thank Hospice of West Tennessee as well as her caregivers. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Comforters, a sewing group for hospice patient blankets, at First Baptist Bemis, 116 Bemis Lane, Jackson, TN 38301, a group that Jimmie herself often supported.