Anne Laine Goad

Cherished wife, beloved mother, adored Nana, treasured friend, Anne passed away at her home, Friday, November 5th. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Thomas Emerson Simpkins and Katherine Jennings Simpkins; her first husband, James David Laine; son, Thomas Benton Laine; sister, Patricia Simpkins Garman; and brother, Dr. Thomas E. Simpkins, Jr.

Anne is survived by her husband of 38 years, William Jerry Goad (their love story is a poetic adventure of more than 60 years); by children, Katherine Laine Romweber and William James Laine (Andrea); grandchildren, Emerson Anne Romweber, George Benton Romweber. William Garrison Laine, Max Benton Laine, Lilianne Kay Laine; a sister, Kay Simpkins Duncan (Don); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A product of Scales Elementary and Hillsboro High School, and summa cum laude graduate of David Lipscomb University, Anne was for many years an independent art broker, travelling the world in search of fine art, and broadening the careers of skilled regional artists; later co-owner of the gallery Richland Fine Art with partner, Clay Whitelaw, before retiring.

A devoted member of Otter Creek Church of Christ, she was a long-time volunteer at the Wayne Reed Christian Childcare Center. Active in civic affairs, she served as a member and chairman of the Brentwood Historic Commission and was inducted into Leadership Brentwood. She became a much-respected Patient Educator for the Mid-South Chapter of the Lupus Foundation. She was also a proud member of the Timothy Demonbreun Heritage Society, whose members are descendants of the eponymous French trapper regarded as Nashville's "first citizen".

At her request, the body will be cremated. No formal service is planned. A Celebration of Life observance may be held at a later date. Her spirit lives on in the lives of those who admired and loved her dearly, touched by her integrity, intelligence, her gentle nature and many, many kindnesses.

Expressions of condolence may take the form of donations to Agape, Alive Hospice, Wayne Reed Christian Childcare Center, the Lupus Foundation, or Otter Creek Church.