Nashville, TN - Tasoula Tellas Gaddis went home to our Lord on May 8, 2023 at Age 78. She died at home after a two-year fight with cancer, surrounded by loved ones. She is preceded by her parents, Thomas G Tellas and Hattie Bellos Tellas, her brother, George Tellas and sisters-in-law Joyce Jennings Gaddis (Sam), Despina Gaddis Strong (Jim), Marie Gaddis Patterson (Charles). Tasoula is survived by her loving husband, James (Jim) of 58 years. She leaves behind sons Ted and Thomá (Carrie) and daughter Kalliope (Tom) Trikas as well as six grandchildren: Tasia, Sophia Marie, and Alia Gaddis and Dimitri, Sophia Eleni, and Nikki Trikas. Also, her sister Sandra Tellas Pappas, brother-in-law Sam (Christine) and cousins, Gus and Helen Bellos, Patsy Bellos McDougall (Alex) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Tasoula graduated from East Nashville High School with honors in 1962. After graduating, she went to work for the Tennessean newspaper where she worked till 1972 when she left to have her third child. She went back to work for the Tennessean as Executive Assistant to the Publisher; during which time she met and worked with many famous people such as John Kennedy Jr., Condoleezza Rice, and others. Tasoula loved representing the Tennessean in 5K/10K races and worked there until retiring 4/2013.
She was very active at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where her family have been members since the 1930’s. Tasoula was especially active with the Philoptochos which is the women’s philanthropic arm of the Church. She served as president on several occasions and on the Metropolis Board. Many families, both locally and nationally, were helped by the chapter’s efforts. She also took great pride in helping coordinate two national church conventions held in Nashville, highlighting our church and city.
Besides her enduring love of Christ and her family (especially her grandbabies), she had an intense love of flowers, shown around the house with four gardens. Weather permitting, she would be in them daily.
Visitation: Marshall-Donnelly, 201 25th Ave N 37203, Friday(5/12) from 4-7:30pm including a Trisagion Service at 7pm. Funeral services, 11:00am Saturday (5/13) at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4905 Franklin Pike. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society or HTGOC Philoptochos Benevolent fund at: HTGOC, 4905 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37220
Pallbearers: Dimitri Trikas, Tom Pagonis, John Pagonis, Ryan Gaddis, Sean Gaddis and George Spanos
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Gaddis family.
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