Frances "Jimmie" Veazey

Frances “Jimmie” Veazey, age 103 of Paris, died December 22, 2024, at Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt, Tennessee.

Jimmie Veazey was born Frances Louise Jameson on February 6, 1921 in the Lebanon Community of Anderson County, South Carolina to the late Claude Victor Jameson Sr. and Nancy Laura Breazeale Jameson.

She graduated in 1940 from Anderson County Hospital Nurses Training School in Anderson South Carolina and entered the army as a registered nurse, 2nd Lieutenant. It was in the military at Camp Forrest in Tullahoma, Tennessee that she met and married the love of her life, Jack E. Veazey Sr., former president of First Trust and Savings Bank. Upon leaving the army, she returned to her hometown in Anderson, S.C. where she continued her nursing career and raising their son Jack Veazey, Jr.

After the war ended, they moved to Paris, Tennessee where her nursing career took her to Nobles Hospital. When Henry County Hospital opened in 1953, she was asked by Dr. William G. Rhea to equip and staff what was then referred to as the “recovery room” but, today, it is known as the intensive care unit (ICU). She later became the head of nurses in the emergency room, and after retirement, she also served as a hospice nurse. Her lifetime of providing compassionate care culminated with her devoted dedication as a private nurse at home to her husband until his passing in 1994.

She was a longtime member and supporter of Grace Episcopal Church, having served on the Altar Guild and needlepointed the kneelers used in the church today.

She enjoyed gardening and fishing and spending time at their lake home on Kentucky Lake. She and Jack Sr. enjoyed dancing and social gatherings at the Elks Lodge, Country Club and on many cruises. Her two grandchildren fondly remember her enjoyment teaching them to cook, play tennis, catch fish and care for others. The impact she had on them was meaningful and noteworthy on the careers they chose. 

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Dr. Claude Victor Jameson Jr., and Robert Jameson; and by sisters Lillie Jameson Stone, Mary Jameson Chastain and Catherine Jameson Hyde.

She is survived by son, Jack Veazey Jr. of Paris; grandchildren, Jack Veazey III (Jay) and wife Molly of Jackson, Tennessee, and Mary Blair Buehler and husband Jamie of Cary, North Carolina; great grandchildren, Jack Veazey IV (Jack), Boston Buehler, Isla Rose Buehler; and special nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Ridgeway Funeral Home on Friday, December 27, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The funeral service will follow at Grace Episcopal Church, located at 103 S Poplar St, Paris, TN 38242, beginning at 1:00 PM.

Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Paris, TN. With Brown Hawley, Dr. Scott Portis, Barry McIntosh, Jack E Veazey IV, Lee Greer, and Jamie Buehler to serve as pallbearers. 

The family extends deepest gratitude to Susan Hawley, and the dedicated staff at the Tennessee Veterans Home for the exceptional care and kindness they showed Frances. Their compassion, support and tireless efforts made the difference in Frances’ time there, and we are forever thankful.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to your favorite charity would be appreciated.