Sara Jean Colville Slayden

Sara Jean Colville Slayden, 95, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2016, and is at home with her Lord. She was born July 24, 1920 in McMinnville, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Lytle Colville and Bessie Smith Colville, her husband, J. Paul Slayden; infant daughter, Sara Beth Slayden; and by her infant great-granddaughter, Grace Charles Sims. Affectionately known by her family as ‘Nene’, she is survived by her son, John P. Slayden (Janet) of Franklin, TN; daughter Jeanie S. Sims (Ed) of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Brad S. Slayden (Jessi) of Brentwood, TN, Sara S. Whitfield (David) of Brentwood, TN, John E. Sims (Ashly) of Knoxville, TN, Amanda Sims of New York, NY; and great-grandchildren, Taylor Whitfield, Miles Dixon, Callie Whitfield, Blair Slayden, Jude Whitfield, Ben Slayden and Avery Sims. A caregiver by nature, Sara Jean was a graduate of the Vanderbilt School of Nursing, class of 1942. She served in the Cadet Nursing Corps during World War II. She was a strong woman of grace and faith who left a legacy in her children who loved her dearly. Graveside services for the immediate family were held at Mt. View Cemetery in McMinnville, TN on January 19, 2016, with James Vandiver officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laurel Church of Christ Christian Student Center in Knoxville, TN or to the charity of your choice.