Virginia Faye Nolen

Virginia Faye (Clark) Nolen of Cleveland, Tennessee, wife of Robert Aaron Nolen, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home early Monday morning. She was seventy- nine years old.

Faye was educated at Arnold Elementary, Arnold Junior High, and Bradley Central High School in Cleveland. She later earned her Certificate of Cosmetology at the University of Beauty. Her kitchen was the "shop" that was always open where she would cut hair for her siblings and their friends. She worked as a hairdresser for many years before changing careers.

She found her professional home at Tennessee Music and Pathway Press where she developed a deep love for Southern Gospel Music. She spent a total of 41 years in the printing industry before retiring.

Faye became a member of East Cleveland Baptist Church in the late 60s and continued to be an active and productive church member for her entire adult life. She and Bob raised their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to love the Lord by setting an example in their everyday lives.

She spent several years as a choir director and had the privilege of nurturing many talented voices and musicians. She began directing the church youth choir in 1979 and continued that for many years. From there she began the more formal process of directing the adult choir special music (Christmas, Easter, July 4th).

Faye was talented with sewing and making clothing for her children. By their request, she continued this into their adulthood, even making her oldest daughter's wedding dress. She enjoyed crocheting, and handicrafts, but enjoyed painting most of all. She loved working in the yard and was not afraid to ger her hands dirty. She was always ready with a shoulder to cry on, a heartfelt prayer, or a listening ear.

A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Faye is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, daughters, Shannon Ward (Mike deceased), and Susan Johnson (Shane) of Cleveland, TN, and son, Rob Nolen of Atlanta, GA. Grandchildren: Ashley White, Ian Ward, Lily Millsaps (Jeffrey), and Jacob Ward, all of Cleveland, TN; Great- grandchildren: Ali Lowery, Isabelle Millsaps, Eli White, and Theo Millsaps; Siblings: Jimmy Clark (Mollie), of Cleveland, TN, Linda Swann (Brenny deceased) of Delta, AL, Terry Clark (Dave Karger) of Palm Springs, CA, and Debbie Clark of Cleveland, TN; Nieces: Melissa Belflower (Russ), and Ami Nethery (Steve); Nephew: Craig Swann.

Faye is also survived by several grand-nieces and nephews in Alabama and Michigan, her aunts in Chicago, IL, the "cousins crew" breakfast companions, and an extended family including special cousin Pam Greene, family friend Phyllis Taylor, and former co- worker Barry Eaton.

She is preceded in death by her parents James T. and Mildred Clark of Cleveland, TN, brother, Hugh Clark of Chattanooga, TN, son-in-law Mike Ward of Cleveland, TN, brother-in-law Brenny Swann of Delta, AL, nephew Tyler Swann of Gulf Shores, AL, and life-long friend Margaret Goins of Cleveland, TN.

To honor the memory of "Ms. Faye" (as she was known), we ask that you sing your favorite hymn loudly and with gusto, put on some early 60s music and dance the jitterbug, or gather up your favorite group of teen-agers and take them to T.P. the Pastor's house.