Lila Jane Tarkington

Lila Jane Anderson Tarkington, age 90, passed away on December 26, 2023.

Jane was born on June 14, 1933 in Fayetteville, Tennessee to Walter Leslie Anderson and Lila Wright Lipscomb Anderson. She was a descendent of John Berry McFerrin, a Civil War minister and founder of The United Methodist Publishing House and a descendent of David Lipscomb, the co-founder and President of Lipscomb University.

Raised in Pulaski, Tennessee, Jane attended Giles County High School. In 1955, she graduated from Vanderbilt University where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Following graduation, Jane moved to New York City and worked for Bonwit Teller and J.P. Stevens Fabrics in fashion publicity.

In May 1961, Jane married Fred Tarkington. Jane and Fred and their young daughters moved from New York to Memphis, Tennessee in 1968, where Fred was the founder and President of Bradford Showroom. They moved to Nashville in 1976, where Fred was the co-owner of Tarkington Showroom and Mr. T’s Outdoor Center.

As an active member of her communities, Jane served on several boards including Historic Nashville, Institute for the Arts, Vanderbilt Aid Society, Traveller’s Rest and The West End Home for Ladies. She also enjoyed her volunteer and committee work with The Junior League (New York, Memphis and Nashville), Les Passees of Memphis, Colonial Dames, Family and Children’s Services and the Swan Ball benefiting Cheekwood. Jane was a member of James K. Polk Association, Centennial Club, Belle Meade Country Club, The University Club of New York and the English Speaking Union. She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Nashville.

In her leisure time, Jane was a passionate traveler and lifelong learner. Her travels included visits to over 30 countries and she enjoyed studying history, reading and swimming. Above all, she loved spending time with her six adored grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Fred Tarkington, Jr. and survived by her daughters Jane McFerrin Tarkington Mavar (Geoffrey) and Leslie Lipscomb Tarkington McCullough. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Cannon McCullough, Willson McCullough, Ian McCullough, Zach McCullough, Maggie Mavar and Jack Mavar.

The family is exceedingly grateful for Wilma Gilcrease and the years of friendship and kindness she provided so faithfully. The family deeply appreciates the wonderful and thoughtful care of Caregivers by Wholecare including Gloria Bell, Tequila Bryant, Janice Jones and Shirley Radley. Also instrumental for her exceptional comfort in her final days were Caris Healthcare of Nashville and the staff at NHC Place, Cool Springs.

Visitation was held on Saturday, January 13, 2023 followed by a Memorial Service at First Presbyterian Church, 4815 Franklin Road, Nashville, TN 37220.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 4815 Franklin Road, Nashville, TN 37220; Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, attn: Office of Advancement, Nashville, TN 37204; or charity of choice.