Annette Dickenson Pappas

on August 25, 1924 to the late Maude Folmar Dickenson and Amos Archibald Dickenson in

Donalsonville, GA. Jane attended Virginia Intermont College in Bristol, VA, with her sister,

Eula Sue, and they studied business.

During World War II, Jane and her friends volunteered at the local USO dances in Bainbridge,

GA, where she met a dashing young soldier, Theodore “T.G.” Pappas. It was love at first sight.

Jane married T.G. on August 16, 1945, and their love for and devotion to each other lasted

throughout a remarkable 72 years of marriage. T.G.’s family (who were Greek) were thrilled to

have such a kind, generous, and loving person as the first non-Greek family member. They all

shared the values of a love of family, a respect for one’s self and for all generations, a strong

work ethic, and a generosity toward others. Therefore, it is not surprising that from the very

beginning, they all loved each other.

Jane and T.G. first lived in Nashville, TN, where she worked for Vanderbilt University and he

attended Vanderbilt Law School. They moved to Waverly, TN, in 1949 so T.G. could establish

his law practice and they could start their family. Jane began her full-time job of raising six

daughters. She taught them by example how to live happy and meaningful lives, combining

strength, determination, and a sense of purpose with kindness, generosity, and a sense of humor.

Jane was a gifted artist, and she excelled in several media. She began drawing as a self-taught

artist in her teens, and she exhibited a real talent for capturing her subjects. After the family

moved to Atlanta, GA, in 1957, Jane studied drawing and painting at the High Museum of Art

in Atlanta. The family moved back to Nashville, TN, in 1959, where T.G. continued his career

in law, first as General Counsel at South Central Bell Telephone Company and later as a partner

with Bass, Berry, and Sims. Jane took classes at the Watkins Institute with Gus Baker and at the

Centennial Art Museum with Hazel King for many years. She thoroughly enjoyed her years of

art classes while she continued to perfect her skills as an artist. She saw beauty and found

inspiration in nature, everyday items, and the extraordinary sights she encountered during her

trips to England, Italy, and especially Greece with her family. She also loved creating paintings

based on photographs that her children and grandchildren sent to her through the years. They

loved being able to connect with Jane and share their memories with her through her paintings.

She supported and encouraged the artistic and musical talents in her daughters from an early

age, ensuring that they received art classes, music lessons, and opportunities to explore and

practice their skills. A few years ago, Jane gave most of her paintings (over 350 in all) to her

children and grandchildren, who will enjoy them for years to come.

Jane loved sports and was quite athletic. As a young girl, she enjoyed fishing with her father,

and as a teenager she played basketball and tennis. As an adult, Jane took golf lessons and

became an excellent and enthusiastic golfer. She won several tournaments through the years as

a member of Belle Meade Country Club. She played with T.G. and with friends as often as she

could. She developed close and life-long friendships with her golf partners, who admired her

competitive spirit and adored her positive, joyful personality.

Jane was a member of West End United Methodist Church, and the faith she developed as a

young girl sustained her throughout her life. The family attended West End United Methodist

Church, and many of her daughters were married there.

Jane was sweet and kind to everyone she met, and in return, everyone who spent even a little

time with her loved her and loved being with her. One sister described our Mama perfectly:

“Her kindness, optimism, and zest for life define her. And just when you think she may be a

little too perfect, her peppery wit will set you straight. Through all the challenges of life, she

keeps her good cheer.”

The family wishes to thank Dr. Catherine Linn for her expertise, empathy, and love while

caring for our mother as though she were her own. In addition, the family wishes to thank the

staff at Burton Court, Woodcrest, and Blakeford at Home for the excellent care, kindness, and

compassion they provided to our mother. They were our extra eyes and ears and Jane’s extra

friends and family during the last five years.

Jane is predeceased by her husband, T.G. Pappas and her daughter, Karen Pappas Embry. She is

survived by her daughters Jenny Breeden (Ken), Celeste Jones (Curt), Stephenie Joyner

(Barrett), Harriet Pappas (Ken Horii), and Eva Cederholm (Geoff); her grandchildren Sloan

Breeden, Nate Jones (Jiwon), Audrey Jones (Timothy Pizza), Matt Joyner (Carole Pierce),

Jackson Embry, Kate Joyner (Dan Touchette), Jesse O’Reilly (Pete), Alex Embry (Kayla), Jina

Pappas-Horii, and Amelia Pappas-Horii; and her great-grandchildren Noble Bradfield, Willow

Walsby, and Myles O’Reilly. In addition, she is survived by her sister-in-law Maria Pappas and

many nieces and nephews across the country.

A private graveside service was held Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Mt Olivet Cemetery in

Nashville, Tennessee, where Jane was laid to rest with her husband T.G. and her daughter

Karen. Please visit our online obituary at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jane’s name to the Centennial Park/Parthenon

Arts Program GivingMatters or to a charity of your choice.