Marjorie Leona Cummings

Surrounded in love by her family, Marjorie Leona Cummings, 88, of Pulaski passed away peacefully on Monday, November 15, 2010 at Hillside Hospital following a short illness. "She was a grand lady," said her longtime physician Dr. Charles Burger shortly after her death.

An avid bird watcher and naturalist, Marjorie owned Hilltop Farm with her husband Hollis, who preceded her in death in 1995. They had been married 55 years. She delighted in the wildlife that made a home on her farm. As a young woman, Marjorie enjoyed photography and painting, and her artistic flair and affinity for the arts have been passed in through three generations in her family.

She was born April 18, 1922 in Stratford, Conn., to Marjorie and Erwin O. Gibson, who preceded her in death. She spent her childhood years on the shores of Trading Cove, part of the Thames River estuary, where one of her fondest possessions as a child was a rowboat, which she lost in the 1938 hurricane. She had four brothers and sisters, all of whom preceded her in death.

She married Hollis Cummings on January 24, 1940. The couple owned and operated a dairy farm and home-delivery milk bottling operation in Lebanon, Conn., for many years. After several years of looking for a Southern home, Marjorie and Hollis chose Giles County and moved their family in 1968 and raised beef cattle at Hilltop Farm prior to their retirement. Family, farming and a rural lifestyle provided their joy and their sustenance.

Her nurturing nature and practicality endeared Marjorie to a wide circle of extended family and friends in several states. Particularly later in life, she provided a listening ear and open heart to many who relied upon her for solace, insight and encouragement. Even in her last moments, she continued to provide caring comfort to those surrounding her.

She is survived by daughters Carol McComiskey of Pulaski, Barbara Cummings of Pulaski, and Sue Cummings, who with her husband Jim Steele resides in Fayetteville, and son Kenneth Cummings, who with his wife Lurline lives in Port Credit, Ontario, Canada. Surviving grandchildren are Dulcie Teesateskie and husband Bob of Delrose; Andy McComiskey and wife Kae of Franklin; Micheal McComiskey and wife Marsha of Pulaski; Carol Lynn Haley and husband Chris of Woodbury, and Ken Cummings and his sister Lauren Cummings, both of Port Credit, Ontario, Canada.

Surviving great-grandchildren are Isabel Haley, Emma Haley, Callie Haley, Noah Teesateskie, Caden Teesateskie, Sean McComiskey, Jillian McComiskey, Will McComiskey, Kate McComiskey, and Hannah McComiskey.

Carr & Erwin Funeral Home in Pulaski is handling Marjorie's cremation. A private memorial service is planned. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Giles County Help Center, 34 North First Street, Pulaski, Tennessee, 38478; 931-363-8655.