Eleanor Ralston Wood Vincent, age 86, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2020. She was born on September 30, 1934 in Richmond, Virginia. Eleanor is preceded in death by her loving husband, James Ralph Vincent and her parents, Aubrey and Marcella Wood. She lived her life dedicated to God, her family and friends, and her church.
Eleanor is survived by her children: Gary Vincent (Becki), Carolyn Barkley (Gary), Judy Carlson (Jeff) and Bob Vincent (Teresa), and 12 grandchildren: Tanya Landrum (Michael), Mandy Vincent, Ashley Paulk (Ben), Matthew Barkley (Katharina), Tracy Minor (Jesse), Erin Mock, Brianna Allman (Chaz), Cory Carlson, Shawn Vincent (Alex), Ryan Carlson, Emily Boleyn (Jared) and Tyler Carlson. She has also been blessed with 15 great grandchildren. All of these she loved and touched deeply.
She is also survived by her sister, Anne Vaught (Joe, deceased), and brothers, Aubrey Wood (Pennie) and Harold Wood (Barbara).
Eleanor loved serving God at First Baptist Church, Old Hickory through the bus ministry, prayer ministry, teaching 2nd grade Sunday School, and in many other ways ministering to the spiritual and physical needs of many. In addition, for 35 years, each Wednesday she also served as a volunteer to visit and help take care of the needs of residents at McKendree Village Nursing Home. She loved caring for people, helping them feel loved and appreciated.
She loved to cook and entertain, and, until a few years ago, her large family gathered for delicious meals and celebrations at her home every holiday. Eleanor will be remembered by neighbors for her care and concern for them and for her delivery of homemade Christmas cookies every year. She always remembered birthdays of friends and family and loved all kinds of celebrations. She will also be remembered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren for her famous Easter egg hunts and Christmas celebrations around her angel Christmas tree.
Eleanor’s hands were rarely still as she stayed busy cooking, crafting and sewing and for several years was well known for making dolls for family and friends. She was an avid letter writer, and, until her memory failed her, she also made regular phone calls to check on friends and family and to ask if she could do anything for them. She lived her life as a testimony to God’s love and blessings.
For nine years, she tirelessly devoted her life to caring for Ralph, her dear husband, as he courageously battled multiple myeloma. For the past few years, Eleanor herself has battled Parkinson’s which resulted in dementia. However, even as she lost her memory, she continued to delight the staff at McKendree Village who caringly attended to her.
Our family appreciates the thoughtfulness of so many of her friends who showered our mom with prayers, cards and visits over the past few years. Our hearts are full of thankfulness for the love you showed through your care and concern.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm on Monday, October 12, 2020 at the Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. Following visitation on October 12, from 1:00 pm, please join us in celebrating Eleanor's life with Bro. Jud Hays officiating. Interment will follow in Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her name may be made to the Nashville Women’s Rescue Mission.
