Lillian Ramona Mastin, age 87, of Lebanon, Tennessee, passed away on April 12, 2026. Born on February 5, 1939, in Jacksonville, Florida, she carried through life a beloved and cherished spirit—compassionate, devoted, faithful, and gentle—steady in kindness, patient in hardship, resilient in change, and selfless in the ways that mattered most.
Ramona grew up and started her life in Jacksonville, then moved to Tennessee with her beloved John in 1979, residing in Mount Juliet, Byrdstown, and lastly, in Lebanon. She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School, Jacksonville, Florida, Class of 1956, and earned some college credits through the years—quiet steps of learning that reflected her hard-working nature and her enduring determination.
On January 12, 1974, Ramona married John Mastin in Charlton County, Georgia. Together, they raised seven children, building a home where love was practiced daily—through sacrifice, through laughter, through the ordinary moments that become sacred in memory. Family was everything to her, and she was never more herself than when surrounded by those she loved.
In the gentle rhythm of her days, Ramona found joy in reading, bowling, and growing flowers and plants—tending life with the same care she offered to people. She especially loved taking car rides through the mountains and countrysides with Dad (John), letting the road unwind like a prayer, the scenery speaking in quiet reassurance. Always, she enjoyed being with her family, returning again and again to the place where her heart felt most at home.
A strong woman of faith, Ramona leaves behind a legacy not measured in grand announcements, but in steady devotion—love given freely, burdens carried without complaint, and a presence that made others feel safe, seen, and cared for.
Ramona was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Clyde Simpson; her mother, Julia Mae (Sparks) Simpson; her child, Christopher Mastin; her grandchild, Courtney Rigdon; her brothers, Richard Simpson and Joe Gary Simpson; her father-in-law, Edward L. Mastin; and her mother-in-law, Lena A. Mastin.
Ramona is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, John E. Mastin; their children, Kathy & Bruce Harris, John & Lauren Mastin, Melvin (Bubba) and Diawn Rigdon, Paul & Cheryl Mastin, Lori & George Houck, and Rebecca & Jonathan Merkh; her sister, Pat Phillips; her brothers, Raymond "Butch" Simpson and Clifford Simpson. Ramona is also survived by twenty-five grandchildren, thirty-eight great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, and various nieces, nephews, and extended family.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Hermitage Funeral Home, on April 16, 2026, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Ramona's Life, officiated by Pastor Rucker Chunn. John Mastin Jr., Melvin "Bubba" Rigdon, Paul Mastin, Shawn Ingram, Patrick Mastin, Justin Richardson, Joshua Fitzhugh, Matthew Rigdon will serve as Pallbearers. Brady Brewer, Alex Fitzhugh, Samuel Fitzhugh will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. Following the service, Ramona will be laid to rest in the Garden of Andrew at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
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