Elise Marie Yealy-Rawlings

Elise Marie Whitaker Yealy-Rawlings, age 84, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2015 after fighting a brave battle with cancer. She was born Friday, December 11, 1931 in Ano, KY to Sallie VanHook and James H. Whitaker.

Elise was raised in Somerset, KY and attended The University of Maryland in Heidelberg, Germany. She later lived in Fort Wayne, IN; Brentwood and Joelton, TN.

She worked at The Salvation Army in Nashville for 12 years and was a homemaker most of her life.

Elise was an active member of Forest Grove United Methodist Church and loved her church family. She also held various positions with The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary; The 464th Bomb Group Reunion Committees, The National Ex-POWs Group and Daughters of the War Group.

Elise is survived by her husband of 14 years, Arthur Lee Rawlings, Jr., children, Kimberly Yealy (Brenda Boyd), Kelli Yealy Savage (Terry), Kenton Yealy (Johnna) and Kaye Yealy Hash (Bobby); grandchildren, Veronica Yealy, Shelby Hash, Madison Savage, Preston Yealy, Lindy Hash and Cole Tanner; and beloved Goddaughter, Susan Quintero.

Elise was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Ray Whitaker, Helen Drew, Robert Whitaker and Gladys Whitaker Scalf.

Elise was a spunky lady with lots of friends who adored her. She loved life, traveling and most of all loved being with her children and grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be conducted 11:00 Monday, January 4, 2016 in the chapel of Forest Lawn with a visitation from 9:00. Burial will follow in Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 7931 McCrory Lane Nashville, TN 37221.