Ina Mae was born August 19, 1917, the same year the United States entered into World War I, in Forge Ridge, Tennessee to Thomas and Margaret (Surber) Bush. She was 16 years old when she married her husband, Porter Sandefur. Together they raised 4 children and enjoyed life together until his death in 1978. Ina Mae was a homemaker and seamstress, making quilts and crocheted items for family and friends. She was an avid gardener, always planting flowers and a vegetable garden to feed the family. Genealogy was a passion that she worked on tirelessly, tracing her husband’s family back to the 1600s. But more than anything she loved her family, having them around her brought her joy. Christmas was her favorite time of year because everyone made the effort to come home to visit.
Ina Mae was full of life, even at 101 years young. She had stories of times most of us will never be able to comprehend, before phones and televisions. She recalled seeing the first jet in the air and being frightened because they didn’t know what it was. Ina Mae was willing to share her adventures with her family and they will be passed down to the next generations.
Ina Mae is survived by son, Dwayne (Denise) Sandefur; daughter, Vivian (Lewis) Anderson; daughter-in-law, Kathleen Sandefur; half sister, Ruth Robertson; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Porter, Ina Mae was preceded in death by her son Leon Sandefur and her daughter and son-in-law, Henriette and Cal Stargel.
Family will receive friends April 27 at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home from 3-4pm with service to follow at 4pm.
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