Faye Jewell Chiles

Faye Jewell Chiles, born June 15, 1936, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025. The daughter of Martha Lewis and T.C. Jewell, Faye moved to Nashville at an early age and graduated from West End High School in 1954. She went on to attend Vanderbilt University, where she met her future husband, John Garland Chiles Jr. Together, they made their home in Nashville and had four children: Emily, Laurie, Kate, and John Garland Chiles III (deceased). Her devotion to her children and grandchildren was unwavering and brought her immense joy in her role as both mother and “Grandy.”

Faye dedicated much of her career to public service. She held numerous positions within Tennessee State Government, including Director of Licensure and Assistant to the Commissioner of Mental Health. In these roles, she advocated tirelessly for those most in need and protecting the unprotected. Later, she found profound personal fulfillment working with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, where she was especially devoted to Tennessee State Parks. Her love for parks continued well into retirement, as she enjoyed frequent visits with family and maintained lifelong friendships with colleagues, always championing the protection of natural resources.

Her environmental advocacy extended beyond her professional work. She served as Secretary and Chairperson of the Tennessee Smoky Mountain Park Commission and was instrumental in developing a master plan for the park in collaboration with federal, state, and local leaders. Her work with the Park Commission and the family’s love of their summer home in Elkmont fueled her passion for the Smokies and formed a treasured legacy passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Faye also made her mark in Tennessee politics. A proud and active member of the Republican Party, she served as President of the 5th District Republican Women’s Club and Vice President of the Statewide Republican Women’s Chapter. In 1976, she was elected a Tennessee delegate to the Republican National Convention, where she served on the National Platform Committee. Known for her bipartisan approach and spirit of collaboration, Faye was appointed by members of both parties to roles requiring diplomacy, partnership, and a deep commitment to public service. She was a member of the Tennessee Commission on the Status of Women and received the Woman on the Move Award from the Tennessee Political Women’s Caucus.

Faye was equally committed to philanthropic causes. She was a longtime member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, where she held multiple leadership roles including President of Chapter E, working to advance educational opportunities for women. She was active in a variety of community organizations, including the Nashville Symphony, United Way, and the Nashville Centennial Club. As Chairman of the Transplant Assistance Program, Faye’s tenacious advocacy for organ donation brought her great personal fulfillment, reflecting her enduring belief in the power of giving. Among her most treasured affiliations was with First Presbyterian Church Nashville, where she served faithfully in many roles—ranging from deacon to wedding coordinator. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she poured her heart into every opportunity to use her talents in the service of others. Her warmth, wisdom, and joyful spirit were a blessing to all who knew her.

Faye is preceded in death by her beloved son, John Garland Chiles III, and her brother, Tarver Collier Jewell. She is survived by her children, Emily Dresch, Laurie Barnes (Mark), and Kate McGlasson (Joel); her sister, Janie Jewell; her half sister, Helen Jo Jewell; her niece, Sarah Elizabeth Jewell; her nephews, Aaron Lewis Bender (Tereysa) and Ross Thomas Bender (Jessica); and her cherished grandchildren: Jonathan Tarver Dresch, Katherine Jewell Dresch, William Chiles Dresch, Joel Clayton McGlasson Jr. (Vanessa), Emily Marie McCall (Dyer), and Caitlin Jewell Barnes.

A visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church Nashville in the Cheek House. A memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Stanford Chapel. 4815 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37220.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Faye’s lifelong love for nature and service may be made to First Presbyterian Church Nashville, or to the Tennessee State Parks.