Born November 28, 1935 in Tifton Georgia, Faye moved to West Palm Beach, Florida as a young girl. She graduated from Palm Beach High School, attended Florida State University before transferring to Auburn University, where she helped establish the Pi Beta Phi sorority chapter.
Moving to Nashville following college, Faye taught school for several years before joining the performing rights organization BMI in 1979. Beginning as a receptionist, she became the Corporate Events Coordinator in both the Nashville and New York offices. Faye loved music and working on events for the songwriting community under the direction of her dear friend and former CEO of BMI, Frances W. Preston. Though she retired from BMI in 2007, she always remained a part of the “BMI family.”
Pre-deceased by her parents Gus and Frankie Anthony.
Survived by daughters Alison Smith, Ellen Smith Simpson (Jim), grandsons Anthony Blanton Simpson, James Ryan Simpson, and Christian Mannion Simpson. She was their beloved “Gigi” and they were the lights of her life. Also survived by her sister Kay Cowart, numerous nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.
‘Faye-Z’ had an infectious smile and brightened every room she entered. She was the epitome of grace and style, enjoying her time spent with friends and family to the fullest.
The family would like to give special thanks to her dear friends and companions, Helen Goodloe and Mollie Clark.
Visitation Thursday, September 19th, 5-8 pm, St. Henry Catholic Church, 6401 Harding Pike. Funeral service will be held on Friday, September 20th, 11 am at the church. Burial following at Calvary Cemetery, 1001 Lebanon Road.
Serving as pallbearers, Jim Simpson, Anthony, Christian and Ryan Simpson, Tom Annastas and Dennis DiTraglia.
Honorary pallbearers, Blanton Smith, Mike O’Neill, Del Bryant, Phil Graham and Bucky Farnor.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Faye’s memory to The T.J. Martell Foundation, tjmartell.org or The Kevin Paul Davis Scholarship Fund at Father Ryan High School, fatherryan.org.
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