Erlene’s life was marked by quiet devotion; she was steadfast in faith, generous in spirit, and gentle in the way she lived her life. A sincere follower of Christ, her calming presence and genuine care for others anchored her through all seasons of her life.
After graduating from Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education, Erlene earned her master’s degree from Tennessee State University. She spent 35 years pouring her gifts into her calling, serving as a schoolteacher in the Metropolitan Nashville Public School System. Teaching was never simply a profession for Erlene; she believed deeply there was value in every mind and encouraged every student to find and believe in their own potential.
Her passion for education extended far beyond her classroom years, and her lessons flowed continuously into the lives of those around her. She offered encouragement, guidance, and life lessons to family and friends with the same kindness she showed her students. While this zeal was always evident, it never had a greater outlet than when she became a grandmother.
Nothing brought Erlene greater joy than being a grandmother. She treasured every moment spent with Ethan and Eleanor, celebrating their accomplishments, sharing in their interests, showering them with love, and, of course, helping them with schoolwork. Her grandchildren knew her as Mama Erlene – a constant source of comfort, encouragement, support, and affection. The lessons she passed on to them will forever remain a part of their lives.
Erlene’s gentle heart was also reflected in her lifelong love of cats. She found great joy in their companionship and cared for her many furry friends with the same tenderness she extended to the people around her. Whether caring for family, friends, students, or animals, Erlene had a remarkable ability to make others feel loved.
Just as she so greatly loved others, Erlene was so deeply loved by those around her. Though her family grieves her absence, they take comfort in her legacy – a legacy that shines brightly from the countless lives she touched and the enduring lessons of kindness, faith, and love she leaves behind. Those who knew her will remember her not only for what she accomplished, but for how loved and seen she made people feel.
Erlene was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Daisy Adams; her father, Ernest Tubb; her mother, Olene Adams Tubb; her brother, Justin Tubb; her sisters, Elaine Tubb Wingerter and Gayle Tubb; and the loving wife of her youngest brother, Vicky Tubb. She is survived by her son, Ryan Tubb (Pecolia); her partner, Wayne Walker; her grandchildren Ethan and Eleanor; her sister, Karen Tubb (Joe); her brothers, Ernest Tubb, Jr. (Joanne) and Dean Tubb. Erlene also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family members.
There will be a Visitation for friends and family on Monday, June 15, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Hermitage Funeral Home and again on Tuesday, June 16, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. A Celebration of Erlene's Life will begin at 11:00 AM in the Tulip Grove Chapel at the funeral home with Rev. Dr. Marcus W. McFaul officiating. Bill Key, Jim Kite, Byron Tubb, Dale Tubb, Dean Tubb and Ernest Tubb, Jr., will serve as Pallbearers. Ethan Bransford will serve as an Honorary Pallbearer. Following the service, Erlene will be laid to rest next to her parents in the Garden of Peace at Hermitage Memorial Gardens. The Celebration will continue with a reception at 108 Corbin Court, Nolensville, TN 37135.
While your presence and support are appreciated above all, if you would like to honor Erlene with a gift, memorial donations may be made in her memory to Nashville Cat Rescue or Harvest Hands Community Development. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Tubb family at www.HermitageFH.com.
