News Summary
Mary Elizabeth Chaffin (Liz) Ramsey, a respected community leader and devoted mother from Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully. She is remembered for her unwavering dedication to family, community involvement, and her significant role in Woodmont Christian Church. Liz’s legacy includes a passion for literature, sports, and a loving family that includes three sons, eight grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. A private ceremony will be held at a later date, and contributions can be made to her church in her honor.
Nashville, TN – Mary Elizabeth Chaffin (Liz) Ramsey, a respected community leader and devoted mother, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, at the age of 95. She is remembered fondly for her contributions to her family, community, and church.
Liz was born to Perry M. and Ruby Joan Warden Chaffin and was the widow of John A. Ramsey Jr., who passed away on September 12, 2022. Throughout her life, Liz was known for her commitment to her family as a dedicated housewife and mother, raising three sons: John A. Ramsey III, Robert Chaffin Ramsey, and Laurence Perry Ramsey.
Her educational journey began at Isaac Litton High School, where she graduated in 1946. Liz further pursued her studies at Vanderbilt University for two years before marrying John A. Ramsey Jr. During her high school years, Liz excelled in public speaking, even achieving recognition by placing in a national forensic tournament.
Liz was also athletic, demonstrating skill as a diver until an unfortunate back injury forced her to cease that pursuit. Her involvement in sports extended beyond diving; she was an active member of the Hillwood Country Club and participated regularly in tennis and golf, despite her challenges on the golf course.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Liz had a passion for literature. She was an avid reader, often consuming several books each week, and took pride in her extensive knowledge of literary works. Her enthusiasm for trivia contests related to literature became something of a family legend as they eventually stopped calling to participate due to her consistent correct answers.
Liz played an instrumental role in her religious community, particularly within Woodmont Christian Church, where she was heavily involved until the last few months of her life. In 2007, she was a key figure in the church’s search committee that successfully advocated for the appointment of Reverend Dr. Clay Stauffer as Senior Minister, a role he continues to hold today.
Her family home included a pool constructed in the early 1970s, designed to keep her sons and their friends close by. This pool later became a cherished gathering spot for grandchildren and great-grandchildren during summer Sundays, often featuring pizza deliveries and outings to a local favorite, Bobby’s Dairy Dip.
She is survived by three sons and their wives, along with eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Meredith Ramsey Kalt, Helen Ramsey Rominiecki, John A. Ramsey IV, Elizabeth Claire Ramsey Hines, Mary Anne Ramsey Moore, Garrett Chaffin Ramsey, Scott Laurence Ramsey, and Clayton George Ramsey. The family also expressed profound gratitude to her caretakers, Susan Reed and Mary Barcomb, for their dedicated support.
A private ceremony and burial will be held for family at a later date. The Ramsey family appreciates the outpouring of sympathy and well-wishes from the community during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Woodmont Christian Church, located at 3601 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, honoring Liz’s enduring commitment to her church and community.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Mary Elizabeth Ramsey
- H&H Funerals: Glenn Ramsey
- Legacy: Mary Ramsey Obituary
- Wikipedia: Nashville
- Google Search: Mary Elizabeth Ramsey
Author: HERE Nashville
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