ALMA JEAN GREEN

Alma Jean Green, formerly of South Fulton, died peacefully at the Obion County Nursing Home June 3 after a lengthy illness. She was 79.

Born August 10, 1941, in Fulton, Ky., Alma Jean was the oldest daughter of the late Billy S. Green and Mary E. Green of the McConnell community. She was also preceded in death by her youngest brother, Glynn W. Green. Alma Jean is survived by her sisters Julianne (Judy) Green, and Elizabeth (Libby) Stroud; her brother, Billy M. Green; and one very special niece, Savannah Stroud.

Alma Jean was a proud member of the “Class of ‘59” at South Fulton High School. Only a few weeks after high school graduation, she became the seventh employee at the new location of Ferry Morse Seed Company in Fulton. After building her secretarial and clerical skills, she later became an employee of the Stanley Jones Corporation, and to fulfill a dream to travel, followed that position with a new job in Hawaii with Charles Pankow Associates. Alma Jean began to have the itch to be closer to home, so she accepted a position with Sharondale Construction in Nashville for the building of the new Opryland Hotel. After that, a new opportunity arose in more familiar territory at Memphis Machinery. She jumped at the chance to be back with the people she cherished most in her professional life and returned to the South Fulton area to continue her work by joining the Central Metal Products team as an executive assistant. The Stanley Jones family, and especially the close relationship with Johnny and Judy Jones and their wonderful children, was the crowning joy of Alma Jean’s professional career.

In 1961, Alma Jean married Tommie Mann of Fulton, and together they enjoyed competitive bowling and frequent road trips, including the Ferry Morse League’s team trip to the National Bowling Tournament in New Orleans. Although their marriage ended several years later, they continued to enjoy travel, bowling, social events with family members, and an extra-special bond until Tommie’s untimely death in the years to follow.

Alma Jean especially enjoyed “Class of ‘59” reunions where she could reminisce with all of her classmates and special pals Guynell Pierce, Beverly Miller, Peggy McConnell, Lutrecia Stephens, Hazel Johnson, in addition to many others. Her fond memories of her close friend Freida McCollum always brought a smile to Alma Jean’s face. She had such a good time at The Keg in Fulton with her “Trivia Squad” members and close friends Nancy Bushart Jones, Dee Barclay, Sharon Johnson, and “the new kid on the block”, Sharye Hendrix.

Alma maintained close relationships with former co-workers through the years. Tim McKinney of Mayfield, his wife Tonja, and their three boys gave Alma special joy and encouragement. The McKinney boys referred to Alma as their “adopted grandmother”, and she was so proud of their individual accomplishments as she observed them grow into fine, young men. The McKinneys were there at her bedside the day before Alma’s death, and together they sang for her “Amazing Grace”, one of Alma’s favorites.

In addition to those mentioned above, the long list of special friends must include Margaret Riesner of Nashville who was always ready to make a trip to South Fulton to check up on her friend and enjoy a game of cards or a meal together. Any omissions from the list of friends and classmates is unintentional and is the result of circumstance.

Some of Alma’s most fond memories were the treasured, travel adventures and quality time spent with her close, personal friend Sharye (Owens) Hendrix. Sharye spent some of Alma’s final hours at her bedside, feeding Alma her favorite Ben & Jerry’s pistachio ice cream, and talking with Alma about their fun times together and the great memories they share. Sharye asked Alma if she’d like to hear some music, and Alma wanted something by Elvis Presley; a coincidental choice was Mr. Presley’s rendition of “My Way”, a truly appropriate musical farewell for a woman who tried her best throughout her life to do things correctly, properly, and “her way”. Sharye’s loyalty and ceaseless support, assistance, and genuine concern enriched Alma’s life beyond measure.

A private graveside service will be held at Obion County Memorial Gardens where her ashes will be interred in the family plot. In accordance with Alma’s wishes, a public memorial service will be held at some point in the future when the reason for her decision will become apparent.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City, Cane Creek Rehabilitation Center in Martin, and the numerous practitioners and nurses who were faithful in their professional duties to help Alma feel better and enjoy an acceptable quality of life to the end.

Above all, the family thanks the entire staff at the Obion County Nursing Home where Alma had developed close relationships with staff and other residents through the years while visiting her sister Judy. Although it was brief, Alma’s residence at the nursing home was a special comfort at a trying time when being close to her “new family” and enjoying the staff’s special attention eased the final struggle against her failing body.

Memorials may be made to Friends of the Fulton Library, 312 Main Street, Fulton, KY 42041 or to Gideon’s International, PO BOX 1325, Fulton, KY 42041.