Lela Ann McCrary Brasfield

Lela Ann McCrary Brasfield, age 71 of McEwen, TN passed away at her residence surrounded by her loving family on Saturday August 12th, 2023. She was born at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, TN on July 8th, 1952, to the late Robert and Neva (Shofner) McCrary of Waverly, TN. 

Lela was raised in Waverly, TN in an idyllic home on West Main Street that was enjoyed by many friends and family.  She was a 1970 graduate of Waverly Central High School and attended Middle Tennessee State University.  In her early working career, Lela was employed by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company in New Johnsonville, TN, Northern Telecom and I.C. Thomasson in Nashville, TN and Global Power Company in Waverly, TN.  After the birth of her first child, Lela found her true calling as a mother and homemaker.  Loved and cherished by many, she will be most remembered for her quick-wit and positive personality, southern hospitality, and infectious laugh.  Lela was always prepared for an unexpected guest and loved the fellowship of those that “dropped in”.  Her guests always entered a well-kept home and never left hungry.  Lela was a lifelong member of the Waverly United Methodist Church and served on various church committees through the years.  She belonged to the Hart Sunday School Class and a member of the Gideons Auxiliary.  Lela was an active supporter of the local public schools serving and volunteering on various parent teacher associations, sports programs, and substitute teaching.  As an empty nester, Lela returned to the workforce and was employed by Waverly Family Medicine working for Dr. Dick Jackson.  Lela retired in 2010 where she and her surviving husband enjoyed traveling to Indonesia, Australia, Alaska, the Florida beaches, and the Great Smoky Mountains.  But it was always her home and town that comforted her the most. 

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 12 years, James (Jim) Brasfield, and their chocolate Labrador Retriever of 12 years, Lexie.  Other survivors include her son Ryan (Anne-Marie) Hollis of Waverly, TN, son Blake (Taylor) Hollis of Nashville, TN, sister Becky Shanks of Franklin, TN, four grandsons Mac (5), Price (3), Hays (7 months), and Banks (3 weeks), and nephew Rory Shanks of Chapel Hill, TN, and great niece Emma Grace Shanks and nephew Hudson Shanks also of Chapel Hill, TN.  Lela is also survived by many cousins including Shirley Link of Waverly, TN, Linda (Jim) Elmore of Knoxville, TN, Becca Link (David) Little and Link Little of Waverly, TN, Becky Shofner of Santa Fe, NM, and many other cousins and close friends. 

Along with her parents, Lela is preceded in death by her brother-in-law Bill Shanks of Brentwood, TN, cousin Billy Hugh Link of New Johnsonville, TN, and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

A visitation for Mrs. Brasfield will be held on Wednesday, August 16th, 2023, at Waverly First United Methodist Church beginning at 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at 1:00 P.M. Officiating the service is Brother Thad Collier of Murfreesboro, TN and Chris Thompson of Waverly, TN. Interment burial to follow at the Jackson Cemetery in New Johnsonville, TN where she will be buried alongside her parents and other family members.  Pallbearers for the service will be Ryan Hollis, Blake Hollis, Rory Shanks, David Little, Dave Porch, Jim King, Frank Rushton, and Gary Rickenbrode. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Waverly United Methodist Church. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Luff-Bowen Funeral Home. 

Online condolences can be made by visiting luffbowen.com. 

2400 HWY 13 North, Waverly, TN 37185 

931-296-2437