Elizabeth Ann Reagan

Elizabeth "Dib" Ann Reagan, born July 9, 1933, in DeKalb County, Tennessee, left her earthly home, surrounded by loved ones, on February 26, 2022, to be reunited with her sweetheart of 69 years, Nathan Coolidge Reagan — who had just ascended to his Heavenly home four months ago. Aside from her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents, Barbara Carmean Cantrell Poss and Hershel Poss, and her brother Melvin Poss. She and her family moved to Warren County when she was a child. Here she met Nathan at a friend's party and they quickly fell in love. Elizabeth (or "Granny" as she was known to many) said it was love at first sight. She and Nathan eloped on Christmas Day of 1952 with two of her sisters and their fiancés as well. The newly married Mr. and Mrs. Reagan returned to Warren County and put down the roots of what would become a very large and flourishing family tree.

Together Elizabeth and Nathan had eight children: Paul (and Penny) Reagan, Rita (and Tony) Ward, Gina (and Joe) Blair, Penny (and Carl) Hayes, Darlene (and Tommy) Bryant, Hal (and Bonnie) Reagan, Lisa (and Russell) Mason, and Scott Reagan, who are all residents of Warren County as well. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren: Shawn Reagan, Bobbie Jean Waggoner, Andrew Reagan, Nathaniel Reagan, Joshua Ward, Jenny Norris, Amy Blair, Ashley Giddens, Cody Durham, Callie Hitchcock, Jacob Reagan, Cade Reagan, Evan Chisam, and Erin Watts, several step-grandchildren, as well as 23 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her siblings Opal Land, Reed Poss, Jane Young, Harold Poss, and Donna Young.

Ask anyone who knew her and they would surely tell you that Elizabeth was as close to a saint as they have ever met. She was affectionately known as an angel among loved ones. She had such a pure heart and showed her love freely and unconditionally through both her words and deeds. She gave support to those who didn't ask for it. Though she was tiny in stature — she was a mighty warrior for Christ and personally led several people into a relationship with Jesus. She worshiped the Lord and it was her greatest wish that each of her loved ones would come to know and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

She was a natural nurturer — whether she was sprouting flowers or aiding in the moral and personal growth of others. She gave out love like plants provide oxygen… giving life to those who may not necessarily have asked for her grace and kindness but who nevertheless may have needed it most. Though she never worked outside the home, she was instrumental in raising 8 children and helping care for her younger siblings, dozens of grandbabies, great-grandbabies, and countless other children throughout her lifetime. Her husband, Nathan, was a long-time truck driver for the Co-op so she was often managing the household on her own while he was working. She absolutely adored children and had enduring patience and a calm demeanor that could rival the best caretakers. She was never failing in her love for others and the well of goodness brimming inside her never ran dry. Kids and grandkids all wanted so badly to be Granny and Papa's "favorite" because they were each held in such high esteem by their family.

Elizabeth thoroughly enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She used to make most of her children's clothes and she also stitched countless quilts and other items. Before her health began to decline, she spent a lot of time in her garden. She had a talent for growing beautiful flowers that reflected the care she intentionally paid to every aspect of her life. She often spent time shelling beans, snapping peas, shucking corn, and canning. She had distinct hands with beautiful long nails that were usually coated in her signature (nearly transparent) iridescent pink polish. Those hands were instrumental in providing comfort for the broken, caring for children, worshiping the Lord, praying for those in need, fixing a requested dish for her family, and gently stroking a child's back as they drifted into a safe slumber while she hummed gospel songs. She was a long-time member of Newtown the Baptist Church of Christ.

She was a proud and devoted wife who loved Nathan with the most profound and selfless love that you can imagine. After Nathan died, Elizabeth missed him infinitely and longed to be reunited with him in Heaven. It's poetic that when Alzheimer's took over and her body ceased being able to function normally — her heart mystified us all in its ability to continue beating. Her family noted her powerful heart (which should have not surprised anyone) as she had the strongest and best heart of all. Saying that she has left a large void and a hole in the hearts of her loved ones may be the biggest understatement of the century. She is irreplaceable. All we can do is hope to be a fraction of the amazing person that she was. Her legacy will live on in all who knew and loved her. We can carry on her memory in our kindness towards one another and our Christlike love for others.

Funeral services were conducted March 02, 2022, in the McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel. Brent Craven officiated. Interment followed at Newtown Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family has asked that visitors wear pink in honor of Elizabeth's favorite color.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com

McMinnville Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 931-473-6606.