Lona Grace Chumley

Lona Grace Chumley, 91, passed away August 6, 2025 at Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living in Erwin, Tennessee. Grace had lived in Columbia, TN all her life until 2016 when she moved to East Tennessee to be near her daughter.

Grace is survived by her daughter, Dianne Sparks (Larry) of Johnson City, TN; 3 grandchildren, Amy Henderson (Mike) of Hot Springs, NC, Tracy Chumley of Columbia, TN, and Daniel Chumley of Columbia, TN; 2 step grandchildren, Becky Storie (Kenny) of Johnson City, TN and Doug Sparks (Tracy) of Johnson City, TN; one sister, Marie Cummings of Culleoka, TN; one brother, Tommy Norman of Columbia, TN; 4 great grandchildren, Peyton Chumley, Presleigh Chumley, Jayden Grace Hudgins, and Bo Chumley.

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Maynard and Louise Norman; her husband of 55 years, Bobby Joe Chumley; her son, Bobby Ray Chumley and his wife, Diane Chumley; brother, James Norman and his wife Clara Norman; sister, Peggy Davis; and a niece, Lorrie O'Guin.

Grace was a member of Blue Springs Freewill Baptist Church in Columbia, TN, which she attended for over 40 years.

The family would like to thank Governor’s Bend Retirement and Assisted Living for their Christian love and care over the last 9 years. They became family to Grace and Dianne. The family would also like to thank the staff of Amedisys Hospice for their care.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, August 11 at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, TN at 2:00 PM. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens, Mt. Pleasant Pike, Columbia, TN.