Earlene "Winky" Talley

December 24, 1937 - April 7, 2018

Earlene Talley, daughter of the late John William and Grace Alene (Bates) Talley, was born December 24, 1937 in Mary Mines Copperhill, Tennessee, where she grew up and attended school. “Winky”, as she was known by, lived in Tennessee her entire life until 2008; she then moved to Missouri to be near her family. Winky was baptized and became a member of the Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee. She was dedicated and committed to serving the Lord she loved so deeply. Winky lived a busy life while raising her three beautiful girls, Leanne, Patricia and Jada. She always took great delight and pride in providing them with a warm and loving home. God gave Winky a servant’s heart, and this would be one of her greatest gifts during her working years. One of her proudest accomplishments was receiving her Certification as a Nursing Assistant, in both the states of Georgia and Tennessee. She loved caring for others and began her career working as a CNA in the healthcare profession. In her spare time, Winky loved to go to yard sales, also known as, “YARD HOPPIN” to Winky, in hopes of finding that hidden treasure. She also loved to dance. However, most importantly, she treasured those times spent with her family and friends. If given a choice though, Winky would rather spend a day with a grandchild, or great-grandchild over anything else she could do; each one held a special place in her heart. Winky departed this life on the evening of Saturday, April 7, 2018, to begin her eternal journey with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ while in the Autumn Oaks Care Center of Mountain Grove, Missouri, having attained the age of 80 years. Winky leaves behind to cherish her memory, three daughters, Leanne Smith (Don) of Richland, MO, Patricia “Penni” Trammell, of Ducktown, TN, and Jada Kirkland (Danny) of Mountain Grove, MO; eight grandchildren, Billy Hall, Jonathan Talley, Kristin Soto, Danielle Masters, Mariah Harris, Brandy Hughes, Dale Kirkland and Nikki Lee; twenty-five great-grandchildren; her sister, Jenna Lewis of Ducktown, TN; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and three sisters. Winky was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. In her life time she brought a lot of love and joy to so many, and will always be remembered by those who loved her. Services were held at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 11, 2018, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Chris Hendrix officiating. Guitarist, Chris Hill accompanied soloists, Patsy Mooney, Kelly McCann and Leslie Mooney Hick as they sang, “Amazing Grace,” “In the Garden,” and “Go Rest High on that Mountain.” Burial will be in the Mountain View Cemetery, McCaysville, Georgia.