Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

9/23/1932 - 12/1/2021

Jana Sue Yokley Grimes, age 89, of Hohenwald, Tennessee was called home by her heavenly Father on December 1, 2021. Jana was a dearly loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister in Christ. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Fred, her mother Eunice Baker Yokley Starbuck, her father James Yokley of Florida, and her two brothers James O. (J.O.) Yokley and Jerry B. Yokley. She is survived by her cherished son Michael Grimes and his wife Dixie Goff Grimes (Spring, TX); her grandchildren: Christa Grimes (Santa Fe, NM), Hope Grimes Matthews and husband Tyler (Spring, TX), and Ben Grimes (Nashville, TN); and her great-grandchildren: Braden and Ava Matthews.

Born September 23, 1932, Jana was the daughter of James O. and Eunice Baker Yokley. She enjoyed time growing up on the Gordonsburg, TN farm of her grandparents, John Paul and Mary Ryder Baker. Jana lived there for several years while her mother was away due to cancer treatments - Eunice was one of the first ever recipients of bone transplant surgery. Jana was known by all for her beautiful singing voice, and she met her sweetheart, Fred Lee Grimes during a singing recital at the age of 15 in Hohenwald. Jana and Fred married in February of 1949. It was a loving marriage that lasted for over 50 years until Fred's death in the year 2000. Jana's life was devoted to her husband, her son Michael and his family, and her Christian family at the Lomax, Hohenwald church of Christ, as well as church of Christ congregations in La Vergne and Wartrace, TN.

Noted for her love of God's Word, Jana was a dedicated Bible school teacher. Children and adults alike delighted in her storytelling and writing abilities. An excellent Southern cook, Jana also enjoyed preparing meals for church events and families in need throughout the local community, serving thousands of families over a period of seven decades. She was passionate about caring for others, including the many stray animals over the years who found a welcoming haven at her home. Jana was known locally and throughout middle Tennessee for her stunning Iris gardens and gave away bulbs to all who stopped by to admire. Iris flowers from her gardens are now found blooming every spring across the country in the homes of her friends and family from New England to New Mexico.

Jana will be remembered for her sincere faith in God, her loving kindness and her compassionate heart. She was a rare, selfless spirit - a mother not only to her family but to also her entire community. We are grateful for her long life and all she has given to us. We look forward to seeing her again someday.

Visitation and services were held at the Lomax church of Christ, Hohenwald on Sunday, December 5. Burial followed at Swiss Cemetery.

Adair Funeral & Cremation Services assisted the family with arrangements.