Mrs. Lila Elaine Speck Nash, age 77, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend of so many, passed away on July 9, 2026, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville with her family by her side.
Elaine was born on December 25, 1948, in Sparta, Tennessee, to the late Tyrus Cobb Speck and Alberta Swindell Speck. She grew up in Sparta and graduated from White County High School. It’s there she met her future husband, Jerry Don Nash. She continued her education at Tennessee Tech University, where she earned her bachelor's and master’s degrees, as well as an Educational Specialist degree. She pursued a career as an educator in the White County school system, serving as a teacher for many years, and retired as the Librarian at White County Middle School. Her retirement plan was simple - she wanted to travel, but most importantly, to spend time with her grandchildren.
Those who knew Elaine will remember her as a friendly, kind, loving person who was always willing to lift anyone up when they needed help. Elaine loved to travel and was an avid reader. She traveled to many international destinations and visited every US state. She loved great food, but she was also a superb cook who took great pride in that. Elaine was a lifelong and active member of Central Church of Christ, where she also served as a most loving preschool teacher to many little ones.
Elaine is lovingly survived by her wonderful husband of 58 years, Jerry Don. With him, they crafted a beautiful life together. Their daughter Jennifer and son-in-law George Zahr brought incredible happiness to Elaine’s life. Her grandkids, Daniel and Andrew Zahr, brought her immense pride and joy, as she adored every minute she spent with them. Her grandchildren will always carry her legacy and teachings in their daily lives forever. Elaine was the most amazing mother, grandmother, wife, and educator, who defined her life by service and dedication to others. She was an ever-constant source of inspiration and guiding compass to her family.
Funeral services were conducted at 2 pm Monday, July 13, 2026, at Central Church of Christ with burial in Saylors Cemetery. The family received friends after 11 am Monday at the church. Elder Les Tubb and David Copeland officiated.
Jack Brickey, Gary Day, Roy Heady, Bill Hitchcock, Freddy Howell, Roy Sliger, Jim Sorrell and Ben Sparkman served the family as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Happy Haven Children’s Home, 2311 Wakefield Drive, Cookeville, TN 38501.
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
