Thella Mai Simbeck Garland, born in Loretto, TN on June 6th, 1945, passed away peacefully on March 24th, 2024 at STRHS in Pulaski, TN. She was a resident of both Lawrence and Giles County and lived the last years of her life as a member of the Scott’s Hill/Shores community. She was a loving sister, mother, and grandmother and was known by many as “Nannie”. She retired from Crockett Hospital, now STRHS in Lawrenceburg. She survived breast cancer and continued on to live a bold and full life. She loved to shop at yard sales and create works of arts and crafts that she sold all over Lawrence County. She loved living a simple life out in the country where she could enjoy the view and feed her birds. She was a huge fan of Tennessee Titan and Volunteer football, candy and sweets, and anything with beautiful, vibrant colors, especially wildflowers.
Thella was preceded in death by: her parents Buford Simbeck (Ruth), her brother Jimmy Ray “Crickett” Simbeck, husband Don Dixon, and husband Doug Garland.
Thella is survived by: her sons Troy Baxter (Shannon) and Phil Baxter (Carol), step daughter- Sherri Kizer & Nickie, brothers Harley Simbeck (Martha), Bob Simbeck (Mary Alice), Don Simbeck (Jane), sister Ann Sue Ayers, grandchildren Matthew Baxter (Chrissy), Kayla Baxter (Avery), and Josh Baxter, and sweetheart Bob Barnett. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins survive.
Visitation will be held at Loretto Memorial Chapel on Tuesday March 26th from 5:00-8:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Loretto on Wednesday March 27th at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Lawrenceburg, TN. Loretto Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or to plant wildflowers in her memory.