Ms. Gina Eileen Fann, 60, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee passed away on Thursday, August 3, 2023. She was born to the late Curtis Ray and Nora B Gentry Fann in Woodbury, Tennessee on Tuesday, July 16, 1963. In addition to her parents, Gina was preceded in death by her uncles, Jimmy Fann, Cecil Gentry, and Harold Gentry; and aunts, Virginia Fann, Lavada Carlton, and Laura Prater
She is survived by her sister, Lori (Jeff) Reynolds; niece, Delaney Reynolds; uncles, Bill Fann, Morris Fann, Dorris Fann, Boyd Gentry, and Billy Gentry; aunts, Wilma Haynes and Sue Griffith; and several cousins.
It was once said by Edward Bulwer-Lytton that “the pen is mightier than the sword,” and Gina was a firm believer in that. Before she was 3 years old, Gina was reading and comprehending the newspaper, and she didn’t waste her time in the comic section. She laid the foundation for becoming a life-long avid reader, and again, she didn’t want to waste her time with fairy tales.
Gina’s primary reading materials were comprised of historical literature. Learning about Tennessee History and reading biographies and autobiographies influenced the majority of her personal library. As a movie buff, she held a special interest in the biographies of female historical figures and Hollywood stars, and that desire to know women’s stories fostered her collection of Barbies as well as her future endeavors battling with a pen.
Graduating from MTSU with a Bachelor’s in Mass Communications, Gina was ready to take on any challenge. Her passion for words preceded her, and she began working at the Nashville Banner. During that time, Gina pushed herself to learn how to use her pen more dexterously for the benefit of others and took a few classes at the Nashville School of Law. Her life remained centered around Nashville until the Nashville Banner closed, and then, Gina was elated to find a job opening back at her alma mater.
A proud graduate of MTSU, returning there was like a homecoming. She joined the Office of News and Media Relations in 2004, writing for the MTSU News on their in-writing and digital publications. Working as a Communications Specialist fit Gina like a glove, and there she found ample opportunity to advocate for women’s rights and issues. Other than a pen, Gina could also use her words vocally and volunteered with the Women’s Abuse Hotline. Her quick wit worked for the good providing women in crisis with the response and guidance they needed.
That desire to listen, to care, and to help can also be traced back to words. Gina’s love affair with words scaffolded her passion for listening, learning, and sharing peoples’ stories. Though Gina didn’t entertain fairy tales as a child, she strived to use words to help people create their own happily ever after, but that didn’t just go for people. Gina was known for her cats and her love of animals. PAWS of Rutherford County became another organization dear to Gina’s heart.
For those who prefer to not send flowers, memorial donations may be made to PAWS of Rutherford County (285 John R. Rice Boulevard in Murfreesboro, TN).
Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 9-11 am. Memorial services will follow directly after on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 11 am in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Reverend Jeff Reynolds will officiate. Interment will be in Cothran Cemetery.
Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story