Jeannie J. Eldridge

Jeannie J. Eldridge, age 93, of Ethridge, TN went peacefully to Heaven, surrounded by family Friday, April 3, 2026, at her residence.

Jeannie was born December 1, 1932 in Islandton, SC, to the late John Wesley Stanley and Jeannie Bertha (Davis) Stanley.  Her father passed away in 1944, and her mother moved the family to Florida where she graduated from Seminole High School in 1951.  In a memoir she wrote, she often talked about God’s protection throughout her life.  She had given her life to Jesus at 11 years old.

She married Willard Eldridge in 1953, and they faithfully served the Lord together for over 40 years in Pastoral Ministry to churches in FL, TN, NC, and WV.  Even after retiring to Lawrenceburg, TN they never retired from ministering to others and became faithful, active members of the Freedom Hill Bible Methodist Church in Ethridge, TN where she served as a board member, the Church Secretary / Treasurer, and Missionary President for many years.

Jeannie was a homemaker who was an example of a Proverbs 31 wife and mother.  She knew where her children were at all times while they were growing up.  She cared for her elderly mother and took care of her husband in his last days.

She always enjoyed helping people as well as teaching Sunday School classes and being involved in Children and Teen ministries.  She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, sewing, and crocheting.

Jeannie was known to everyone as “MeMa” and she truly was a grandmother to many a young person in addition to her own.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her!

Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, John Wesley Stanley and Jeannie Bertha (Davis) Stanley; her husband, Rev. Willard G. Eldridge; a baby sister, Idell; two sisters and their spouses, Tiney Elizabeth Arnett (Roy) and Frances Bertha Kern (Buddy); one son-in-law, Rev. S.L. McDonald; one great-grandchild, Nathaniel John McDonald; as well as numerous other family members.

She is survived by two daughters. Patricia McDonald-Larsen (Karl) and Pamela Shirah (Barry); one son, Paul Eldridge (Clarice); ten grandchildren and their spouses; thirty great-grandchildren and their spouses; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Neal Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 11:00 AM Sunday, April 12, 2026, with Rev. Paul Eldridge and others officiating. Interment will follow at Lawrence County Memorial Gardens in Lawrenceburg, TN. Condolences may be sent by way of our website at www.nealfuneralhome.net.