Gena Lee Gaddy

FULTON – Gena Lee “Lil Momma” Gaddy, Tilden Community, retired seamstress for Monroe Trousers Crestline/Hickory Hill Furniture, went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2024, at home, with her family by her side.

She was born February 25, 1934, in Detroit, AL, to the late Jerome and Clister Elizabeth Eastman Knight and was an active member of Tilden Church of Christ.  She was a founding member of the Tilden/New Salem Fire Department, proudly serving the community since 1985, was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders since 2007, and was a 4H leader for the Tilden/New Salem area for many years.

She met the love of her life, Eulis “Smooth” Gaddy on Dec. 23, 1950.  They eloped on February 25, 1951 and made their home in the Tilden Community, sharing a life filled with their love for God and each other for 60 years, until “Smooth” was called home on December 28, 2010. Although she was a true Southern lady, she never shied away from hard work.  She worked beside her husband cutting wood, working in their garden and even mowed her own yard as long as she was able.  She was a true Christian example not only to her family, but to everyone who knew her and was always eager to lend a hand where needed.  She touched many lives and will be missed by all.  She was a devoted and loving wife, Moma, and Mamaw and was very proud of her ever-growing family.

She is survived by her children, Judy Gaddy Patton of Tupelo, MS, Carl Gaddy and his wife, Dianne of Fulton, MS, Frank Gaddy and his wife, Phyllis of Amory, MS, and Micki Gaddy Brown of Fulton; one sister, Alma Faye Summerford of Smithville, MS; seven grandchildren, Tina Rollins Bethay and her husband, Daniel of Fulton, Regina Rollins Peebles and her husband, Joe of Olive Branch, MS, Rebecca Gaddy Jarrell and her husband, Tony of Fulton, Liz McFerrin Beavers and her husband, Ben of Tupelo, Mindy Gaddy Bardon and her husband, Greg of Vernon, AL, Brock Brown and his wife LaShae of Amory, and Catherine Gaddy Johnson and her husband, Seth of Fulton; 16 great grandchildren, Matthew Bethay of Littleton, CO, Will Bethay, David Bethay and his fiancé, Kayla, all  of Fulton, Katie Bethay of Belvidere, IL, Lillie Bethay of Fulton, John Peebles of England, AR, Patrick Peebles and his wife, Kelly of Washington, DC, Christopher Peebles of Little Rock, AR, Zack Jarrell of Fulton, Jacob Beavers, Hart Beavers, Joshua Beavers all of Tupelo, McKenlee Bardon of Vernon, AL, Dalton Brown, Braylie Pritchett, and Vannah Pritchett all of Amory; five great great grandchildren, Dixie Grace Bethay of Littleton, CO, Jordyn Peebles, Jadon Peebles both of England, AR, Alex Peebles, and Andrew Peebles both of Linn Creek, MO; and three soon to be great great grandchildren, Joshua McKinney, Addison McKinney, and Mason McKinney all of Wheeler, MS.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Teresa Gaddy; son-in-law, Patrick Patton; grandson, Scott Rollins; sisters, Elaine Gregory and Linda Odom; and brother, Roger Knight.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 31, from 11 a.m. until the service begins at 2 p.m. at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Fulton, MS, with Bro. Jeff Bates officiating.  Burial will follow at Tilden Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brock Brown, Daniel Bethay, Joe Peebles, Tony Jarrell, Ben Beavers, Greg Bardon, and Seth Johnson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be her great grandsons.

Condolences may be shared with her family at www.mcneecemorrisfuneralhome.com.