Tommie Bourland

Tommie Bourland Martha Wright "Tommie" Bourland died at her home in Tupelo, Mississippi, on May 11, 2014. A native of Paris, Tennessee, she was born on November 1, 1926, to the late Gama Cole Wright and Tilden Hendrix Wright. Mrs. Bourland graduated from Grove High School in Paris, Tennessee, and subsequently graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Nursing in 1945. She met her future husband and lifelong partner, Walter L. Bourland, a medical student, at the University of Tennessee. They were married in Paris, Tennessee, on March 26, 1948. After Dr. Bourland completed his tour of duty in the Navy, the Bourlands made their permanent home in Tupelo, Mississippi, in July of 1956, where they raised their four children and became active members of the community. Mrs. Bourland was named Outstanding Citizen for 1990 by the Tupelo Junior Auxiliary. As a registered nurse, and having received additional training in kidney dialysis nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, she was instrumental in developing the first dialysis center at North Mississippi Medical Center. Mrs. Bourland was an active member of the Gloster Street Church of Christ for 57 years. Among other things, she taught Sunday School, provided flowers for the church on a regular basis, and was active in the Jail Ministry, which she initiated in her 80's. Dr. and Mrs. Bourland served together as a medical and nursing missionary team, traveling to Africa on several occasions. She continued to have active involvement with this mission until her death. An active Rosarian, she founded the Northeast Mississippi Rose Society and was President for many years. She organized the Rose Show held each spring in the main lobby of Renasant Bank. Margaret Gratz stated in the May/June edition of Mississippi Magazine, "Roses have long been a passion for Tommie, and she distributes the roses as gifts of comfort and joy." She also enjoyed her involvement with the Forthian Club, the Hoe and Hope Garden Club and the Junior Dinner Club. Visitation will be held at the Gloster Street Church of Christ Annex on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, from 12:00 -3:00. Graveside services will follow at 3:30 at Tupelo Memorial Park with Chad Ramsey officiating. W.E. Pegues Funeral Directors will be in charge of the arrangements. Survivors include Dr. Walter Lee Bourland (Kim) of Dallas, Texas; John Tilden Bourland (Ann) of Nashville, Tennessee; Beth Bourland Jolly (David) of West Point, Mississippi; and Katie Bourland Dalton (Frank) of Corinth, Mississippi; one sister, Julia Wright Gilchrist of Conroe, Texas; and fourteen grandchildren: Peter Bourland (Melna), Campbell Bourland (Chrissie) of Dallas, Texas; Claire Bourland Brickman (Blake) of Lexington, Kentucky; Ryan Connors of Austin, Texas; John Bearden (Elena) of Birmingham, Alabama; Rob Bearden (Shelly); Cole Bourland (Margaret); Mary Kirk Smith (Andrew); Ellen Fletcher, all of Nashville, Tennessee; Anna Jolly Blackstock (Lindsey) of Atlanta, Georgia; David "Bo" Jolly of Memphis; Lee Jolly of West Point; Laura Dalton of New Orleans; and Martha Frances Dalton of Starkville and 12 great grandchildren. Mrs. Bourland is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Walter Lee Bourland, her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Bourland, her parents and siblings, Amanda Meadors and Sarah Wilson. Pall bearers will be Peter Bourland, Campbell Bourland, Blake Brickman, Ryan Connors, John Bearden, Rob Bearden, Cole Bourland, Bo Jolly, Lee Jolly, Lindsey Blackstock, Drew Harrison and Mark Harrison. Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of the Gloster Street Church of Christ (307 North Gloster Street, Tupelo, MS 38804); Create Foundation (P. O. Box 1053, Tupelo, MS 38802) or the charity of your choice.