Willena "Weena" Eldridge Babcock

Willena “Weena” Eldridge Babcock, age 73, went to be with her sweet Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 2, 2020, surrounded by her family. She passed peacefully after suffering from a long-term illness. She was born October 5, 1946, in Sumter, SC, where she was active at First Baptist Church, Sumter, and graduated from Edmunds High School. She received a BA in Music Education in 1968, from Columbia College in Columbia, SC. She was a member of the Columbia College Choir, and after graduation, taught elementary school music in Charleston, SC. In 1970, during her time in Charleston, she met her loving and devoted husband of 49 years, Robert Alan Babcock. They married on February 6th, 1971, in Sumter, and made their home in Knoxville, TN. Knoxville became home to Weena as she became more active in her community and found her home at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. For many years, she was active in Knoxville’s Junior League, Garden Club, and Bible Study Fellowship. She used her musical talents in the church choir at Cedar Springs where she was also devoted to many ministries including children’s ministry, women’s ministry, global missions, and Bible studies. Many qualities made Weena special, but she was most known for her generous heart, sincere thoughtfulness, and her ability to make others feel welcome, known and valued. Her life was dedicated to growing in her faith and love of Jesus, and she delighted in sharing the joy of God’s love with others. She was the quintessential southern lady, full of charm and grace. Family was so important to her. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt. She built a home centered on her love of God, her family, and her friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Julius Ernest and Edith Colvin Eldridge, her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Jerome Colvin, Holly Hill, SC; and Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Rice Eldridge, Sumter, SC, and her parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Arthur Babcock; brother-in-law, Jack Millard, Clanton, AL; niece, Hope Eldridge. She is survived by her husband Robert Alan Babcock; son Jonathan Alan (Tia) Babcock, Knoxville; daughter Rebecca (Brian) Hommertzheim, Denver, CO; Grandchildren Kate Babcock, Claire Babcock, Davis Babcock, Lauren Hommertzheim and Charlotte Hommertzheim; Brother Jule (Frankie) Eldridge, Sumter; Sister Nancy (Clary) Rawl, Florence, SC; Sister-in-Law Carolyn Millard; Nephews Jule (Mary Glenn) Eldridge, Edward (Ashley) Rawl, Todd (Veta) Millard, Andy (Christy) Millard, Chris (Sandra) Millard; Nieces Heather Eldridge, Catherine (Ken) Prosser, Jackie (Steve) Penley, Annette Millard. A private service was held with her immediate family on April 7, 2020, at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel, followed by burial at East Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery. Given the current situation a Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date when friends and family can gather. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church Global Missions Fund, 9132 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923, or online at cspc.net.

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Willena "Weena" Eldridge Babcock

October 5, 1946 - April 2, 2020