Lynn Beasley Whitfield, age 88, passed away peacefully at her home in the Palestine Community of Paris, Tennessee, on September 16th, 2025. Born and raised in Blountville, Tennessee, Lynn lived a life committed to community service, generosity, and family.
Lynn attended East Tennessee State University, where she was a dedicated Alpha Omicron Pi, met her husband, George, at a sorority social, married, and moved to Henry, TN. She went on to complete her degree at Bethel University and obtained a postgraduate degree from Murray State University. Her passion for education led to a distinguished 36-year career as a teacher and school librarian. A lifelong advocate for literacy and learning, Lynn quietly funded a college scholarship program to help young women overcome financial barriers and achieve higher education.
Lynn was a devoted member of Paris First United Methodist Church, where she was active in the United Methodist Women. She participated in and contributed to the Paris-Henry County Arts Council, Lee (now Paris) Academy for the Arts, Athena Delphian Club, Hoofbeats of Hope, Helping Hand, Happy Greer Book Club, Plus Endowment, and the Paris-Henry County Library.
An avid reader, Lynn found joy in books, travel, and meaningful friendships. She was especially cherished by a close-knit group of friends known as the “Lunch Bunch,” who gathered regularly for food and fellowship. They often traveled together to beach destinations, creating memories filled with laughter and love.
Lynn is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, George Robert Whitfield, and their three sons: George R. (Melony) Whitfield, Jr. of Paris; John Beasley (Laura) Whitfield of Blountville, Tennessee; and William Cress (MaryGardner/Gigi) Whitfield of Nashville, Tennessee. She was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren: George R. (Katie) Whitfield III, Andrew G. Whitfield, Madison W. (Ryan) Daily, Jason Whitfield, Emrick W. (Ryan) MacKenzie, Jack (Breanna) Whitfield, Bob (Abbey) Whitfield, Julia Whitfield, Xiaodi Whitfield, William C. Whitfield, Jr., and Lynn G. Whitfield. Her legacy continues through five great-grandchildren: George R. Whitfield IV, Tucker Jane Whitfield, Lauren MacKenzie, Jaxson Whitfield, and Jones Whitfield.
Lynn is also survived by her sister, Sally (Tony) Blackburn of Blountville, Tennessee, and sister-in-law, Nita Whitfield of Cookeville, Tennessee. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mildred Beasley, and her brother, James Beasley, Jr.
Lynn loved life deeply and was deeply loved in return. Her warmth, wisdom, and generosity touched countless lives, and she will be remembered always.
Services will be held at Paris First United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 20th. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. followed by funeral services at 2.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the W. G. Rhea Public Library or the charity of your choice. Donations to the library may be made by check and sent to:
W. G. Rhea Public Library
400 W. Washington St.
Paris, Tennessee 38242
First United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church
Visits: 359
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors