Gwen Palmer Chumley

Gwen Palmer Chumley, age 94, a resident of Columbia, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025, at NHC Columbia.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Ricky Cotton and Bobby Fralix officiating. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in Polk Memorial Gardens. A visitation will also be held on Thursday, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on June 5, 1931, in Lawrence County, Tennessee, Gwen was the daughter of the late Minnie Bell Palmer Webb. She was married for many years to Howard Chumley, who preceded her in death. Known for her strong work ethic in her younger years, Gwen later found joy in a slower pace of life, cherishing time spent with her family above all else.

She is survived by her sons, JW (Sharon) Cotton, Lee Chumley, brothers, Wayne (Cheryl) Webb, Dennis (Pam) Webb, Eddie Webb, sisters, Judy Nichols, Debbie Bodily, thirteen grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.

In addition to her mother and husband, she was preceded in death by her children, Ray Cotton, Jimmy Cotton, and Cathy Blade, sister, Adele Ferrell, and brother, Jimmy Webb.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Saum, Tyler Saum, Aiden Saum, Chris Cotton, Brad Brewer, Robert Hill, and Storm Stone.

Honorary pallbearers will include Jason Cotton, Craig Nichols, Mac Palmer, and the staff of NHC Columbia.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses, techs, and staff at NHC Columbia for their love, companion, and care. A special thank you is also extended to Pam Phillips for her years of devoted care and kindness to Gwen.