Novella E. Chumley

Novella Edwards Chumley, age 92, a lifelong resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at her home.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4th, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, with a graveside service to follow at Jones Cemetery with Thomas Wrather and Christopher Chumley. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on June 25, 1932, in Maury County, Novella was the daughter of the late Herbert Edwards and the late Mae Kelley Edwards. She graduated from Columbia Central High School and married Dudley Chumley on June 8, 1951, and they shared many devoted years together until his passing in 2017.

A dedicated homemaker, Novella found joy in collecting recipes and cooking for those she loved. She was a faithful, longtime member of Berea Church of Christ.

She is survived by her son, Alan (Donna) Chumley of Columbia; grandson, Christopher (Rachel) Chumley; great-granddaughter, Evalou Chumley; nieces and nephews, Jan and Alan Wiles, and Patricia and Robert Wakefield, Robert and Donna Whitley, Richard and Debbie Whitley, and Edgar and Donna Chumley; and sister-in-law, Grace Whitley.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister, Vella B. Kelley; her grandchild, Michael Faulk; and a beloved niece who was like a daughter, Peggy Smith.

Pallbearers will be Robert Whitley, Richard Whitley, Edgar Chumley, and Jason Edwards. Doug Burns, Harry Edwards, and Ray Rummage will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Northside Medical Center, Dr. Gentry, and Caris Hospice for the compassionate care given to Novella.

Memorial donations in honor of Novella can be made to Berea Church of Christ, 746 Bear Creek Pike, Columbia, TN 38401.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at the Heritage Funeral Home website: www.TnFunerals.com.