Tommye Louise Caver's Obituary
On January 12, 1919, Tommye Louise Caver was born the second of six children to Briscoe and Gatha Burnim of Nacogdoches, Texas. Her formative years were spent on the family farm with her three sisters and two brothers. The family experiences were rich, varied, and full of love and included horseback riding, roping, shooting, fishing, and plenty of hard work. From an early age, she and her siblings were introduced to Christianity and taught to be active in their local congregation, Macedonia Baptist Church. After graduating from E. J. Campbell High School in Nacogdoches, Tommye Louise remained at home helping to run the farm and raise her siblings. In the late 1940s, she moved to Dallas, Texas in search of work. Eventually, she found employment as a domestic, work which she continued until her retirement. In 1954, she married Ben Baker Caver of Dallas, Texas. For most of their married life, they resided in Hamilton Park where she was an active member of the community. She joined Hamilton Park United Methodist Church shortly after it was founded and served as a dedicated and active member until her health declined. She served Hamilton Park United Methodist Church faithfully as a member of the Communion Board, an officer of the Women’s Society of Christian Service, and as a Sunday School teacher. Mrs. Caver did not have children of her own, but she was a very special aunt to all of her nieces and nephews and their children. She always had a warm smile and an encouraging word for them and, though she was not a wealthy woman, she often blessed them with gifts. Her generosity was a remarkable manifestation of her tremendous love for her family. Mrs. Caver passed away on Monday morning, June 7, 2010 and was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ben Baker Caver, her brother Cleavel Burnim (Lettie), and her sister, Margaret Giles. She is survived by her sisters Nadine Fly and Elnora Huntley, both of San Antonio, Texas, her brother, Arzo Burnim and his spouse, Ruby, of Cedar Hill (formerly of Teague, Texas), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Tommye?
What’s a lesson you learned from Tommye?
Share a story where Tommye's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Tommye you’ll never forget.
How did Tommye make you smile?