Sarah Gaye Nease

The world has lost a great light. Sarah Gaye Nease (Gaye) of Hermitage, TN, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022. She was born on June 30, 1942, to Gotthilf and Lenice Matthiesen in Missouri. Her life travels took her to West Virginia, Mississippi, Kansas, Georgia and finally Tennessee, where she worked as an Investigator for the Federal Public Defender’s Office up until her death. She was very passionate about her work. She had the perfect balance of compassion and professionalism, a sweet spot in that line of work that is rare and beautiful. Her friends at work were like a second family to her! Gaye loved her family deeply and she enjoyed cooking for and serving others more than anything in the world. Her “Egg Puffs” were her specialty and her family always anticipated those when she would visit. She made a mean lasagne, too! Her laugh was contagious and when she laughed, she always had tears roll down her face. Gaye also loved the beach. I mean, she really, really loved the beach! Lighthouses, sand, shells, and waves were the things that made her feel most alive. She loved Jesus with every inch of her being and when Gaye was praying, we knew God was listening! Gaye passed peacefully, surrounded by her family. She is truly rejoicing right now to be reunited with so many of her family members - including her husband, son, grandson, father, mother, and brother. We are all so deeply sad to see her go, but so very thankful for her current reality. Gaye is survived by her son, Rod Nease and his wife Leslie of Midway, UT; her daughter Tina Nease of Nashville, TN; her daughter in law, Elizabeth Nease; her grandchildren, Stephanie, Tommy, Kennedy, Peyton, Christopher, Tra Daniell, Marisa, Autumn, Brittany and Michael; her brother Ted Matthiesen of Missouri and her great grandchildren Tyler, Bryslen and Hazel Grace. A special Memorial Service will be held for Gaye on Saturday, July 9 at 3:30pm at Hermitage United Methodist Church for friends and family. Those who knew Gigi knew she loved navy blue. The family welcomes you to wear navy blue to her Memorial Service to pay tribute to her. Donations can be made in her honor to any homeless shelter near you, as she was very passionate about providing for people less fortunate than her. Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, (615) 857-9955. We are proud to remain locally owned & operated.