KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

The four finalists for Women Impacting the Community were unveiled and honored, alongside the other finalists, at this year’s award luncheon, hosted by the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC).

TACC Marketing and Membership Director Kathryn Wiseman welcomed attendees to the 10^th annual award luncheon and thanked the event’s committee, vendors and sponsors for their various roles in making the event possible. She noted that the chamber intentionally partnered with women-owned businesses for the award luncheon.

She then welcomed the TACC President James Fuller, who shared the saying of “if you want something done, ask a busying person, but if you want it done exceptionally well, ask a woman,” which was met with applause from the attendees. Fuller continued and said he can vouch for the saying, as he praised his wife and his mother, who he said showed him to be a strong, independent person, and the women he gets to work with every day.

He said it was an honor to stand before them as they were together to celebrate the women who have shaped the community and left a lasting impact through their passion, perseverance, and their leadership.

“At the Tullahoma chamber, we firmly believe that a strong community is built on the foundation of visionary individuals, and today we recognize the outstanding contributions of women in the community service, education, business, and lifetime achievement,” Fuller said. “Each of our finalists have demonstrated commitment, resilience, and a drive to uplift qualities that make Tullahoma a better place for us all.”

He added that the chamber wanted to do more than recognize these women, the chamber also wanted to honor the dedication, purpose and impact the women have made in the community now and for the future.

“Together we celebrate the difference these women have made, and we look forward to the impact they will continue to have for years to come,” Fuller said.

Following the invocation from Jim Woodard, Renee Keene, who was recognized for her impact on the community at the inaugural Women Impacting the Community event, introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Catherine “Cat” Murray, owner of McMurr’s and community volunteer. Before proceeding, after thanking attendees, she gave a warning that she would be speaking a lot of numbers and truths that would make people feel a bit uncomfortable.

“But they’re truths, and that’s all I have,” Murray said.

 She started by sharing a piece of advice to all the younger attendees, which was that age was more than number, it was “a testament in the journey to life, the experiences we’ve gathered, the lessons we learned and the wisdom we’ve acquired.”

Murray then talked about growing up in Austin, TX, where she would find her passion of working with other children when she created a study group for other first graders who, like her, didn’t go out for recess due to being teased by other children.

“In that time period, everybody was in one group, there was no special-ed group. There wasn’t anything like that, so I took it upon myself in first grade to keep these kids in the class and teach ’em,” Murray said. “I did that till I was in the third grade and I really, at that point, that’s when I decided that I really liked helping children.”

Murray recalled when she was young everything was still segregated, remembering that her parents weren’t able to vote until she was about five-years-old. She shared that her father had the idea to gather the family into the station wagon, and go to the “white people park.” She said when they got to the park everybody had cleared out, but that didn’t stop her family going to that park every year until she joined the Marine Corps. Murray continued with her experiences with segregation growing up. She recalled when she was 12-years-old riding the school bus for 25 miles to the school, and seeing parents screaming and throwing rocks at the bus.

“We had parents with signs that said things that I can’t say, and it was a scary situation.” Murray said.

She added she and the other students persevered, and had a great time together despite the circumstances. Murray then talked about her life and career after school, from getting a job as a curriculum coordinator to joining the Marine Corps. She recalled when she was one of four finalists for “Marine of the Island”, where the winner got to go to the governor’s dinner. She was called to the Sergeant Major’s office and was told that “they want a white guy representing the Marine Corps.” She followed up saying she didn’t want the awards and perks, as she wanted the recognition for her work. 

“I thought that was kind of weird that it is 1984 and they didn’t want a black woman represent the Marine Corps,” she said.

Despite this, Murray said that didn’t stop her from being a Marine.

“We have to make sure we’re treating everybody that like everybody else, because there is no difference in all of us,” Murray said. “I tell that to the kids all the time when they have a problem.”

She progressed into her career by talking about how she took an internship at NASA while in California. She said her advisor told her that the interns were always promised a job so they can work harder, and she decided to prove the advisor wrong by trying to a land a job. Murray said she would then work at NASA for five years and loved it. It was after this she made her way to Tennessee, where after getting settled in she started her new business. After making videos and getting featured in the Tullahoma News at the time, she got a call from the principal at Jack T. Farrar Elementary School, who asked her if she could stop by the school. Murray said she has been at Jack T. Farrar as a partner and volunteer ever since.

Closing her speech, Murray shared a quote from Samuel Ullman as her response to constantly being asked why she was happy all the time.

“Years may wrinkle your skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul,” Murray said. 

Finalists

TACC Executive Director Hope Nunley spoke after Murray and said what a joy it was to be with everyone to celebrate the strength, dedication and the impact of the women in the Tullahoma community. She said for this year’s award luncheon, the chamber received 63 nominations.

“Each story shared with us was inspiring each accomplishment worthy of recognition,” Nunley said. “It was no easy feat because every one of you brings something exceptional to Tullahoma.”

She added when she looked around the room and saw all the friends and family there to support the finalists, she said the finalists’ influence extended beyond their professional and community achievements.

“You are role models, change makers and sources of strength to those around you,” Nunley said. “Tullahoma is fortunate, so fortunate, to have you. Today is about honoring each and every one of you for the light you bring to this town and the lives you touch.”

This year’s 12 finalists for the four categories were as follows: Kari Clarey, Kelleye Watts and Robin Morrison for Business; Bita Jordan & Mary Lamberth Gomez; Dr. Monica Blake-Beasley and Sharon Nelius for Education; Jan Dent, Kathryn Hopkins and Scarlett Carpenter for Community Service; and Deby Barnett, Donna Rhoton and Gigi Robison for Lifetime Achievement. This year, Nunley had each finalist stand as they were acknowledged and recognized for their accomplishments in the community.

The winner in the category of Business was Kelleye Watts, Executive Director at Chick-fil-A in Tullahoma. Watts, also known as the “Chick-fil-A” lady, has been in her role at Chick-fil-A for 12 years, and embodied the “spirit of service and positivity in the community.”

“Her bright smile and genuine desire to help uplift others, extend beyond Chick-fil-A as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend,” Nunley said.

Besides Chick-fil-A, Watts runs her business Wonderful Works, which creates gifts and keepsakes for families, and helps to support nonprofit organizations like Blue Monarch and Catholic Charities, and serves on the chamber of commerce’s board of directors.

In the category of Community Service, Nunley described this year’s winner Scarlett Carpenter as a shining example of “selfless service” in the community, where she volunteers with local organizations and programs like the Reading Buddies Program at Jack T. Farrar Elementary, the Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center, the Suicide Prevention Hotline, Highland Baptist Church, and the Tullahoma Kiwanis Club.

“Scarlett goes above and beyond supporting community members with their banking needs at First Vision Bank, while quietly dedicating countless hours to volunteer efforts,” Nunley said. “Her humility and willingness to serve without seeking recognition to make Scarlett a true asset to our community.”

In the field of education, this year’s winner Sharon Nelius has spent two decades as an elementary school guidance counselor with a “wavering passion and commitment” to the children of the Tullahoma City School system. Nunley said Nelius’ influence began in 2004 at Jack T. Farrar Elementary School where she inspired students from kindergarten to the fifth grade with lessons that provided valuable life skills while creating cherished memories. She would continue to make an impact when she moved over to East Lincoln Elementary School in 2019. Outside the classroom, Nelius has organized school-wide events, coach cross country and serves as a Sunday school teacher at First Christian Church.

“Her outstanding contributions earned her the title of East Lincoln Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 2023, reflecting the admiration she has garnered from peers and students alike,” Nunley said. “Today, we celebrate your remarkable legacy on your contributions to our community.”

The final award was Lifetime Achievement, and it was presented to this year’s recipient Deby Barnett. Nunley called Barnett “a remarkable woman whose lifelong commitment to her community exemplifies the essence of paying it forward.” According to Nunley, Barnett learned the importance of generosity thanks to a generous teacher who helped pay for her tuition while attending Union University. This generosity would shape her life’s mission and dedication as an educator. She would establish a kindergarten program at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, and would continue to actively engage in community service after transitioning to working from home. Her contributions outside the classroom would include serving as treasurer at King’s Cross Church for 25 years, coaching youth basketball, serving on the board of directors for Life Choices and serving as treasurer for the local Alzheimer’s Association.

“Deby’s compassionate spirit shines in her caregiving for Mike Finn, a veteran with Parkinson’s Disease as she advocates for those affected by the illness,” Nunley shared.

She added despite facing her own struggles with Parkinson’s, Barnett adapted by wearing knee pads and participates in her boxing classes, inspiring others to stay strong in every endeavor.

“Deby Barnett embodies service, dedication and enriching our community in making her a deserving nominee for this honor,” Nunley said. “Thank you, Deby, for all that you do.”