Ina Mae Presson

Ina Mae Presson died on January 18, 2026 in Jackson, Tennessee following a brief illness.  She was born on December 3, 1923 in Christmasville to John William and Ona Shankle Culver.  She was their fourth child, but their first daughter.  Three years later, her sister Faye was born, completing their family.  As she grew up, she worked on the family farm with her siblings and was educated at the Pittman School, which she attended until she left school after completing the eighth grade to begin “public work.”  

She was a hard worker, and over the years, she worked for Kellwood Manufacturing, the Milan Arsenal, and W.S. Wormser Manufacturing, where she spent the majority of her career.  She retired from her work in the garment industry in 1996, but soon learned that retirement didn’t really suit her.  This led to her return to the workforce through various temporary jobs until she landed on one she decided to keep.  She went to work at Lakeside Senior Living Community as an aide, taking care of folks who were, in many cases, younger than her.  She very much enjoyed her work there, doing a little bit of everything - helping in the kitchen, doing laundry, and helping the residents with various things.  A broken ankle in 2011 forced her to retire for good at the age of 88.

On December 27, 1945, when she was 22, she married her childhood sweetheart, James Grooms following his return from service in World War II, where he served with distinction in the European theater.  A little less than four years later, she was widowed when he died of a heart attack.  Two years later, she married Rufus Presson, and they soon welcomed a son, David.  A Baptist by faith, she was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church, although she had not been an active attendee in many years.  She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Mrs. Presson was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ona Culver, her first husband, James Grooms, her siblings, Buren, Jay, Homer, and Faye, and her second husband, Rufus Presson.  She is survived by her son David and Susan Presson of Medon, TN, her granddaughter Gwen and Jarid Warren of McKenzie, TN, and a great-granddaughter Grace and Wren Holland-Miller of Murfreesboro, TN.  She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 21st at Brummitt-McKenzie Funeral Home from 11 A.M. until 1 P.M.  A graveside service will be held at 2 P.M. at the Seminary Cemetery in the Pillowville community.