Tena Katherine Everett-Cleghorn

1965 - 2015

Tena Katherine Everett-Cleghorn obituary, 1965-2015, Key West, FL

BORN

1965

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Hermitage Funeral Home

535 Shute Ln

Old Hickory, Tennessee

Tena Everett-Cleghorn Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 28, 2015.

One of this world's most beautiful souls, Tena Katherine Everett Cleghorn, age 49, passed away in her home near the Everett family farm in Mt. Juliet on March 26, 2015. On the day of her passing she was joyful and excited, packing for a Spring Break trip with her daughter to the place she called home for many happy years – Key West, FL. She spent her last moments with the Frick to her Frack, her father-in-law, "Mr. Joe" Cleghorn, Sr.
Born in Nashville, TN on May 18, 1965 to Jerry Everett Jr. and Karren Everett (now Anderson), Tena spent much of her childhood at the Everett family farm. In December of 1995 she married Joe Cleghorn, Jr. Together they started several successful businesses, but both would agree their greatest blessing is their only daughter, Savannah Katherine (Katie) Cleghorn (18). Katie loves her mother dearly, and considers Tena her best friend. Tena would be incredibly proud of Katie for the grace and kindness she's exhibited during this difficult time.
A successful entrepreneur and accountant, Tena's tenacity, keen intellect and attention to detail served her well in business. She was the lover of a project, and her will to "never give up" was unparalleled. If you needed something done and done right, Tena was the one for the job. She enjoyed gardening, watching sports, mind challenging games and travelling. Her "fur-babies" were near and dear to her heart, and made every day an adventure.
Family was Tena's greatest joy. She loved time spent with her beloved daughter Katie, husband Joe, father-in-law Joe Cleghorn, Sr. With laughter, love, and fierce loyalty, she nurtured strong relationships with her siblings, nieces, nephew, and friends. Like her grandmother (Katherine "Callie" Everett) before her, she was an "other mother" to many. She inherited her Granny's blunt honesty, quick wit, and the ability to love unconditionally. When Granny passed away, taking on the role of family matriarch was a natural fit for Tena.
Tena believed it was her purpose in this life to use every talent, resource, experience and spiritual gift to serve others. She would not hesitate to spend her own hard-earned money, but also gave through her time, by lending advice, a shoulder to cry on, and unconditional support. She was a huge advocate of charities and causes related to women's rights, and animal rights, and veteran's rights. She and Joe founded Homes for Veterans, Inc. Tena also supported her sister, Betsy's work with Nashville's Community Resource Center.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Cleghorn, Jr., one daughter, Savannah Katherine (Katie) Cleghorn, father Jerry Everett, Jr., mother Karren Anderson, brothers Jerry Don (Mary) Everett and Terry (Cathy) Everett, sisters Betsy Everett and Billie Anderson, 4 neices Danielle, Ashley, Kirstin and Callie, and nephew Nick, as well as extended family members and lifelong friends.
A celebration of Tena's life is planned as follows:
***Tuesday, March 31st - 5pm - 8pm visitation at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
***Wednesday, April 1st - 2pm - 6pm Celebration of Life at the Cleghorn residence
To honor Tena's generous spirit, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to founded Homes for Veterans, Inc. or Community Resource Center.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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September 26, 2015

Michelle Torre

Tena will always be a beautiful soul. I will NEVER forget her compassion, strength and unparalleled honesty. She truly was one of a kind and I am better for knowing her. Tena assisted me with home mortgages and from there, through a very difficult personal time. Tena not only took the time to hold my hand and comfort me, but with great humility and vulnerability, she shared her personal life experiences (some of which was, how the love for her daughter and husband,helped her through life's difficulties one day at a time) to help me move onward and upwards. What a beautiful soul.

August 22, 2015

J.B. Taylor

Dearest Tena, though our paths only crossed for 2 and a half decades during your brief life, YOU WERE MY SISTER, MY CONCIENCE, MY EMPLOYER, MY LEADER AND CHIEF, AND MY MENTOR, you were someone my life wouldn't have been complete without. I wouldn't have been me without you. My biggest honor was singing at your and Joes' wedding and reception held at the Opryland Hotel. More than anything you brought me out of the depths of destruction and into the light that surrounded you. FOR THIS I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL. I know you knew how grateful I always was and I worshipped the ground you walked on. I've just learned of your passing from Mr. Joe "your frick". I'm floored and knowing you were never to go before me, I'm utterly distraught. DEAREST TENA, As I know you will, please look down on me from heaven and guide my way as you always did. I'm broken and shattered and will only survive with the lessons you taught me. YOU WERE SO MUCH MORE TO ME THAN WORDS COULD EVER EXPRESS. All my love, J.B. Taylor

Posted by J.B. Taylor

June 23, 2015

Mindy Rothenberger

Only moments ago, I learned of your passing. After hearing of Amy's passing, I was trying to reach out to you today, only to find out that you too are gone. I am so overwhelmed with emotions right now. I hope you are flying with eagles!!! RIP my friend, I am so sorry I didn't know sooner!

April 22, 2015

Dan Kingen

I am so sorry to hear of your passing.You were always so kind to me.From the Keith Wood days to American National you were always fair.You were a go getter and let your light shine.Well go rest in peace with the Lord Jesup Tena.My prayers are with your family.
May God Take You Into His Hand!
Your Old Friend.Dan Kingen

March 31, 2015

Amy Fagan

How unbelievable that Tena is gone....her light shined so bright! She was intelligent and witty, and would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need. I always admired her determination and passion for the causes she believed in. Many great memories from "the good old days" of American National, the trips, the outings, and the parties where she was always so gracious. Tena will be greatly missed.

March 31, 2015

Lisa Hicks

I will always remember the kindness you showed me. I will always remember our many trips together and how "the three amigos" had so much fun. I feel so blessed to have known you and to call you friend. I will miss you.

March 31, 2015

Allison Davis

Tena was my best friend from the time we were in first grade together at MJ Elementary all the way through our years at TTU. We have kept in touch through the years and I have valued our friendship. Tena was a generous person who always made me laugh. I will miss her immensely here on earth. The memories we shared will stay with me forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family.

March 31, 2015

Sheila Kennedy

Tena was so kind to so many. Tena was such an incredible person - its crazy, she left this world way to soon. I know she has touched the hearts of so many people. Such a special person -may she be flying with the Lords angels now - no more pain - Many prayers for the family she leaves behind...especially her daughter who she was so incredibly proud of and loved so much. May you be able to take comfort in that this is not goodbye forever - just see you later. I will truly miss her. I already do.

March 31, 2015

Laura Jane

Tena was a good friend to me during our teenage years at Green Hill and working at Opryland together at Chubby's Drive-in. I took her for granted then, but now, too late, I see just how special she was. Rest in peace my friend.... Always,

March 31, 2015

Cherylanne Gober

I can't seem to remember a time you were not in my life and no more than a phone call away. Always the voice of reason and your love showed no boundaries.

My heart is broken today... but you ladybug should rejoice in the grandeur of heaven and all that it is!

You gave all in this life! You were an the absolute best daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend!

March 31, 2015

Tena was always a good friend . Had a great sense of humor and will be missed .Rest in Peace sweet lady . Dale Odom

March 31, 2015

Howard Livingston

Our heart and prayers go out to Tena's family. She is now in God's loving arms.

March 30, 2015

Xavier aka X Martinez

My thoughts go out to Tena's family. Tena was a good and kind friend to me and I am seriously sad to hear of her passing. She will be missed greatly and remembered enternally.

March 29, 2015

Dawn Thurley

Tena was the perfect image of unconditional love, grace, and generosity. She loved big, smiled bigger, and wanted to make the world a better place! An earthly angel taken so early. My prayers go out to her entire family. God Bless all of you.

March 29, 2015

Dawn Thurley

Tena was the perfect image of unconditional love, grace, and generosity. She loved big, smiled bigger, and wanted to make the world a better place! An earthly angel taken so early. My prayers go out to her entire family. God Bless all of you.

March 28, 2015

Joe Medlin

So sorry to hear of Tena's passing. She was a intelligent and caring person and I am glad to have called her my friend.

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