Addie Rose Brelsford, 87, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She lived a life defined by faith, music, education, service, and an unwavering love for her family and community.

Addie Rose was born at home on July 22, 1939, at Follis Chapel near Trenton, Tennessee, to Alice Virginia Smith and L.V. Smith. She grew up in the close-knit community where she developed a lifelong love for music, learning, and serving others.

After graduating from Kenton High School in 1957, Addie attended Murray State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Public School Music in 1961. She began her teaching career in McCracken County Public Schools in Paducah, Kentucky, where she taught vocal music and inspired students through her passion for music.

In 1964, Addie returned to Kentucky, where a blind date forever changed her life. She met James "Jim" Brelsford of Paducah while he was home on leave from the United States Air Force, and the two were married in February 1965. Shortly after their wedding, Jim was assigned to Alaska while Addie remained in Kentucky to complete her master's degree and earn her certification in Supervision of Education. Jim proudly returned home from Alaska in time to celebrate her graduation in May 1965.

The young couple soon embarked on an unforgettable journey, driving the Alaska Highway through Canada to Fairbanks, Alaska, where Jim was stationed at Eielson Air Force Base. Addie taught school on base during their first year and later attended the University of Alaska to continue her education. Their son, John Olaf Brelsford, was born in Fairbanks, Alaska in November 1967. As Jim faithfully served his country, the family lived in several places, including Phoenix, Arizona; Caribou, Maine; and Denver, Colorado, where their daughter, Jenny Rebecca Brelsford, was born at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in February 1973. Their final military assignment brought them to Shreveport, Louisiana, where Jim completed his Air Force career at Barksdale Air Force Base. While there, Addie continued taking graduate coursework through Louisiana State University.

In 1980, the Brelsford family settled in Rutherford, Tennessee, where Addie would leave an enduring legacy. She first volunteered as the music teacher at Rutherford Elementary School before being hired through the Rutherford PTO. From 1980 until 1986, she also shared her love of music by teaching private piano and vocal lessons from her home. In 1986, she became a kindergarten teacher at Rutherford School, where she lovingly nurtured countless young learners. She was also the longtime director of the Rutherford Community Choir, bringing people together through music for many years.

Music was never simply a profession for Addie—it was her ministry. She faithfully served as pianist at Rutherford First Baptist Church for nearly thirty years before later becoming a member of China Grove Baptist Church. Whether singing, directing choirs, or playing the piano, she joyfully used her God-given talents to glorify the Lord and encourage others.

In October 1998, Addie celebrated the marriage of her daughter, Jenny, to Kevin Turner. Just over a year later, on Veterans Day in 1999, she mourned the loss of her beloved husband, Jim, after nearly 35 years of marriage.

Her greatest joy became her grandchildren. Julianna Rose Turner was born in September 2001, followed by James Ethan Turner in June 2004. "Nana," as she was lovingly known, treasured every moment with them. She delighted in taking them to the Trenton Library, Discovery Park, the Safari Park, Reelfoot Lake, and countless other adventures. She always kept snacks, a full tank of gas, and a plan for making memories. She faithfully attended cheer competitions, vocal performances, football games, and basketball games and proudly cheered louder than anyone from the Bethel Wildcats sidelines.

After retiring from education, Addie continued serving her community through music. She faithfully led patriotic music programs for schoolchildren at the flagpole beside the Davy Crockett Cabin and joyfully led generations of Rutherford schoolchildren in the community's Fourth of July parades. Her love for country, community, and children remained evident throughout her life.

In 2022, Addie became a resident of Dogwood Pointe Assisted Living. True to her outgoing nature, she quickly became known for her warm smile, vibrant personality, and willingness to entertain fellow residents by playing the baby grand piano. She never lost her gift of bringing joy to others through music.

Above all else, Addie was a woman of steadfast faith, remarkable kindness, and enduring optimism. She believed in keeping a record of life's blessings, praying before making major decisions, not waiting too long to pursue your dreams, enjoying family and friends while you can, and never taking life's precious moments for granted because "things change."

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James "Jim" Brelsford; her parents, L.V. and Alice Virginia Smith; and her brother, Nathan Smith.

She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory: her son, John Olaf Brelsford; her daughter, Jenny Turner, and husband, Kevin Turner; her beloved grandchildren, Julianna Rose Turner and James Ethan Turner; her nieces, Jill Koback (Kevin Koback) and Jerianne Poe (Travis Poe); her great-nieces, Samantha Koback (mother of Addie's great-great-nephew, Colter Smitty) and Ansley Poe; her great-nephew, Asher Poe; as well as many other extended family members, former students, church families, friends, and neighbors whose lives were forever enriched by her love, encouragement, and music.

Though her hands are now still, the melodies she played, the songs she sang, the children she taught, the faith she lived, and the love she gave will continue to echo through the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy is one of grace, joyful service, unwavering faith, and a life beautifully lived.

Visitation with family and friends will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12PM until service time at 2PM, in the Rutherford chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home. Pastor Mark Kirkpatrick and Brother Randy Crews will officiate, and burial will follow at the Rutherford Cemetery.

Karnes & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Addie Rose Brelsford.