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ANNE ELIZABETH "LIBBY" WOODS PILGRIM
Anne Elizabeth “Libby” Woods Pilgrim, age 68, of Jasper, TN passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. Born January 22, 1954, in Fort Oglethorpe, GA to Robert Lee (Bob) and Nelle Day Woods. The youngest of the four Woods girls – Carolyn, Linda, and Jan – Libby was the baby of the family and, as her sisters claim, the favorite. In her childhood years, Libby could be found climbing a tree (and scraping a knee), pretending to be a prima ballerina, earning her many coveted Girl Scout badges, or attending Camp Adahi each summer.
In 1971, Bob & Nelle Woods moved from Rossville, GA to Jasper, TN in the middle of Libby’s Junior year of high school, effectively ruining her teenage life. Lucky for her future daughters, the life wrecking move was redeemed when she met the love of her life, Charles Richard (Charlie) Pilgrim in her Senior year of high school. The two wed on August 19, 1972, and were married just shy of 50 years. In those 50 years, Charlie and Libby made many memories with trips to San Francisco, numerous beach vacations (Libby’s favorite place to visit), Jaycees & Jaycettes conference trips, football games, and then joyously welcomed their first daughter, Anna Rebecca (Becca) in 1977. They enjoyed six years with Becca as an only child until 1983 when they welcomed a second daughter, Amy Meshon, into their family. Becca would argue that they should have quit while they were ahead in 1977, while Amy would contend that they ended with perfection. Either way, Becca and Amy were the joy of Libby’s life (running a close race with a glass of good champagne or a beach front margarita).
Libby never missed a softball game, a band concert or competition, football games where the girls cheered in early years or when Becca played in marching band in later years, homecomings and pageants, that one failed attempt at an Olympic gymnastics career, and anything else the girls could do to keep her on her toes and busy. Somewhere in the full-time job that was being a mom to two outgoing and involved daughters, Libby found time to begin her own career as a tax preparer. In the late 80’s, Libby purchased the local H&R Block franchise and spent most of her working career as the office owner and/or manager, earning the title by many of her loyal clients of “the tax lady.” Libby loved her career and helping others (many of whom can probably thank her for saving them from Uncle Sam over the years).
Libby was also involved in numerous civic and religious organizations including the Jasper Jaycettes, Rotary Club, being an active member of her church and church choir, and any volunteer opportunity that presented itself throughout the years. Then, because the girls didn’t think Libby had enough to keep her busy, they eventually decided to begin having grandchildren for her to enjoy.
In 2011, Libby gained her first (and only) granddaughter and namesake, Shelby Elizabeth. In 2013, she welcomed her first grandson, Brantley, when Becca married Ben and gained a bonus child. Not happy with only giving her two grandchildren to spoil, Amy and Becca went on to add three more grandsons to the mix – the twins, Max and Liam, to Amy in 2014, and Bennett to Becca and Ben in 2016. In the past 10+ years, these 5 babies have been the absolute light of Libby’s life. Again, she rarely missed a band concert, softball, baseball, or football game for her grandbabies. If you knew Libby, you loved her and one thing everyone who knew her can agree on is that she will be greatly missed by her family and a score of friends.
Her memory will live on in the legacy she leaves behind in her family and loved ones.
Libby was predeceased by her parents, Robert Lee and Nelle Day Woods; her niece, Susan Pope; her mother and father-in-law, William (Bill) and Louise Pilgrim; and brothers-in-law, Billy Pilgrim and Gary Pilgrim.
Left to forever cherish the wonderful memories made with her throughout the years are her devoted, loving husband, Charlie Pilgrim; daughters, Becca (Ben) Knudsen and Amy Pilgrim Rogers; her grandchildren, Brantley and Bennett Knudsen, Shelby Rogers, and Max and Liam Underwood; sisters, Carolyn (Jerome) Pinckney, Linda Woods, and Jan (Ron) Rutherford; sisters-in-law, Faye (Joe) Lowrey and Renee Pilgrim; many, much loved nieces and nephews; and special friends, Deb (Glenn) Hobbs and Johnny and Sherri Sisk, as well as their children and families.
For those who wish to visit with Libby’s family and share happy memories and laughable stories (and maybe a toast or two to her memory), visitation will be held at Tate Funeral Home on Friday, August 5, 2022, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm CT.
Her celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Christ Church Episcopal in South Pittsburg, TN at 12:00 pm CT, with a small visitation time with the family from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm CT Saturday morning at the church. The church service will be co-officiated by Rev. Kim Hobby and Rev. John H. Bonner, III.
A private interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Libby requested donations to be made to Christ Church Episcopal, South Pittsburg.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC., 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, TN 37347.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tatefh.com.
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