Anita Gayle Fesmire

Anita Gayle Fesmire, age 87, of Jackson, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at her residence, under the care of West Tennessee Hospice.

She was born on June 15, 1938, in Jackson, TN, the daughter of the late James W. and Alva Wood Ross.

Anita was widely known for her unwavering dedication to her family and her career. Alongside her late husband, James Fesmire, she owned and operated Fesmire Truck Repair from 1974 until their retirement in 2019. In her role as the administrative officer, she contributed significantly to the success of their business while also ensuring that her family was always prioritized.

An active member of Sandridge Baptist Church, Anita dedicated her time and energy to assisting in the children’s department, nurturing the next generation with her compassion and kindness.

Anita’s interests included reading, solving crossword puzzles, and most importantly, spending cherished moments with her family. She derived immense joy from being a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, evident in her proudest accomplishment of ensuring that everyone in her family was well-taken care of.

She is survived by her sons, Mike Fesmire and wife Pam, Mark Fesmire and wife Tina, and Kenneth Fesmire and his significant other Pamela all of Jackson, TN; her daughter, Debbie Simms and husband Rick of Franklin, TN; her brother, Joe Ross; her brothers, Ronald Ross and wife Janice; her sister, Roselyn Dyer; as well as six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry her legacy forward with love and gratitude.

Anita now joins her late husband, James Fesmire; her daughter, Debra Lynn Fesmire; her parents, and her brother, Glenn Ross, in eternal rest.

SERVICES: A visitation with family and friends honoring Anita's life will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. and continuing until 1:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service in the Chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Marty Comer officiating. Burial will follow the service in Hollywood Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Todd Fesmire, Ted Presson, Eric Holt, Don Harston, and Kenneth Anderson.

The family is requesting that memorial contributions be directed to the children's department of Sand Ridge Baptist Church, 7535 Highway 412 E., Lexington, TN 38351 or online at www.sandridge.churchcenter.cm/giving.

The family invites all who knew and loved Anita to join them in honoring her memory and celebrating a life exceptionally lived.