Norma Jo McKelvey Tenry

Norma ‘Jo’ McKelvey Tenry loved Hardin County! She was born to Ed and Zelma McKelvey on Sept 2, 1930 in Savannah, TN. Early in her childhood they left Walnut Grove and moved to Morris Chapel, TN where she grew up on a farm. She graduated from Morris Chapel High School as Valedictorian. During this time she met and married Malcom Knox Tenry from Enville, TN, where they first made a home eventually settling in Morris Chapel. Over those early years she had 3 children. She took an active role in the Morris Chapel United Methodist Church, which she loved. She played piano and organ, lead the youth, taught Sunday School and served on various local and conference church committees. During this time she found joy in playing piano as part of a gospel quartet that was comprised of young adults from the Methodist Church. Along with Mike and Margaret Snyder, Janey (Nixon) Nolen and Lynn Tenry, she visited churches and gatherings sharing their Christian love through music.
 
She taught piano lessons in her home and at the Morris Chapel School as a stay at home Mother. As her family matured she chose to work in the public at Farm Bureau Insurance and then ended her professional career with Savannah Carpet after many enjoyable years.

She spent the retirement years in Defeated Creek, TN, Savannah and in Senior Living facility in Lebanon, TN. Norma 'Jo' McKelvey Tenry departed this life on May 4, 2023 in Lebanon, Tennessee at the age of 92 years, 8 months, and 2 days.

She is survived by her children, Steve (Barbara) Tenry of Belton, SC, Lynn Tenry of Savannah, and Pam (Don) Belcher of Nashville. She has 11 Grandchildren and 25 Great Grandchildren spread across SC, TN and KY.