Jessie Mai Flatt Chaffin
GAINESBORO -- Funeral services for Jessie Mai Flatt Chaffin, 86, of Cookeville, were held at 11 a.m. today, Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Anderson-Upper Cumberland Funeral Home. Burial followed in Crest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Cookeville.

Mrs. Chaffin passed away on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, after a brief illness.

She was born June 24, 1925, in Jackson County to the late Henry F. and Delia Flatt.

Mrs. Chaffin grew up in Jackson County and attended Jackson County High School.

On May 9, 1942, she married the love of her life, Kenneth C. Chaffin of Putnam County.

While her husband was in the service in World War II, she lived and worked in Oak Ridge doing clerical work for the Manhattan Project. After her husband came home from the war, they moved to Detroit, Mich., in 1945. While there, she worked at several types of jobs until their first son was born. She then took a long hiatus from working while she raised their son in love and faith.

She returned to the work world to eventually enjoy a very successful career in retail jewelry. She served several firms in Detroit and Muskegon, Mich., the Chicago suburbs and finally, Mobile, Ala., while her husband was transferred from job to job.

The only other love of her life, besides her devotion to her family, was her devotion to Christ. She served as a Sunday school teacher, women's teacher, and elder's wife for more than three decades. Her current membership was with the Collegeside Church of Christ. She commented many times in the later years of her life that she couldn't imagine a more wonderful life and family and felt truly blessed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth C. Chaffin of Cookeville and 10 brothers and sisters.

Her son would like to thank many people who have helped care for her at the Upper Cumberland Christian Homes and her numerous nieces and nephews, who have watched over her. The family would also like to thank the staff and doctors of Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

Bro. Kenneth D. Chaffin will officiate at the services.

Anderson-Upper Cumberland Funeral Home in Gainesboro is in charge of arrangements (931) 268-1550.