Tommye Thompson Byington
March 18, 2024
On the afternoon of March 18, 2024, Ada Ione “Tommye” Thompson Byington died unexpectedly, leaving a void in the Byington family that cannot be filled.
Born in Chattanooga on Nov. 11, 1945, Tommye grew up in Gainesville, Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee/Chattanooga (UTC), where she met her husband-to-be, Mike, and ultimately earned a master’s in English from St. Mary’s College (Kentucky). She was dedicated to her sorority Alpha Delta Pi, chapter Beta Beta, and remained involved with the sorority throughout her life.
Tommye’s marriage to Mike led to a life with the military, and she would say that she also served two tours in Vietnam. In addition to being a full-time military spouse, Tommye taught Adult Education and worked in career transition with soldiers and their spouses who were leaving the service.
The Army took Tommye and Mike to many different places, but Alaska held a special place in her heart. Tommye fell in love with the land, the culture, and the people. After leaving the military, Tommye and Mike returned to where it all started, Chattanooga, building their dream home on nearby Signal Mountain.
Tommye was an active member of her community and a faithful member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian. Her passion as a lifelong sewist led her to an interest in quilt making. After moving back to Tennessee, she joined a local quilting club where she met some of her dearest friends and experienced yearly trips to quilting expos. Also, as an avid reader, Tommye participated in the Grandview neighborhood book club for decades.
Tommye had recently moved to Gainesville, Florida to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband Colonel (Ret.) Michael Stafford Byington, US Army; parents Harold B. “H.B.” and Ione Thompson of Gainesville, Georgia; brother Hal Thompson; and Aunts Mildred Sarah Thompson and Margaret Ann Thompson of Chattanooga. Tommye is survived by her daughter Stacey Byington Wynn, granddaughter Margaret Michael Wynn, daughter Emily Byington (Chris) O’Keefe, grandson Declan Michael O’Keefe, and too many family members and friends to list.
Tommye will be remembered for her warm smile and kind words, her sense of humor, her numerous talents, and boundless creativity.
Please contact the family for details of their service at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church where she was a faithful attendee and Bible study group member. The Byington family will lay her to rest at the Chattanooga National Cemetery alongside her husband Mike.
To recognize her devotion to the Lone Oak Community Center (TN) mission, in lieu of flowers, you may donate to the civic league where she taught a GED course for years, supported the clinic, cooked countless meals, enjoyed bingo, and helped with the annual 127 Yard Sale (address to follow). Donations to The Gideons International or to Wreaths Across America may also be made in Tommye’s honor.
--Lone Oak Community Center Civic League (LOCCL), P.O. Box 394, Signal Mountain, TN 37377. (423) 886-7250
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Thompson Family.
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I met Tommye and her husband Mike several years ago. Tommy was a teacher for our adult education program. She was a very good caring compassionate teacher that wanted to see all of her students reach their goals and obtain their GED. Tommye went beyond and worked diligently to make that happen. She was a very hospitable person also I visited a couple of times in her home. She was very personable and I know she will be missed greatly by her family and friends…God's blessings to all of you.
Loyal, supportive friend; fun companion; patriotic American, Army wife; fantastic boss; dedicated and compassionate teacher; generous and caring soul; child of God.Â
I will miss her.Â
I didn't know Tommye long and I didn't know her well but we were both in ADPi, Beta Beta chapter. The one thing Tommye always did was help in the spring with a ceremony at Beta Beta and so did I. It was always fun to see each other and catch up. I didn't know about your loss until I learned that she wouldn't be there this spring. You have my deepest sympathy. I know that as I continue to come to Chattanooga each spring I will think of Tommye.
For a number of years, Tommye was a delightful colleague at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Her management of the Job Assistance Center, a vital component of the Army Career and Alumni Program, smoothed the way for many a soldier leaving the military for a new life in the civilian sector. Our world is brighter for having had Tommye in it, and she will remain in our hearts and memories for years yet to come.