Lou Antwine

Lou Antwine, a cherished resident of Middleton, Tennessee, was born on March 13, 1941, and she carried her light into the world until her passing on February 22, 2025, in Bolivar, Tennessee. A devoted mother, sister, and friend, Lou's life was a tapestry woven with love, nurturing, and an unwavering spirit that touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Raised in the warm embrace of Middleton, she graduated from Middleton High School in 1959.  She married James Antwine in December of that year, and they began a love story that lasted until his death in 2017.  Lou's career began at Hardeman Garment, where her industrious nature began to shine. She later built a notable career as a signal fixture clerk at Dover and ultimately found her calling in sales with MC Softee Products in Somerville, where she thrived until her retirement in 2007. Beyond her professional life, Lou was a dedicated homemaker and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), sharing her nurturing spirit by sitting with the elderly in her community during her later years.

Lou was more than her profession; she was a gardener at heart, who found joy in the vibrant colors of flowers and the gentleness of birds. Her hands, skilled in both cultivation and care, would mow her own yard with pride until she could no longer do so, ensuring that even after relinquishing her mowing duties, she dictated how it should be done, with precision only a loving mother could master. Lou also had a playful side, delighting in the strategies of card games and dominos, especially Rook, and enjoying peaceful afternoons fishing. Her love for country music resonated deeply with her soul.  She especially loved listening to country music, moving her to tears at the passing of legends like Elvis and Conway Twitty, as their melodies lingered in her heart long after the last note faded.  She found great joy in listening to her grandson, Chase, play and sing the songs so dear to her.

In her faith, Lou found strength and purpose, becoming a dedicated member of the New Hope Church of Christ and later the Roger Springs Church of Christ, where she proudly witnessed her grandson, Justin, preach. Always giving back, she committed her time to cleaning the churches when she was able, reflecting her deep-seated values of service and dedication to her community.

Lou is survived by her beloved son, Randy Antwine, and daughter-in-law, Angie Antwine, along with her cherished grandsons, Justin Antwine and Chase Antwine, who is engaged to fiancée Sarah Pipkin. She leaves behind her sisters, Beverly Bodiford (Bob) and Fay Massengill, and her brother, Wade Reid (Jewell), all of whom will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Lou now joins her parents, Thomas Eddie Reid and Luella Dorene Maxwell Reid, her infant son James Carman Antwine, and her brother, Tommy Reid, in the embrace of eternal peace.

Visitation will be held on March 3, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Middleton, with a graveside service to follow at New Hope Cemetery at 3:00 PM.

As we bid farewell to Lou Antwine, we celebrate a life rich in love, compassion, and vivacity—echoing like a sweet melody that will forever resonate in the hearts of her family and friends.  Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to the New Hope Cemetery Fund or the Rogers Springs Cemetery Fund.