Elsie LeGarde Arrants

August 13, 1920 - September 15, 2019

Elsie LeGarde Arrants, devoted mother, loving grandmother and consummate teacher is now with our Lord at 99 years young. Born August 13, 1920, she was a resident of Bradley County and Cleveland Tennessee, she peacefully passed on September 15, 1019 surrounded by family and friends. Born in Sullivan County to the late C. W. LeGarde and Nannie Snapp LeGarde, she was predeceased by her brother, Charles LeGarde in World War II, loving husband Thomas W. Arrants and son Thomas W. Arrants III. Left to cherish her memory is her son, Charles, and wife Dr. Linda Hayles, and her grandson, Jonathan Arrants. A true Tennessean, she graduated from Bradley High School in 1938, and subsequently Lincoln Memorial University in 1947. Growing up, she was most proud that she was, at only five foot two, a Bradley High School “Bearette” basketball player, and even played for the Lincoln Memorial University girls’ team in the 1940’s while attaining her teaching degree. The lives of thousands of students were impacted as she taught English and American Government for more than 30 years at Bradly Central High School in Cleveland. After her retirement in 1982, she worked for years in adult education at the public library and enjoyed providing after school educational development for children. Additionally, she was a volunteer at the Museum Center at Five points, an avid golfer, founder of a book club, a member of the BSUMC lunch bunch and Over Eighties group at Broad Street United Methodist Church. A lifelong member of this church, she truly loved Tennessee, her hometown of Cleveland, her family, and anything related to women’s basketball. The outpouring of love and years of support delivered by Connie, Benita, Jackie, Picola and the cousins, nieces, nephews was truly a blessing. Mrs. Arrants, enjoyed this life and the fellowship of Broad Street United Methodist Church and offer that in lieu of flowers a donation to the newly founded Broad Street Church Trust that is being established to help maintain the beautiful 175 year old chapel. Additionally, a donation to Hospice of Chattanooga would carry her memory forward. The family will receive friends Thursday 19 September at 2:00 followed by a celebration of life at 3:00 at the Broad Street United Methodist chapel 155 Central Ave. NW, Cleveland TN. Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee St. Chapel has charge of the arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift as proposed to the Broad Street United Methodist Church or Hospice in honor of Ms. Elsie LeGarde Arrants please visit our Sympathy Store or visit the church website at https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/bsumc