Norma Genell Collier Cash passed away surrounded by family on January 29, 2024, at Morning Pointe of Tullahoma, TN, at the age of 92 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was born and raised in Albertville, AL, daughter of the late Leonard C. and Thelma Jones Collier. After attending Albertville High School, she married Robert L. Cash. They moved to Chattanooga where they lived and raised their family until retirement, when they returned to reside in Albertville.
Genell’s career revolved around education. Her professional drive led to careers with the State of Tennessee, retiring as Housing Director at UT-Chattanooga, and the State of Alabama, retiring after holding various positions within the Marshall County School System.
With a lifelong spirit of giving, she volunteered as room mother, girl scout leader, PTA officer, and Chi Omega sorority mom. Genell was very involved in church activities and a longtime member of Northside Baptist Church in Chattanooga and First Baptist Church in Albertville. Genell was a gifted decorator, cook, baker, and seamstress. She loved Christmas, collecting Santas, travel, driving, and spending time with family and friends. The highlight of her life was her grandchildren. She rarely missed an important event in their lives, and she loved them beyond measure.
In addition to her parents, Genell is preceded in death by her husband Robert L. Cash, brother Carl D. Collier, and sister Imogene Collier Rains. She is survived by her two daughters, Shan (Ed) O’Neal of Boaz, AL, and Susan (Bill) Carpenter of Estill Springs, TN, and was a beloved Mimi to seven grandchildren: Hannah (Michael) Lynch, Jonathan (Katie) O’Neal, Will (Allison) Carpenter, Caitlin (Michael) Heisey, Clint (Misty) Carpenter, Lauren (Tommy) Messersmith, and Rob (Ashley) O’Neal; thirteen great-grandchildren (Bayleigh, Seth, Finn, Audrey, Colin, Carter, Wesley, Adaline, Olivia, Joe, Noah, Cash, and Harper); sister-in-law Gaye Collier Lunsford of Jacksonville, FL, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family is so thankful for the support of family and friends during this time, and is especially grateful to Morning Pointe of Tullahoma’s Lantern, where the staff is like family, providing excellent care but above all, love and compassion. Also, thanks to Hospice Compassus of Tullahoma for their care and assistance.
The service will be held at Adams Brown Funeral Home in Albertville on Friday, February 2, with visitation at 10 AM and service at 11 AM followed by burial at Memory Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org then search for Tribute Page for Genell Cash) or to Real Life Pregnancy Center, 104 W. Alabama Ave. Suite F, Albertville, AL 35950 (reallifecpc.org).
