SHELBYVILLE - Lou Ann Hamrick Slater, 71, of Shelbyville, TN, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at her home.
Born in Cleveland County on September 4, 1953, she was the beloved daughter of the late Wellington (Wellie) Hamrick and Margie McCluney Hamrick of Boiling Springs, NC. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Lee Hamrick Buff, and a stepdaughter April Anita Slater.
She is survived by her husband Thomas Slater, sisters, Nancy Wages, Kitty Hoyle and husband Marvin, stepsons Charles Slater and wife Autumn, Matthew Slater and husband William, daughter-in-law Jill Buff, grandchildren Morgan Spears, Ethan Morgan, Ava Buff, Colton Slater and wife Brianna, Ashlee Slater, Eva Slater, Julian Slater, and Tristan Slater. Great grandchildren Oliver Lee, McKinley Slater, Isabella Slater.
Lou Ann fell in love with music at an early age beginning piano lessons and later guitar lessons from Ray Ledford. As a teen she took voice from her next-door neighbor, Mary Morrisette. She sang in church choirs, talent shows and the Gardner Webb Choral assembly. She learned many instruments over her lifetime, but guitar and song were her favorite, always crediting Mr. Ledford for gifting her that love and ability.
She graduated from Crest High School in 1970 at 16 years old and continued her academic journey to attend Gardner Webb Junior College, Wake Forest University, and Appalachian State University achieving a master's degree in psychology.
Lou Ann moved to Wyoming in 1984 and in Sheridan found her true love with a kindred spirit for music. She and husband Tom spent countless hours creating music together and with many friends who shared the same musical interests. Continuing the lifelong musical journey, Lou and Tom continued to make many musical friends along the way from Wyoming to Tennessee, North Carolina, and Mississippi.
Lou Ann spent her professional career as a mental health counselor including working at Northern Wyoming Mental Health, Rehabilitation Enterprises of Northeastern Wyoming (RENEW), Family & Children's Services of Nashville, and Hospice of the Highland Rim in Tullahoma, TN.
Lou Ann was an independent thinker who always found her way in life regardless of popular opinion or public pressure. She always presented herself in a quiet and unapologetic manner. In that spirit she chose to provided Vanderbilt Hospital with the opportunity for students to research and learn more about combating various forms of breast cancer.
The family extends a special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lindsey M. Goodman and Vanderbilt Hospital for exceptional care. In memory of Lou Ann, contributions may be made to Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center at vicc.org/giving.
The Hamrick family will receive friends at Boiling Springs Baptist Church on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 6:00 until 7:30.