Jimmie Tweel Carder

Jamina “Jimmie” Tweel Carder, departed this Earthly plane peacefully on Wednesday morning, April 23, surrendering after one last valiant attempt to squeeze every bit of juice out of her beautiful and heart led life. As was her wish, she passed away in the comfort of her own home, where she had lived since her retirement in 2020, with birds singing outside her open window. Stubborn till the end, Jimmie was not one to ask for help, but her four children were grateful and honored to give back to her by being a significant part of the care giving team this year as she managed the debilitating effects of her cancer. It was obvious to her children that she preferred to have their help, and not hired professionals, serving her needs as she had done so selflessly for them and others her entire life.

Born on December 23, 1940, in Huntington, WV, she was the first child of Jim and Sally Tweel. With two younger brothers, she grew up living a fairly charmed life. She was a dancer and a cheerleader, and was voted “Miss Pony Express” in high school. Her father owned a restaurant, Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House, and his dedication to service and humble generosity were both a likely blueprint for her future. She married Bill Carder, her University of Kentucky sweetheart, and moved to Nashville in the early sixties, where she raised four children, Shawn, Shelly, Dane, and Jamina. Whether working the concession stand at the baseball fields, toiling in the yard, doing laundry, grocery shopping, driving carpool, working the school cafeteria, or feeding a family of six, she was always invested in serving others. Jimmie was a wellspring of compassion, endearing her to her kids' friends, who would often confide in her like she was a therapist. Her life of service continued when, six years after her husband died in 1988, she moved back home to help her dad Jim run his restaurant; she soon took over when declining health forced his retirement. In 2019, she walked the stage at the James Beard Awards to receive the America’s Classic Award on behalf of her family’s iconic diner. Jim’s Steak & Spaghetti House became a second family for her, and over the twenty-five years that she was there, she made an everlasting impression on thousands of patrons and staff that she loved and served. Jimmie’s retirement at seventy-nine was uniquely expedited when she managed to run over her own leg in her car… without breaking a bone. Her warmth, humility, kindness, strength, and compassion were worn on her sleeve, as washer penchant for straight shooting truths. She made her way through the days of her life with a radiance and a positive attitude, even if she was admittedly just living by one of her mottos: “Fake it till you make it.” She didn’t care to get bogged down in such things like feelings or thoughts of the past or the future… she was present in the moment to simply love and serve. Jimmie had “It”… that somewhat nameless, magic quality of Spirit that permeated her entire way of being, making her a force that drew others in and delivered delight everywhere she went.

Jimmie is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Sally Tweel, and her husband Bill Carder.She is survived by her brothers Larry (Cheryl) Tweel, Ron (Lynda) Tweel, and children Shawn (Macie) Carder, Shelly (Joanie) Carder, Dane (Danielle) Carder, and Jamina Carder. She was Sittee (Arabic for grandmother) to a tribe of adoring grandchildren: Chase, Kendall, Clay,Violet, Tweel, Noah, Bryn, Asher, and Simone. Her Love and Spirit can undoubtedly be felt in her family.

Memorial services will be held at Midtown Fellowship, 3410 Granny White Pk, 37204 on Saturday, May 3. Visitation from 1-3:00, with funeral service to follow. A private burial will be held later at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Jimmie Carder to Midtown Fellowship Church, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN, or Thistle Farms.