Vickie Rector

Vickie Leann Madewell Rector, 51, of Cookeville, Tennessee, passed from this earth to her Heavenly home on December 10, 2021. Born May 20, 1970 in Cookeville, she was the daughter of the late Wheeler Madewell and Joyce Madewell. Vickie was a loving Christian, living her life as an example to all. She never knew a stranger, choosing instead to enjoy a lengthy conversation with everyone she met. She loved any animal, domesticated or not, believing they were all special in God’s eyes. A two-time graduate of Tennessee Tech’s College of Education, she taught school for almost three decades at Jere Whitson Elementary, touching the lives of “her kids” and helping make them better individuals. Her friends, both at work and outside of it, were a constant source of enjoyment and inspiration. Above all else, she loved her family deeply, spending her time making forever memories with them. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart, Tiff Rector; daughter Kinsley Rector and son Tanner Rector, both of whom were her greatest blessings in this life; Jason (Julie) Herd, whom she considered her son by another mother; Jason’s son Maddox Herd, the special boy she considered a grandson who made her a "Bippie;" brother Rick (Charlotte) Madewell; niece Koree Beth (Chason) Choate; great nieces Leighton Choate and Bradi Madewell-Betcher; father and mother-in-law Terry and Judy Rector, and brother-in-law Kendall Rector. Vickie’s life was also enriched by the love and support of best friends Samantha Isbell and Marta Johnson. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a special nephew Brad Madewell. A special thank you is conveyed to her entire healthcare team who helped her through her battle with cancer: the wonderful doctors and nurses at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt Hospital, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Avalon Hospice and especially Karen Joyce and the entire staff of Joyce Healthcare, each of whom Vickie loved. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Vickie has chosen cremation, and a private service will be held later for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Cookeville/Putnam County Animal Shelter, 2650 Gainsborough Grade, Cookeville, TN 38501 or to the Vickie Madewell Rector Memorial Fund at Tennessee Tech, c/o Tennessee Tech University Foundation, Box 1915, Cookeville, TN 38505. Hooper, Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.