After more than 28 years with the City of Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department, Terry Ann Womack is retiring. Her last day was Tuesday, July 1, 2014. A retirement reception in Womack’s honor was held at Cannonsburgh Village.

During a City Council meeting in May, Womack talked about her love for the Sunshine Players, a children's theater group she started well over 20-years ago...

Looking back, WGNS' Bart Walker knows of the Sunshine Players well. Walkers' daughter Kristin was in Womack's very first play that was held under an Old Fort Park pavilion. Walkers' granddaughter Eloise, was in Womacks' very last play, 101 Dalmatians. The last play Womack produced was on the stage at the Patterson Park Community Center. 

“Terry has touched many lives during her devoted service to the city through her tireless endeavors with the Parks and Recreation Department,” said Director Lanny Goodwin. “We will miss her many talents and most of all her infectious optimism.”

More information about our friend, Terry Womack:

Womack’s many accomplishments include serving as Cultural Arts Coordinator and establishing the children’s theatre program. The Sunshine Players recently finished its 25th year with Terry’s final show, “101 Dalmatians,” featuring the glamourous Cruella and spotted puppies.

“Spending time with talented children in the Sunshine Players productions is one of the joyful experiences I will miss most,” said Womack. “We are fortunate to have a city and community committed to providing quality theatrical education to our children.”

Many of Womack’s former Sunshine Players have gone on to have successful careers in acting, production, and music, including Murfreesboro native and country singer-songwriter, Chris Young. Young, a Nashville Star winner in 2006, who has recorded several hit singles. 

In the 28 years since joining the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department in February 1986, Womack has witnessed considerable growth.  “It was a very small department with only about 20 employees when I started,” Womack added. Today, the department has 70 full-time and 256 part-time employees. A Kentucky native who graduated in 1978 with a degree in Arts Education from Cumberland College (University of the Cumberlands) in Williamsburg, Ky., Womack, 59, plans “to travel and take care of her aging father” with the extra time in retirement.