Nancy “Tanyia” Routh Creasey, Oak Ridge

Nancy “Tanyia” Routh Creasey age 87 of Oak Ridge, TN, walked calmly and serenely through the door of Eternal Life, surrounded by her loved ones after a brief illness on June 24, 2026.

Tanyia will forever be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mom, Meme, Non, Nonnie-Non and Gigi as well as an amazing friend. To know her was to be loved by her, unconditionally like no other. 

Born Nancy Tanyia Routh at her family home on Charles Street in High Point, NC on March 24, 1939 to the late William Aytch and Annie Mae Chambers Routh, she was a 1957 graduate of the historic Jamestown High School. Following graduation, she moved to Greensboro, NC where she worked as a long-distance switchboard operator for AT&T. 

Tanyia met her beloved husband of 67 years Airman Second Class Jerry A. Creasey while he was on Christmas leave in 1956. The couple then married in Archdale, NC on October 17, 1958 while Jerry was on a three- day leave pass from Hunter Airforce Base. Her husband’s career took them to Savanah, GA as newlyweds, back home to High Point, NC where the couple joyfully welcomed the arrival of two children and Tanyia enjoyed teaching yoga, followed by a stint in Orlando, FL where she coveted her time as a stay-at-home mother. 

The Creasey family arrived in Oak Ridge, TN in 1968 when Jerry accepted a position at Y-12 Plant and Tanyia quickly became an integral part of the community. She served time as president, children’s art instructor and board member at the Oak Ridge Art Center and Sunday school teacher at Trinity United Methodist Church. 

Tanyia was an advocate for women’s rights, herself a pioneer, working in male dominated roles and atmospheres in the communications industry. In 1971 she helped pave the way for future women-owned businesses when she founded Oak Ridge Communications and Telephone Answering Service, which she operated for over 55 years alongside her husband, Jerry. Well known for her unique style consisting of Birkenstocks with socks, tie dye, and dangly earrings. She had a love of reading, crossword puzzles, and staying fit and healthy. She was an avid Oak Ridge Mall “mall-walker” and founding member of National Fitness Center, lifting weights and working out daily throughout her years. 

She had a fondness for the beaches of North and South Carolina, returning to the coast annually for peace, joy, and family time. Holding a deep passion for gardening, cultivating flowers, plants, and beautiful outdoor spaces with the same care and attention she gave to her family and community. Her love of art was lifelong; she painted, taught and encouraged young artists all while filling her home with creativity and color. Her home was the epicenter of the family where Sunday dinner, birthday parties, and holidays were all held. More than anything, she valued her family and extended family of friends, touching so many lives through her unconditional love, kindness, and generosity. 

Tanyia will be deeply missed, and her legacy will continue to live through each of the lives she has touched during all her chapters. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her younger brothers, William A. “Butch” Routh and James Steven “Steve” Routh, father-in-law Frank “Earl” Creasey, mother-in-law Mary Carol King, brothers-in- law Gilbert Creasey, Dan Ray “Danny” Creasey and James C. “Jimmy” King. 

Survived by her devoted husband and best friend of 67 years whose love will last an eternity, Jerry A. Creasey of Oak Ridge, TN. Her beloved children, daughter Melissa Creasey (Barry) Oak Ridge, TN and son Jerry A. “Jay” Creasey Jr. (Kathie) Oak Ridge, TN and son-in-law Odis “Earl” Manning of Knoxville, TN. Cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Eliza Manning Ross (Seth) along with Neyland and Weston, Oak Ridge, TN, Willliam “Eli” Manning (Katie) along with Jameson and Willa Kate, Knoxville, TN, Ethan Creasey, Oak Ridge, TN, Erin Creasey, Oak Ridge, TN, David “Emilio” Villasana along with Carmen, Oak Ridge, TN and Elizabeth Villasana, Murfreesboro, TN. Sisters-in-law Shirley Routh, High Point, NC, Lynda Routh, Sophia, NC and Donna Creasey, Greenville, NC. As well as a host of treasured nieces, nephews, godchildren, extended family members, and life- long friends.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

 In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Tanyia’s memory to the Oak Ridge Public Library, 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830 and Free Medical Clinic of Oak Ridge, 116

E. Division Rd., Oak Ridge, TN 37830.