Who Is Tookey?

Tookey Buxton, the brideLydia ‘Tookey’ Buxton

1917-1980

A worldwide traveler, lover of life, trend setter and beautiful spirit, the charming and delightful Tookey Buxton was my grandmother. Born in Texas, Lydia Burgess grew up outside of Fort Worth where the Fort Worth Boat Club now exists. After high school, she decided to attend the all-girls school of Hollins College in Virginia where she kept a full “dance card” so to speak, playing the field by dating guys attending nearby schools including Washington & Lee. She’d have lunch dates, and coffee dates, and cocktail hour dates and dinner dates. She was busy making new friends and having the time of her life! After much pursuit, one lucky gentleman from Memphis, Stewart Buxton, caught her eye and captured her heart. They eventually married after college, honeymooned in Hawaii, and moved to Memphis where they raised their two children: Jimmy (my uncle) and Lennie (my mom). A socialite who loved to travel, garden and entertain, Tookey was a fashionista who had a zest for life like few others. Many of her social endeavors were featured in the Memphis newspaper…articles and pictures highlighting her take on decorating, fashion, charity or entertaining. Despite trials and tribulations in her life, GrandmaTookey was always a southern lady with a positive outlook and a sophisticated demeanor. She was radiant.

— Connie Hammond, Designer, Curator and Granddaughter

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Tookey as a little girlTookey as a little girl
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Tookey doing Archery croppedTookey doing Archery cropped
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Tookey at schoolTookey at school
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Lydia “Tookey” Buxton