farragutpress

Centennial milestone

100th birthday celebration held for trailblazer, educator, author

December 31, 2025 by Tammy Cheek

Morning Pointe Knoxville resident, Dr. Imogene Ford, reflected she never thought about being 100.

But, family, fellow residents and staff of Morning Pointe Senior Living community did when they surprised her with a party to mark the centennial milestone on Friday, Dec. 19.

“I feel good,” she said after the party. “I never even thought about being 100.”

She attributed her longevity to good health, advising others to “stay in decent health and care for yourself.”

Imogene received books, a cake, a lifetime supply of Splenda and hugs for the special day.

She was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma, just outside the city. She has one sister, Carmen, two years younger, who lives in Los Angeles, California.

Imogene’s niece, Lynn Watson, and several other family members traveled from Louisiana to celebrate the 100-year-old.

Watson noted her aunt fussed about there being a celebration in her honor.

But, “we are very grateful … it’s an honor [to turn 100],” Watson said.

“Dr. Ford’s centennial marks a remarkable legacy as an educator, author and trailblazer, including her role as the first African American board member at the University of Tennessee,” said Clarissa Alberto, communications assistant with Morning Pointe Knoxville. “Known for her warmth, intellect and love for animals, [Imogene’s] centennial celebration reflects a life well-lived and a legacy worth celebrating.”

Although the years of her time at UT are not clear for Imogene, former students and UT staff and others were quick to provide insights of her breaking barriers for women and African-Americans.

Imogene was a UT graduate and an instructor for the university’s College of Home Economics’ Department of Textiles and Clothing, now the College of Education, Health & Human Sciences, MPK senior life enrichment director Kari Christopher related. “During her time there, Imogene was appointed as acting head of the College of Home Economics Department of Textiles and Clothing in 1980,” Christopher said. “And, she was the first African-American board member at the University of Tennessee, which is amazing.”

The centenarian subsequently was named the full-time head of the department.

During her career, Imogene published the following articles: “Adolescent Clothing and Adjustment,” “Attitudes Toward Clothing,” “Body and Self: A Comparison of Two Groups” and “Sexually Attractive Clothing: Attitudes and Usage.”

Additionally, with her skills, “she has been a resident seamstress over the years,” Christopher said. “If anyone needs a pair of pants, you can count on Imogene to take care of that for you, and she never says no.

“She’s always so polite to do it,” the director said. “She’ll even offer to come and hem your pants if she sees they need hemming.”

“People who have come through the university and made such an impact [as Imogene], I was delighted to come [to Morning Pointe],” said Randy Atkins, senior director of advancement for the UT College of Education, Health & Human Sciences. He noted that college was once the home economics college.

“We’re just so proud of you,” he told Imogene. “This is a wonderful milestone.

“Home economics is a program that was flourishing,” Atkins said. “They built … the Jesse Harris Building [to house the program]. It’s across Kingston Pike from Ayres Hall. It’s actually going to celebrate its 100th birthday next year.”

In the earlier days, Atkins said home economics was an important program, especially the textile segment.

In closing, he presented two books, “Through the Arch,” which was written in 1987, and “Tennessee: A Celebration of 200 Years of the University,” written in 1994, both were signed by the historian and author, Betsey Creekmore.

Atkins related Creekmore said, “Absolutely, Imogene was the best-dressed faculty member in all of the Jesse Harris Building.”

“You are a very important part of the university’s history,” he told Imogene. “Thank you for breaking ground and thank you for being a trendsetter. Thank you for all the impact you’ve made.”

Christopher agreed, “Imogene is always so put together. She always has on a nice jacket. She is always well-presented and looks beautiful every single day.”

Former student, Jamie Brannam-Brown, remembered how Imogene got the shy Cocke County student out of her shell.

“I was the most backward child you ever saw in your life,” Brannam-Brown recalled. But, “[Imogene] took a special interest in me as a student.” As she shared her time with Imogene, the former student’s voice broke with emotion.

“The fact I am able to get up and speak to you all or teach a class the way I do is due to her,” Brannam-Brown said. “I would sit in the back of her class as an undergraduate, and she would say, “Jamie, your written work’s good.”

Imogene urged her to talk in class; to work on a master’s degree, which was paid by working on a textile project; then to take a teaching position in Ohio.

“She pushed me and pushed me in her very kind, very determined way,” Brannam-Brown said. “She was not going to let me fall through the cracks.

“She has been the mother to me in so many ways,” Brannam-Brown said of Imogene.

“I just want to thank you for being a strong African-American lady that I look up to,” said Jazzlynn Cox, a lead certified nursing assistant at Morning Pointe.

“I always respect you and I will always look up to you,” Cox added.