Obituaries

Dianna Lynn (Hendrickson) Daw

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dianna Lynn (Hendrickson) Daw announces her passing on Nov. 19, 2023. Lynn was most passionate about her girls. but she also took great pleasure in riding her bike, passing on her knowledge of plants and gardening, going for walks and listening to her favorite oldies but goodies on her vintage iPod. She leaves a beautiful legacy and will be deeply missed. Lynn was preceded in death by her husband, Stuart Daw; mother, Virginia Cunningham; father, Leland Hendrickson; brothers, Terry Hendrickson, Max Hendrickson, Lee Hendrickson and Jeff Cunningham; and niece, Rhonda. She is survived by daughters, Robyn Norris and husband, Mark, and Amy Noe Howard and husband, Rob; granddaughter, Brittany Norris Hattley; nephew, Josh; nieces, Faith, Holly, Candice, Brandi, Sheila and Debbie; sister, Patty Sowders; several great-nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends. A Celebration of Life Gathering is being held beginning at 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, in Farragut Presbyterian Church. Friends and family also are invited to share memories and condolences online at rosefuneraltn.com.

Doris Woods Owens

Doris Woods Owens, age 97, of Concord/Farragut, died of natural causes Friday, Sept. 1. She was a member of Concord United Methodist Church. Doris was a member of the Samuel Frazier Chapter, NSDAR since Oct. 11, 1988. Over the years, she served as regent (2001-2004), vice regent (2010-2013) and registrar (1998-2010), as well as numerous other offices and chairmanships. She was a member of the National Daughters of the American Revolution for more than 30 years. Doris served the Farragut-Concord community in many ways over the years, including being involved in the establishment of the Farragut Folklife Museum and later becoming the museum’s director. She even has a “Doris Woods Owens Gallery” at the museum.  Mrs. Owens’ early career was as a teacher at Concord/Farragut, where she was active in the production of many musicals that were held in the FHS Auditorium. She also was an educator and administrator in Miami until 1982. Many of you will remember her as past director of the Farragut Folklife Museum and as co-author of the book, “Images of America: Concord-Farragut.”  In addition to her husband, Charles, Doris is preceded in death by her daughter, Marta Lynne Owens Mills; parents, Walter Gordon and Ziza Welch Woods, both from the Class of 1916; and brother, James Welch Woods, Class of 1940. Doris is survived by her daughter, Vickie Owens Keller and Gary Keller of Delano; and grandaughters, Hannah Sims (Mills) and Hayley Mills; Also great grandson, Max Sims.

Dr. James “Jim” Harlin Hughes

Dr. James “Jim” Harlin Hughes, 79, of Monterey, Virginia, a loving husband, father and grandfather, longtime educator and devoted Catholic parishioner, died Sept. 8 following a months-long struggle with glioblastoma. Jim was born on Sept. 7, 1944, in Nashville to Michael Leo Hughes and Delores Murphy Hughes. He graduated from Father Ryan High School (1962) and Middle Tennessee State University (1967). He earned a master’s degree in psychology/counseling from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and completed a PhD in education from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1978. He married Janie (Minton) Hughes in 1967, and the couple raised five daughters: Karen Goldstein (Jonathan) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Jennifer Westerman (James) of Boone, North Carolina; Margaret Silkstone (Jeff) of Chapel Hill; Amy Hughes (partner Trevor Turville) of Flagstaff, Arizona; and Emily Corio (Greg) of Morgantown, West Virginia.  Jim taught graduate classes in special education at North Carolina State University, and in 1985 he began a 30-year career at The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding. There, Jim rose to the level of manager for training, also becoming president of the American Apprenticeship Round Table and receiving an appointment from then Virginia Gov. George Allen as chair of the Virginia Apprenticeship Council.  Jim retired in 2015 and moved with Janie to Monterey, deep in the Allegheny Mountains. Jim was an enthusiastic volunteer in his community. He enjoyed hiking, gardening and tending his blueberry patch, rafting and canoeing, and listening to bluegrass with family and friends.  In addition to his wife and daughters, Jim is survived by sisters, Dorothy LaMarche (Louis), Farragut; Rosetta Graham (Martin, deceased), Nashville; and minutes-older twin brother John “Jack” Hughes (Theresa), Nashville. He was pre-deceased by brothers, Dr. Michael Leo Hughes, Jr. (Julie) and Joseph Hughes (Bernadine). Jim also is survived by cousins, Therese (Patrick) Hurley and Mary Catherine (George, deceased) Willard, all of Knoxville; nine grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.   A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Henry Catholic Church in Nashville beginning at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21. Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Highland County EMS (92 E. Main St., Monterey, Virginia, 24465) or to the Glioblastoma Foundation (glioblastomafoundation.org).

O. Ted Gibson

O. Ted Gibson, age 87, a long-time resident of Farragut, went to be with the Lord Tuesday morning, Aug. 15, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. Ted was a member of Concord Presbyterian Church for 55 years and was a deacon and elder. He was a graduate of Auburn University Class of 1959. Ted was a mechanical engineer at Oak Ridge Nuclear facilities for more than 35 years. He enjoyed woodworking.  Ted is preceded in death by his wife of of 58 years, Eleanor Loree “Ellie” Gibson; grandson, Micah Scott Gibson; parents, Howard Speake Gibson and Lorine Fischer Gibson. Ted is survived by his children, John Scott Gibson and wife, Sherri, and Sally Gibson Heydasch and husband, David; grandchildren, Josiah Taylor Gibson, Samuel Shea Gibson, Kristi Elizabeth Heydasch Cross and husband, Andrew, Christopher David Heydasch and wife, Hope, and Brian Eric Heydasch; great-granddaughter, Madalynn Rose; great-grandsons, Jackson, Samuel and Kason; brothers, Henry and Howard; several nieces and nephews. Family and friends gathered at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 20, at Concord Masonic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Concord Presbyterian Church, 11000 Second Drive, Concord, Tennessee 37934.

Colleen (Connie) M. Boyer

Colleen (Connie) M. Boyer, daughter of the late Luther and Hazel Tinsley, passed away suddenly Monday, July 24, 2023, at the age of 93 years in Knoxville, TN.  Connie is survived by her husband, John A. Boyer; son, James V. Kunstel; brother, Donald; sister, Carol; and through her marriage to John, four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.  Preceding her in death were her daughter, Susan, and son, Mark.  Connie and John were united in marriage in 1990 and traveled the world together until settling in Farragut. Connie was an avid golfer and bridge player and had a vibrant personality that showed outwardly in her love of wearing bold prints and striking fashions. She had a refined sense of style that flowed through her wardrobe and into the many beautiful homes that she owned over the years. She thoughtfully designed each room to always provide a warm, welcoming gathering space for family and friends alike. John and Connie’s love of travel influenced much of the sophistication that was highlighted in her design and fashion sense. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, in Click Funeral Home, 11915 Kingston Pike, Farragut.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to either St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Pamela Jane Gillette

Pamela Jane Gillette, age 79, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away suddenly Saturday, May 13, 2023. Pam was born on Jan. 9, 1945, in Bangor, Maine. She had a long career at Unisys Corporation. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Joseph (Joe) Gillette. Pam is survived by her daughter, Melanie (Mike) Rucker; sons, Chris (Roberta) Gillette and Mike (Kim) Gillette; grandchildren, Ashley Gillette Geu, Brianne Lalor, Katelyn Carswell, Matthew Gillette, Arynn Perrin, Nick Gillette, Connor Gillette, Carter Gillette and Skylar Gillette; four great-grandchildren and her beloved dog, Chloe! Pam, lovingly also known as “Grammy Pammy,” loved being around her family and friends and truly enjoyed life! She never met a stranger and developed friendships everywhere she lived. Whether you knew her 20 minutes or 20 years, her personality was lasting and impactful. She loved being outdoors and spent most of her days at the pool, lounging in the sun, playing with her grandkids, lunching with friends and listening to country music. Pam enjoyed working in her yard, taking care of the beautiful flowers and plants that surrounded her immaculately kept home and playing with her dog. She also loved to shop, and after a long day looked forward to relaxing on the couch, coffee cup in hand, and watching movies with her friends. Funeral services were held beginning at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2023, in Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel. The family received friends during a reception, where lite refreshments were served following the service. A graveside service was held beginning at 4 p.m., May 21, at Pleasant Forest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Pam to First Baptist Concord, earmarked to the Preschool Program: “Ms. Pammys Fun Day.” Prior to her final retirement, Pam loved working at First Baptist as a teacher’s assistant. The memorials will be used to plan a fun day for the children and luncheon for her work family. Please send donations in care of First Baptist Concord, 11704 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934.

Brian Benjamin Devereux

The Devereux family is saddened to announce the unexpected passing of beloved husband, father, son, uncle, brother-in-law, son-in-law and friend, Brian Benjamin Devereux, on April 9, 2023. The son of Benjamin Franklin Devereux III and Zandra Beeman Devereux, he was born in Baytown, Texas, on Aug. 18, 1968, and moved to Farragut in 1976. Brian attended Farragut High School, Class of 1986. Brian worked for 25 years as a project engineer for Ameresco. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and dogs, spending time on the lake and cooking. Brian will be remembered for his great sense of humor, loving and kind soul, love of animals and for being a devout family man. Preceded in death by his father as well as his brother, David Devereux. Brian is survived by his loving wife, Renee Devereux; daughters, Taylor and Addison Devereux; step-son, Isaac Blanton; mother, Zandra Devereux; nieces and nephews; and many extended family members and friends. Receiving of Friends and Family will be held from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Farragut Church of Christ. A gofundme has been created to help Renee during this extremely difficult time for anyone who wishes to contribute: https://gofund.me/f793950d

Marie Sharp Leonard

Surrounded by her family, Marie Sharp Leonard, age 96, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 20, 2023. She was born on Jan. 17, 1927 in Knoxville to Milburn T. Sharp and Elizabeth Hines Sharp. She had an idyllic childhood growing up on Oglewood Drive in North Knoxville. Marie graduated from Old Knoxville High in 1945. After graduating high school, she attended and graduated from The University of Tennessee, where she was a proud member of Tri-Delta sorority. In 1950, Marie married Robert H. (Bob) Leonard, and their marriage thrived until Bob’s death in 2012. Their marriage resulted in three children: Robert, Elizabeth and Patrick. Throughout their marriage, Bob and Marie traveled to almost every state and several foreign countries, often through Bob’s affiliation with Optimist International. Marie was active throughout her life in numerous charitable and community organizations. Among other affiliations, she was heavily involved in establishing the Girls Club of Knoxville, volunteered with Ossoli Circle, taught art history in Knox County Schools, was a proud and active member of the CWF (Christian Women’s Fellowship), the Village Green Garden Club, Golden Girls, P.O.E.T.S., FCC Book Club and served as Elder Emeritus at First Christian Church. In 1972, Marie and Bob moved from South Knoxville to the Village Green subdivision in Farragut where they resided until their respective deaths. At that time, Marie took a job with orthopedic surgeon Charles Gouffon, who soon partnered with Dr. Sam Marcy in the orthopedic group that became Gouffon, Marcy, Jackson and Cates — and that is now known as Tennessee Orthopedic. Marie enjoyed 22 years of working for “Charlie & Sam” and maintained their friendship throughout the rest of her life. With Bob’s election as Farragut’s first Mayor in 1980, Marie served with class and dignity as Farragut’s First “First Lady” until Bob’s retirement from politics in 1993, so they could spend more time with their grandchildren: Seth, Maggie and Robbie. Marie’s love for Farragut continued throughout her life, participating in numerous Town activities and serving for years on Farragut’s Beautification Board and as a volunteer docent at the Farragut Folklife Museum until reaching the age of 95. Marie stayed active and continued to make new friends through the YMCA’s Silver Sneakers program. Throughout her life, Marie was an avid UT Vols Football and Basketball fan. She continued to attend basketball games into her 95th year. Marie was a devoted Christian who attended First Christian Church from birth until the church closed in 2015. To a large extent, Marie’s and Bob’s lives centered around FCC and the Disciple’s Sunday School Class, which they helped establish. Marie faithfully believed in the power and grace of Christ. Next to her Lord and Savior, the most important thing in Marie’s life was her family and friends. She celebrated their successes and comforted them in times of sorrow. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Milburn and Elizabeth Sharp; her of husband of 62 years, Bob Leonard; and her son, Robert M. Leonard. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Beth) Bledsoe and husband, Jerry, and Patrick J. Leonard and wife, Sheri; her grandchildren, Joshua Seth Bledsoe, Robert Ellis Leonard and wife, Morgan, and Maggie Mariah Bledsoe. Great-grandchildren are Molleigh, Cali, Dani, Nash and Dax. She also is survived by much-loved cousin, Kay Moore, and husband, Robert, and cousins David Sharp and Ellen Davis. Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, at Click’s Funeral Home Farragut Chapel, with a memorial service to follow. Officiating will be the Rev. CJ Bays. Interment at Pleasant Forest Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Optimist Club of Knoxville’s Henry Naff Scholarship Fund (P.O. Box 358, Knoxville, TN 37901).