KITTS, MARY ELIZABETH (FANCHER) - age 85 of Maynardville, TN, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on January 24, 2015 at Tennova Residential Hospice, Knoxville. She was born on July 17, 1929 in Greeneville, TN, formerly of Wears Valley. She was a member of Alder Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Maynardville, and took advantage during her illness to share her faith with all who visited with her.
She was employed throughout the years by the Standard Knitting Mills, C&C and Commercial Banks, and Union Finance. She was a 50-year member of Corryton Eastern Star (Chapter 337).
She never met a stranger and made many lifelong friendships she held dear. Her family was her pride and joy. When asked about her great-grandchildren she always laughingly said, “I always knew I would live to be something great”. Her seven great-grandchildren were adored by her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” and Leona Irene Greer Fancher; husband of 59 years, Swan H. Kitts; sisters, Mae Fancher Crisp Grayson and Ellen Fancher Clabo; and brother, William “Billy” Franklin Fancher.
She is survived by her loving family: daughters, Janice K. Bowman and Vivian Jean Kitts (special friend L.C. “Clay” Allen); granddaughter and husband, Paula and Jason Booker; grandson and wife, Travis and Tiffany Bowman; seven great-grandchildren, Madison Mae, Aubrey Elizabeth, Jeanne Nicole, and Lauren Renee Booker, Evan Samual and Kya Marie Matthews and Ava Grace Bowman, all residing in Maynardville.
She is also survived by brother, James “Bobby” Fancher of Valpariso, IN; sister Edith Gladden of Chesterton, IN; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol Ann and Earl Swink of Prospect, VA, Sandra Lynn and Clyde Shumate of Ridgeway, VA, special friend Helen Kiser and many other friends and relatives.
Special thanks to Dr. Andrew Adams and staff, along with Fort Sanders ICU Drs., David E. Wood and Ernest A. Waller, for their loving care.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2015 in the Trinity Funeral Home Chapel with funeral services to follow at 8:00 p.m. with Rev. Jimmy Davidson and Rev. Steve Ailor officiating. Family and friends will meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Trinity Funeral Home to proceed to Monroe Cemetery for an 11:00 a.m. graveside service. Pallbearers: grandson, Travis Bowman, grandson-in-law Jason Booker, Adam Bowman, Paul Bowman, Ronnie Boatman, and Wayne Cole.
Honorary pallbearers: The Deacons of Alder Springs Missionary Baptist Church.
The family is gathering at the home of Jason and Paula Booker, 825 Fox Hunter Road, Maynardville, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alder Springs Missionary Baptist Church, 555 Hickory Star Road, Maynardville, TN 37807. Arrangements by Trinity Funeral Home, LLC, Maynardville. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net