Catherin Baxley

Catherin “Kathryn” (Harville) Baxley, age 91, Born July 4, 1926 in Morristown, TN, and died on November 19, 2017 in her home in her beloved Leadvale community of Jefferson County, TN. Neither the birth nor death of this precious lady is nearly as relevant as the days she lived on this earth sharing her love and compassion for others. She married the late Robert E. Baxley, Jr, on August 9th, 1946, after his return from WWII. Together they had two sons, Steve (Melanie) Baxley and Randy (Devera) Baxley, and one daughter, Dawn Baxley, all of White Pine. She was blessed with five granddaughters, Melia Baxley, Lydia Baxley, both of White Pine, JeanAnn (Wylie) Smith of Knoxville, TN, Mindy (Brian) Osborne, Larissa (Cory) Harkleroad, all of White Pine, and one grandson Landon Baxley of White Pine. Her life was further filled with the love for 12 great-grandchildren: Spencer (Melia); Adasia, Kaleah, Eli & Macy (Lydia); Madilyn (JeanAnn); Madyson, Bryson & Jackson (Mindy); Dylan, Cally & Sonner (Larissa). All of these survivors will carry a piece of her in their heart with them always. She was the daughter of the late Clinton and Myrtle (Shockley) Harville of Morristown. She was also predeceased by her sisters Eva Moore and Mayme Bradley, and her brothers, Homer Harville and Floyd Harville, all of Morristown, TN. She is survived by her brothers, Herbert (Bobbie) Harville, of Morristown, TN and R L Harville, of Talbott, TN and her sister Edith Gilbert, of Lowland, TN. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, as well as a few special friendships with Mary Strange, Creta Harkleroad, Sandy Haliford and the late Kay Wice, all of White Pine. Her unconditional love has endeared her to many who were fortunate to know her. She graduated from Morristown East High School in 1945. When shortly after graduation, she began what would be a 33-year employment with Bell South (AT&T), where she started as a telephone operator then as secretary and ending with indoor frame work. During her telephone company tenure, she was active in the Telephone Pioneers of America, where she served as President for many years. She received the Pioneer of the Year award numerous times. After retirement, she remained actively involved as a Life Member. Her compassionate service included supporting Special Olympics and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a clown, spreading smiles and love to many children. She spent countless hours at Camp Bluebird, which is a camp dedicated to children with cancer. Some of her compassionate works included, Douglas Cherokee Head Start, Jefferson and Hamblen county school systems, local police, local nursing homes and so many other community agencies. She was a woman of strong faith and was a life long member of Leadvale Baptist Church. She was an active church member who organized and implemented a Clown Corp, comprised of numerous youth and young adults, allowing her to share her faith with others. During these last several years she served on the church Benevolent Committee, which again allowed her to help individuals or families in need. She enjoyed serving the church as the Seniors Activities coordinator, planning and organizing outings and celebrations for her fellow seniors. The family would like to thank Smoky Mountain Home Health/Hospice, Morristown office, for all the wonderful care each person provided to us during this time. The peace and comfort that came from their devoted care wrapped her like royal robes. The family will receive friends at Leadvale Baptist Church, on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 from 5:00 p.m.— 7:00 p.m. Her Celebration of Life service will follow the receiving of friends with Rev. Charlie Harkleroad and Rev. Brian Osborne presiding. Her body will be laid to rest in White Pine Cemetery with graveside services at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2017. The family expresses their wish to continue her loving acts of kindness, in lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice. She firmly believed that it did not matter to whom you helped, it was just important that help is given to those in need. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in White Pine, TN (865) 674-2441 www.farrarfuneralhome.com