Gearlene Douthat Horner

Gearlene Douthat Horner, 88, passed away peacefully Monday, February 19, 2024.  She was admired by those who knew her for her witty and wise personality. When you were in a relationship with her, you were listened to, known, and loved sacrificially. She had a gift for knowing and loving those around her for their unique and individual traits.    Being well read, with a love for books, she often quoted children’s literature at just the right moment to entertain and advise. Her wise counsel was rooted in her deep faith in Jesus Christ, which manifested itself in common sense, creative hospitality, and delightful conversation. Her home was made beautiful and inviting with a never ending supply of delicious food and welcoming arms. 

One of her best examples to her children was her selfless and excellent partnership with her husband.  Her ability to continually embrace a new venture and make any house an artfully decorated home was admirable and inspiring. 

Gearlene graduated from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor’s in Education and later received her master’s degree in Library Sciences from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  During her early career, she was a teacher at Russellville Elementary and Manley Elementary. She went on to be a long time librarian at Hillcrest Elementary and Whitesburg Elementary.  Students remember her ability to read aloud with a dramatic and lively flair!  

Gearlene is preceded in death by husband, Keith Horner, parents, Oscar Carl Douthat and Zeffie Campbell Douthat, siblings, Ruby Nell Gregg, George Douthat, Ralph Douthat, Dorothy Jeffers, Ethel Davis, Thomas Douthat, J.W. Douthat, and her twin brother, Gearl Douthat.  She is survived by daughters Beth (Craig) Smith, Charlene (Robert) Wolfe, Patty Wells, and  her close sister in law, Mitzi Edmonds. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren:  Amber (Jake) McAnally, David (Cassidy) Wolfe, Amy (Zak) Clift, Sam (Allison) Wolfe, Clint (Emily) Sawyer, Faith (George) Isaacs, Rob (Clara) Wolfe, Sarah Beth (Jacob) Matthews, Jake (Lara) Sawyer, and Wesley Wells, along with 14 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

Her family is thankful for friendship, love, and joyful care given by Jimmie Harbin. Gearlene leaves behind many wonderful friends and staff at Signature Assisted Living in Jefferson City and Life Care of Morristown who made her final years full of joy and precious memories.

Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024 at Farrar Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Bob Wolfe officiating. Family and friends will gather at 10:45 a.m. Saturday morning at Hamblen Memory Gardens for an 11:00 a.m. graveside service.  

For anyone desiring to make a memorial donation,the family asks for donations to be made to  Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Home - Donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library or to your local church as she had a deep love for both literature and the ministry of local church!