Morenita Bella Bautista

She was born in Imus Cavite, Philippines on May 15, 1939 to the late Francisco and Aurelia Bella. Morie graduated from Del Pilar Academy in Imus Cavite. She has been a resident of Chattanooga for over 50 years. She was proud of being an American citizen after immigrating in 1967 with her former husband, Dr. Juancho C. Bautista and her four children.

Morie was an avid golfer, tennis player and bowler. She enjoyed bringing her friends and family together over a home-cooked meal and was blessed with a passion and gift for sewing and creating as a seamstress. She was employed by Pickett’s of Chattanooga and Lillie Rubin for a number of years. She will be missed by her many friends, her fellow church members and her bowling league. She was a member of Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) in Madison, Alabama. She loved and enjoyed her Lord with dedication and commitment.

She was most proud of her beautiful children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Morie was a devoted, fun-loving and active mother.

She is survived by her four children Joel Bautista (Cheryl) Chattanooga , Emelyn “Amy” Bautista-Dunavin, Signal Mtn. , Manny Bautista (Helen), Sandy Springs, GA and Tee Bautista (Melanie) Signal Mtn. ; 13 grandchildren, Cailyn Bautista Memphis, TN, Bailey, Anne Marie and Cruz Bautista, Chattanooga, Lauren Dunavin Callins (Jamison) Memphis,TN, Augusta Dunavin Weaver (Nick) Oxford, MS. , Sydney Dunavin, Arlington, VA, Keely and Emma Dunavin, Chattanooga and their father David Dunavin of Lake Junaluska, NC, Noah and Isabella Bautista, Sandy Springs, GA, Olivia and Orie Bautista Signal Mtn ; 5 great grandchildren Magnolia, Tallulah and Jamison Callins Memphis,TN, Ezra and Bessie Pearl Weaver Oxford, MS.

“ Mom, you have given so much and asked for so little in return. Thank you for always being there for us, listening to us, forgiving us, and always , always

supporting us. We will all work hard to reach the standards you set. Farewell our sweet Mom. You were simply magnificent! “

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, October 21, 2017 in the funeral home chapel with Father Mike Nolan officiating. Interment will follow in Lakewood Memory Gardens East. Family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church in Madison, Alabama.

Please share your memories of Morie with the family at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd., East Ridge, Tennessee 37412.