Gerry Young

Gerry Brown Young, age 73, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully with family at home on February 9, 2014. She leaves behind husband of 49 years, Bruce Young, of Chattanooga; sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and John Buttram; son and daughter-in-law Chris and Jennifer Young; daughter Sheri Young; five adored and cherished grandchildren: Grace, Alston and Mary Hardin Hamilton, and Christopher and Baker Young; two nieces and two nephews; and beloved caregiver Patti Murphy, of Bryant, Alabama.

Gerry was born on November 8, 1940, in Decatur, Alabama. She was known as an excellent student, and graduated with honors from Roane County High School in Kingston, TN at age sixteen. She attended University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she met husband Bruce. Graduating with a B.S. in Secretarial Science in 1961, she went on to work for Oak Ridge National Laboratories, TVA, and later became Secretary to Vice-President of Kayo Oil Co., in Chattanooga. Gerry's true passion was teaching. She taught English, typing and short-hand at Hardy Junior High. She also taught many of Chattanooga's illiterate youth and adults to read and write. After having children, she served as a legal secretary for various attorneys. Gerry was a member of First-Centenary United Methodist Church, and was active for many years in church and community organizations. Gerry was an avid tennis player and pianist. She was well-loved and admired by everyone who knew her, for her generosity and kindness to others, her beautiful smile, and her courageous outlook, given her prolonged health problems.

The funeral service will be held Friday, February 14, at 1:00 pm, at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37402, with family receiving friends beginning at 12:00 noon. The family will also receive friends Thursday, February 13, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, The National Parkinson's Foundation, or to First-Centenary United Methodist Church in Chattanooga, TN.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com