Marie Johnson Hathaway

Laura “Marie” Johnson Hathaway of Knoxville, TN, died at the age of 92 on November 1, 2021, at South High Senior Living, where she had been a resident for 15 months. Marie was born in Crossnore, NC, on August 29, 1929, the 11th of 13 children. At age 16, she married Charlie Hathaway; they shared 73 years of marriage before his death in 2019. Marie is survived by three daughters: Carole Bolling (Bill) of Knoxville; Sharon Ford of Terre Haute, IN; and Deborah Smith (Tommy) of Knoxville. She was Granny to 8 grandchildren: Dawn (Shaker Naser) Bolling, Knoxville, TN; Aaron (Melissa) Ford, Lafayette, GA; Adam (Samara) Bolling, Johnson City, TN; Caleb (Laura) Ford, Panama City Beach, FL; Isaac (Erin) Ford, Terre Haute, IN; Jacob (Taylor) Smith, Knoxville; Joshua (Jennifer) Smith, Knoxville; and Joe Micah (Talisha) Ford, Terre Haute, IN; 18 great grandchildren; and 1 great-great grandchild.

Marie was primarily a homemaker all her life but enjoyed working at Profitts in West Town Mall for several years. After Charlie’s retirement, they served at Johnson University where she was the Women’s Resident Director for 8 years. Wherever Marie lived or worked, she loved mentoring and served as surrogate mother/grandmother to numerous young women (and men) over the years, even while she was in assisted living.

Marie was well-known for her sense of humor, style, feistiness, energy, down-home wisdom, colloquial expressions, gift-giving, and outspoken nature. Hospitality, cooking, visiting shut-ins, singing, sewing, traveling, and shopping were some of her favorite pastimes. Marie was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, prayer warrior, friend, and confidante. She spiced up life wherever she went and always had a song in her heart. Deeply devoted to God and her faith, she was an integral part of Woodlawn Christian Church for the past 56 years.

The family extends special thanks to: all the friends who supported her; the staff and residents of South High Senior Living who loved Marie and considered her an “incredibly important” part of their community; Caris Hospice; Berry Funeral Home; and her special buddy at South High, Jon Timmerman.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to two of Marie’s favorite ministries: Woodlawn Christian Church, 4339 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 and Johnson University, 7900 Johnson Drive, Knoxville, TN 37998.

Family will receive friends from 2-4 PM Saturday, November 6, 2021, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 4 PM at Woodlawn Christian Church. Officiants are son-in-law, Dr. Tommy Smith, and long-time friend, Dean Davis.

Family and friends will meet at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier Highway, on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at 2 PM for interment services with Dr. David Eubanks officiating.

Arrangements by Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN