Nina Blanche Loveday

Nina was born August 9, 1940 in Grainger County to Clayton and Nellie Bowles. Being the youngest of nine children in a poor, farming family, she was constantly fighting to be seen. This

is probably why she became a force to be reckoned with at a young age. Although she had many jobs throughout her life, Nina will always be remembered as an incredibly gifted seamstress. She spent much of her working life running her own business in

alterations and making custom clothing. She could make anything, even without a pattern. From custom drapes to beading intricate wedding gowns to Easter dresses, she was a consummate perfectionist. Nina never met a stranger. Her personality was larger than life and she was entertaining wherever she went. Whether it was her customers, strangers in public places, or even the

sweet people who cared for her at the end of her life, we were constantly being told how much everyone loved her and what a hoot she was! She loved Sunday drives, tomatoes, photographs, flowers, anything that sparkled, strawberries, fashion, country music, practical jokes, fried potatoes, creating, and talking on

the phone. She was a wonderful cook and her fried chicken was legendary. Her favorite thing to be called was Mimi, which was her chosen name as Grandmother to three and Great Grandmother to four. It suited her to a tee.

Nina is preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Nellie Bowles; her husband, J.W. Loveday; siblings, Carldon Bowles, Juanita Moore, C.L. Bowles, Opal Sparks, J.W. Bowles, Berniece Lawson, and Gene Bowles; and son-in-law, Gary P’Simer.

She is survived by her sister, Ersie Vasseur; children, Rick (Barbara) Burnette, Karla P’Simer, and April Love; grandchildren, Adam (Vivian) Burnette, Ashley (Jamie) Roach, and Sam (Rebecca) P’Simer; great grandchildren, Sophie Burnette, Analeigh Roach, Liam P’Simer, and Lucy P’Simer; and many dear nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 12:00 PM until 1:30 PM with service to follow, officiated by Pastor Bill Lyle, in the chapel of McCarty Evergreen Funeral Home, 7426 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37924. Family and friends will meet Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Greenwood Cemetery, 3500 Tazewell Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918 for a 3:00 PM Interment Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Ground Hospice House in Nina’s name, 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Loveday family at www.mccartyevergreen.com