Pauline Clemmer Prosser

Pauline graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a B.S. in Communications and a M.S. in Education, with certifications to teach in a wide range of subjects in elementary and secondary education. Pauline began her career in 1976 as a reporter for the Daily Herald newspaper in Columbia, TN, where she met her husband, Glen, who worked as a radio news director. The couple covered many of the same stories, including trials, government proceedings, politics and civic affairs. She later held positions at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development in Nashville, the East Tennessee Development District in Knoxville, the Convention and Visitors Center in Oak Ridge, where she served as Director, and the University of Tennessee, where she taught tourism as an adjunct professor. At the time of her death, Pauline was a teacher of English as a Learning Language at Dayton City Schools, where she guided young immigrant students in transitioning from their native languages to English. At a very young age, her students immigrated with their families to Dayton from China, India, Mexico, Guatemala and other countries. Pauline instilled in her students the language, civic and socialization skills needed to successfully adjust to their new environment and to become good citizens. She was active in multiple educational and cultural organizations, serving in various capacities and traveling extensively in the U.S. and abroad. As a descendant of early Tennessee settlers who played prominent roles in the state's founding, Pauline was an active member of the East Tennessee Historical Society in Knoxville, teaching classes and providing input into the content and design of historical exhibits. At a very early age, she became a voracious reader, a habit she maintained throughout a life devoted to learning and professional development.

Pauline had a warm, compassionate demeanor, a shining smile, and an infectious laugh which endeared her to everyone she came to know.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her aunts and uncles and her beloved cousin Martha Bachman of Greeneville, TN, who shared a close relationship with her throughout their lives. Survivors include her devoted husband, Glen, to whom she was married for 45 years; her sisters Wilhelmina Williams of Greeneville, Lenore Bradford of Chattanooga and Virginia Lee Adams of San Angelo, TX; her brother Uriah Matthews Clemmer III of Signal Mountain; and her ten nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held April 18 at 2:00 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 800 S. Northshore Dr., Knoxville, with Fr. Billy Daniel presiding. Memorial contributions may be made to the East Tennessee Historical Society, Pauline Prosser Memorial, P.O. Box 1629, Knoxville, TN 37901. Online memorials may be submitted to: https://www.easttnhistory.org/