Mary "Ann" Schmittou

Ann was born in Knoxville, TN on June 22, 1937, to the late Homer and Marianna Ray Nations, and was next to the youngest of five children.

She is survived by her three children, Terri DeLeon of Pigeon Forge, TN; Eric (Jaime) Schmittou of Louisville, TN, Kurt von Schmittou (Zach) of Kissimmee, FL; her brother, Jim Nations of Knoxville, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Billy "Bill" T. Schmittou; and her brothers; Ray Nations, Bobby Nations, and David Nations.

Ann grew up in the Vestal Community of South Knoxville and graduated from Young High School. She married Bill Schmittou in 1955 and was happily married for 64 years, until his passing in March 2020.

Ann and Bill moved to Dickson, TN shortly after their wedding, where she spent many years raising their three children. She was very active in church and helped plant a mission church of First Baptist Church of Dickson in the Pomona Community of Dickson County, where she played piano and her husband Bill was minister of music.

After the children reached a responsible age, Ann began working outside of the home at the local Shopper’s Guide advertising publication in Dickson, and then later in Waverly, TN. After her children had all left home, she bought and managed a women’s clothing store in New Johnsonville, TN, called Parker’s Fashions.

Ann and Bill moved back to Knoxville after retirement and settled in the Seymour area. They were longtime members of Sevier Heights Baptist Church, where both were active on the WOW (Word of Welcome) Team.

Ann loved to garden, cook, play piano, and was an avid walker.

We three children have wonderful memories of growing up under our mother’s loving care. She was the best mother any child could ever ask for and had a heart of gold. One of our fondest memories during our formative years was how she made sure the family was gathered around the table every night for a home cooked supper.

She gave us love, guidance, correction, and compassion throughout our lives. She was a devoted and loving wife to our father, and together, they made sure we were all in church regularly. She was a Christian woman with a strong faith, and she loved the Lord with all her heart.

She had a servant’s heart and demonstrated it throughout her life by serving in church as pianist, volunteering for church and community events, and being a Christian friend to everyone she met. She saw everyone as a child of God, made in His image, and she treated them that way. We found one of her old worn Bibles that our dad had given her for their 25th wedding anniversary in 1980. In it were several handwritten notes and bible references, and in the inside cover she had written these words: “Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true, with thanksgiving I’ll be a living sanctuary for you.”

We believe this prayer was accomplished in her during her life, and we ask that everyone rejoice with us that she is now reunited with her family and husband and is in the presence of her loving Savior Jesus Christ.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10th 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Chapel at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN followed by a memorial service at 4:00pm with the Rev. Charlie McNutt officiating.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the staff of The Lantern at Morning Pointe on Westland Drive in Knoxville, and to Patrick at UT Hospice, Knoxville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. at 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.