Nancy Wagner

Nancy Mitchem Wagner passed away Monday, August 3, 2015 at the age of 102. Nancy was born June 12, 1913, in Kelsa, VA to the late James Harvey and Dora Mitchem. She was preceded in death by seven siblings; husband, Grover G. Wagner; and daughters-in-law, Carolyn Wagner and Lucille Wagner. She moved to North Carolina in 1922, receiving her education there. She moved to Kingsport and entered nursing school in 1937, later deciding to become a Medical Technologist. She was employed at Holston Defense during WWII, working in the hospital. In 1946, she was employed at Holston Valley Hospital, working in the laboratory; later working altogether in Hematology as Junior Supervisor, where she remained for 28 years. She retired early to care for an ill sister whom she cared for, for 11 years. She was married to the late Grover G. Wagner in 1981, becoming the stepmother to four wonderful sons and daughters-in-law: James and wife Diana of Maryville, William and wife Faye of Kingsport, John C. and wife Ursula of Kingsport, and Jess and late wife Lucille of Bristol. Nancy had an outgoing personality, greeting everyone with a smile. She kept a prayer journal for many years, praying daily for those far and near. Known by her friends as the prayer warrior, she said, “she was never worthy of the name.” She also enjoyed writing poetry. Nancy and her late husband established a scholarship fund at Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, KY, to enable worthy students to receive an education so they could reach the world for Jesus Christ. While living in Kingsport, Nancy was an active member of West Colonial Hills Baptist Church, willing to serve wherever she could. In years past she taught Sunday school for over 60 years. Since moving to Maryville in 2005, she was an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in South Knoxville until the age of 100, especially enjoying her Sunday school class. She was the oldest member of the church. Nancy leaves behind her sons, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and a host of friends. Receiving of friends will be from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Thursday, August 6, 2015 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in South Knoxville, with a Celebration of Life service to follow. Pastor Carroll Golden will officiate. The eulogy will be delivered by Earleen Helton. Family and friends will meet at 11:00am Friday, August 7, at East Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Kingsport, TN for an interment service. Pallbearers will be Nancy’s grandsons and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Nancy & Grover Wagner Scholarship Fund, Asbury Seminary, Attn: Tammy Hogan, 204 N. Lexington Ave., Wilmore, KY 40390, or the Missions Fund at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.