Mrs. Minnie B. Fugate

FUGATE, MINNIE – age 94, of Tazewell, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2013 surrounded by family. In the morning of May 27, 1940 Minnie received a B. S. in music from Milligan College, and that afternoon she married the love of her life, John N. Fugate. They lived on the family farm in Tazewell for the 72 years of their married life, and became leaders in their church, their community, and in agriculture. Minnie, a full time homemaker, devoted her life to the nurture and care of her family. Her passions in life were her family and her church, Little Mulberry Baptist Church, where she was widely known for her 72 years of service as an adult Sunday School teacher and church pianist. She also provided leadership in starting the Vacation Bible School, Training Union, and the WMU. She was active in the Cumberland Gap Baptist Association WMU, Farm Bureau women, and Cooperative Extension programs. Minnie taught piano lessons for several years to help fill the need for pianists in small rural churches. One of the greatest gifts she gave her children was how to face adversity with laughter and counting your blessings. Her influence, counseling and teaching affected many lives. She was preceded in death by her husband and by son-in-law, Bob Campbell. Survivors: Jane Campbell of Knoxville, John N. Fugate, Jr (Sandra) of Knoxville, Nancy Large (Hollis), of Clinton, David Fugate (Jane) of Tazewell, Judith Fielden (Terry) of Lexington, Margaret Anderson (Frank) of Johnson City. Grandchildren: Robert and Paula Campbell, Carolyn Karnes, John III and Chris Fugate, Rachael Mills, Nathan Large and Laura Ims, John David, Paul, and Mark Fugate, Charles Fielden, Alex, Lucas, and Sean Anderson. There are 23 great grandchildren. Special caregivers: Catina Rogers, Pauline Pendleton, and Phylicia Greer. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the John and Minnie Fugate Scholarship Fund, Milligan College, P.O. Box 750, Milligan College, TN 37682, or to Little Mulberry Baptist Church, 5402 Little Sycamore Rd., Tazewell, TN 37879. The family of Mrs. Minnie Fugate will be at Little Mulberry Baptist Church Saturday October 26, 2013 to greet the community from 5:30 until 8:00 P.M. Interment service will be Sunday October 27, 2013 at 11:30 A.M. in the Fairview Cemetery for family and friends with a reception and receiving of friends from 12:30 to 3:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church of New Tazewell with celebration of Life Service to follow. Coffey Funeral Home in charge.