Joan Ottinger Birdwell

Mrs. Birdwell was born on October 17, 1929 at home in the Salem community in Parrottsville, Cocke County, Tennessee and was the daughter of the late Charles Hubert and Susan Bessie Bowers Ottinger.

She was a graduate of Parrottsville High School and received her teaching certificate from East Tennessee State College (now ETSU). She was a teacher, homemaker, dental technician and farmer. She was a member of Meadow Creek Presbyterian Church in Greeneville.

She is survived by two sons and their wives: Gary Birdwell (Kathy) and Charlie Birdwell (Kelly); four grandchildren: Craig Birdwell, Jeffery Birdwell, Jonathan Birdwell and Molly Prior; great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends; and one brother: Trent Ottinger.

She is preceded in death by her husband: Charles V. Birdwell; three sisters and their spouses: Luster LaFollette (Kermit), Blanche Ottinger (Aldo), Charlsie Hawk (Gregg); three brothers and their spouses: Glenn Ottinger (Mary), John B. Ottinger (Dorothy), Willis Ottinger (Mary Dee); and a sister-in-law: Mary McMahan Ottinger.

The family would like to acknowledge all the special nurses and staff at Brookdale, Johnson City and Amedysis Hospice. Their devotion and caregiving to her went way beyond anything we could imagine, we were truly blessed. We would also like to acknowledge her many doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses over the years especially Dr. James Dykes and Dr. Carlos Floresquerra.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5 – 7 pm at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

The funeral service will follow at 7 pm in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Steven Spell officiating.

Interment will be Thursday at 10 am in Meadow Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery at 9:45 am for the service.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of Meadow Creek Presbyterian Church, the staff of Brookdale Johnson City, and the staff of Amedysis Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meadow Creek Presbyterian Church, 850 W. Allens Bridge Road, Greeneville, TN 37743.