Anne T. Changas

Anne T. Changas, age 100, of Knoxville, passed away on August 18, 2025. She was the oldest child of Greek immigrants and was both proud of her heritage and of being a first-generation American. She was active in government service during World War II. At the end of the war, she met her future husband, Anthony Changas, who was stationed in her native New York. She moved to her husband’s native state, Tennessee, where she served for many years as an accomplished legal secretary, and raised her two sons, whom she bragged about frequently. She was a devoted member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church and active Philoptochos member. She also loved to travel the world, having visited over 20 countries with her husband, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 42 years, her daughter-in-law, Diane Changas, parents Paul and Helen Tangalos, father- and mother-in-law George and Gianula Changas, brother Peter Tangalos, and sister Edna Alexander. She is survived by sons, George A. Changas of Knoxville, and Paul (Kathy) Changas of Nashville. She was the proud grandmother of four grandchildren, Stacy (Chris) Takonis, David (Christina) Changas, Erica Collins (Philip) and Angela (Tim) Nelms. She was especially proud of her 12 great grandchildren: Molly, Emily and Frankie Takonis; Kate, Luke and Nicholas Changas; Michael, Georgea and Zoe Collins; and Claire, Max and Anna Nelms. Her family will miss the fascinating stories she told in her never-wavering Brooklyn accent, her endearing and enthusiastic off-key singing during church services and classic movies, and her unrivaled Greek pastry skills.

The family will receive friends at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 22, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Knoxville. The funeral service will follow at noon. There will be a luncheon in her honor at 1:00 p.m. The clergy officiating are Father Anthony Stratis and Deacon Mark Smith. The interment to take place at Berry Highland Memorial at 3:00 p.m.

Special thanks to all at Windsor Ridge Assisted Living for their excellent care these past eight-plus years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church Memorial Fund.