Eva Nell Buckner

Born on June 25, 1943, in Sevierville, Tennessee, Eva was the thirteenth child of Jesse and Hettie Douglas. Eva lived a life that was anything but ordinary. She was a beloved daughter, mother, spouse, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, businesswoman, and woman of deep and unwavering faith. Her presence was larger than life, and the impact she made on the people around her will not soon be forgotten. Anyone fortunate enough to know Eva knew that she was truly one of a kind.

Above all else, Eva was dedicated to the Lord. Her Christian faith was at the center of her life, and she never hesitated to share the Gospel with anyone she met. Her faith was not simply something she believed-it was something she lived. Eva was instrumental in starting multiple churches throughout her life and dedicated herself to serving God and others. She believed in loving people where they were and helping whenever she could.

Eva had a heart for giving and would do anything for someone she loved. She was generous with her time, her resources, her encouragement, and her love. Her family meant everything to her, and she treasured every moment spent with those she loved. She was the kind of person who made an unforgettable impression, and her stories, laughter, faith, and enormous personality will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Eva was also a passionate and accomplished businesswoman. Throughout her life, she owned and operated several businesses, including Best Landscaping, Best Plumbing, Beyond Beautiful Salon, and El Matador Restaurant. Her entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and willingness to work hard were defining qualities throughout her life.

She had a natural eye for beauty and loved decorating, landscaping, flowers, and creating beautiful spaces. Music was another great love of hers, particularly gospel and country music. Whether singing a beloved gospel song or simply enjoying time surrounded by family, Eva had a way of bringing her whole heart into everything she did.

Eva is survived by her beloved daughter, Sherrie Mann; her spouse, Roberto Salazar; her grandchildren, Jill Costello and her husband, Kyle Costello; Tony McNish; and Sherra Moffitt and her husband, Bradford Moffitt; and her great-grandchildren, Presley Costello, Aubrey McNish, Jordan McNish, and Kane Moffitt.

She was preceded in death by her first spouse, Jack Buckner; her father, Jesse Douglas; and her mother, Hettie Douglas.

Eva leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the businesses she built or the churches she helped establish, but by the lives she touched, the people she loved, the faith she shared, and the generations that will carry her memory forward.

She lived her life to the fullest. She loved deeply, gave generously, worked tirelessly, worshiped faithfully, and would do anything for the people she loved. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, family, generosity, and an unshakable love for the Lord.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." -2 Timothy 4:7

The Receiving of Friends and Family will be held at Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37932, on October 10, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 pm, with the Entombment to follow in the Mausoleum at Berry Highland West.

In lieu of flowers, the family may request that memorial contributions be made to Daystar in honor of Eva's lifelong dedication to the Lord and her commitment to sharing her faith and helping others.

She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and loved beyond words.