Nan MacLean Brakebill

Nan Brakebill was born in Inverness-shire, Scotland on June 10, 1920. She passed away on July 16, 2016, her 63rd wedding anniversary, at the age of 96, after a brief illness. She graduated from Aberdeen University and became a schoolteacher, riding her bicycle to remote schoolhouses in the Scottish highlands. In 1952 she came to Knoxville on a teacher exchange program and taught at Tyson Junior High School. Early in her stay in Knoxville, she was a guest at a local civic club meeting, where she met her husband-to-be Gene Brakebill. When she expressed a desire to see the local countryside, Gene began to drive her around the area. They became good friends, then more, and were married on July 16, 1953. She raised two daughters, Anne Tiura of Seattle, Washington, and Susan Thompson of Corryton, Tennessee, and taught Latin and English at Farragut High School for several years in the 1970’s. Nan was beloved by all who knew here for her warm smile, generous heart, charming Scottish brogue, and positive attitude. In addition to Gene, Anne and Susan, she is also survived by her son-in-law James Thompson of Corryton, her grandson Joel MacLean Tiura of Seattle, her brother James MacLean of Crawley, England and a host of nieces and nephews in Scotland and England. She will be buried at Berry Highland West Cemetery, 9913 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37932. A memorial service will be held at Concord Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, July 20th at 1 p.m., where she was a long-time active member. Any memorial donations should be made to that church. Friends may leave their condolences at www.berryhighlandwest.com