Willa "Kese" Dohoney

On October 7, beloved Willa "Kese" Dohoney, age 93, stepped into eternity to join her family and friends in Heaven. Hers was a long life that was extraordinarily well-lived. Kese was born on August 6, 1928 in Russell County, KY to Desoto and Olga Popplewell. As the third child and oldest daughter of 10 children, Kese served as a big sister/surrogate mother to her younger siblings while both of her parents worked. She graduated from Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, KY becoming a teacher. On December 26, 1949, she married David Allen Dohoney. The two were married 52 years until his death in 2002. After marrying, they lived 16 years in Richland, Washington. Kese had her first three children in Richland and was very active in her community, particularly the Richland Homemakers' Society, being honored as Homemaker of the Year. The Dohoney family then relocated to Knoxville, TN in the Karns Community. Kese had her fourth child and became very active in various community activities and worked for 13 years at Karns High School. She was a spirited member of Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church and a proud member of the church's Sarah Circle where she served as the Bereavement Chair for many years. Kese could always be counted on for her delicious chocolate and butterscotch pies whenever there was a need of any kind in the community. Kese was preceded in death by her husband, David and son, Michael. She is survived by her sisters: Leda (Carlie) Bowmer, LaDonna (Dale) Thomas, and Jerrie (Frank) Gladwell; her children: son, Bob Dohoney, daughters Paula Dohoney and Kathy (Ted) Kuerschen; her grandchildren: Paige (Stephen) Brewster, Cameron, Chase, Conner, and Cassie Kuerschen; and her great-grandchildren: Watts, Lucy and Jake Brewster. She leaves behind many special nieces and nephews as well. Kese loved and cared for her family and was much loved by all who knew her entertaining and joyful personality. Many lives were richly blessed by the joy, laughter, and love that she shared with all who knew her. Receiving of friends will be held at Weaver Funeral Home on Sunday, October 10 from 4-6 PM with services immediately to follow. Interment will be held at Union Cemetery 174 Milltown Church Road, Columbia, KY on Monday, October 11 at 1:00 EST. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church or Alzheimer's of East Tennessee. Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com.

My mom was many things to many people. She was a devoted wife of 52 years. She was a mother of four very strong-willed and independent children. She was a loving and fun-filled grandmother to five amazing grandkids that she adored with her entire heart. She was a feisty great-grandmother to three precious babies. She was an immediate friend to almost everyone that met her – she indeed never met many strangers in this world!! She was a very good friend to many of us here today- one that was always there when you needed her, whether it was for a good laugh, a needed cry, a heartfelt hug, or a good meal! She was big sister to nine siblings. She was a good neighbor to the wonderful friends in Imperial Estates subdivision. For over 40 years, they organized picnics and yard sales, neighborhood get togethers, New Year’s Eve parties, baby showers, wedding showers, and just plain lunch together. Some of mom’s best memories were surrounded by these people. They loved on her as she aged, kept her safe when she became unsafe caring for herself. They came to see her when she had to leave her home, sent cards, letters and love to her often. She was a devoted member of Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church. Our childhood memories revolved around the church activities: potluck dinners, youth group and ice cream socials. And Mom was always at the center of it all, leading the way to the next activity, baptism, soul saved. Again, the love of her church friends was evident in the way they treated her – not only when she was the life of the party, which she was for 50 years – but as she aged and needed understanding, patience, acceptance, and an occasional ride to church. They were always there for her. Mom shared the love of Christ in her words, actions, and deeds until the day she died. She was always the first one to greet a new church member or neighbor. Even in the last 5 years, She was often asked to help the new residents at her extended care facility feel welcome and get acclimated to their new surroundings. She was a friend to her children’s friends. When we were younger, everyone wanted to hang out at Mrs. Dohoney’s house. She was a wonderful cook that provided countless chocolate and butterscotch cream pies throughout the community. Whether it was a friend’s birthday, the passing of a friend’s family member, or the church bake sale- Kese was always there with multiple cream pies for which she was famous.