Estle K. Johnson

Johnson, Estle Lena Kerley - age 93 of Knoxville. A wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother peacefully went to be with her Maker and Savior on January 5, 2008. She will always be remembered for her dedication to her family, her church and her chosen career of education. She was born in the Sevier County community of Waldens Creek on May 10, 1914, the fifth of twelve children born to George and Jesse Dunn Kerley. She was a graduate of Harrison Chillhowie Academy and Maryville College, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1939. The next year, she began her teaching career as one of two live-in teachers at the Sunset Gap Mission School. In 1940, Estle married the love of her life, Edwin H. Johnson Jr., and they resided in Holden, MA where they begin their family. She and her family returned to Knoxville in 1950 where she resumed her teaching career as the third grade teacher at Vestal Elementary School, a position she held for over twenty five years. Estle was one of the founders of Lake Hills Presbyterian Church where she had been an active member for over fifty years. She was an avid gardener and member of Lake Hills Garden Club. She enjoyed both gardening and flower arranging throughout her life. As a member of the Mary Blount Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she enjoyed studying genealogy and the history of East Tennessee. She was the gracious matriarch of her family whose wonderful cooking, tender touch and loving smile will be sadly missed. Preceding her in death were: her parents; her husband, Edwin; her brothers, Perryman Kerley, Glen Kerley and Seldon Kerley; her sisters Alma Cardwell, Grace Johnson, Lillian Connor and Nancy Caton. She is survived by: brothers, Harrison Kerley of Alabama, William Kerley of Sevierville, and her sister Julia Caton of Maryville; daughters and sons-in-law Mary Ann and Dr. Joseph Broady and Judith and Benjamin Bryan; son and daughter-in-law Harold and Donna Johnson. Estle was blessed with six grandchildren: Rebecca Treadway of Maryville; Dr. Roy Broady and wife Amy of Knoxville; Ellen Mathias and husband John of New York, NY; Matthew Johnson of San Francisco, CA; Leslie Bhoopathy and husband Adi of Atlanta, GA and Bronwen Kelly Bryan of Knoxville. Her great grandchildren are Caroline and Joseph Broady and William Treadway. Other special relatives who were an important part of her life are Lincoln Johnson and Yvonne Kerley of Maryville , Lillian Erickson, Mae Burgoyne, Andrew and Ruth Johnson, Elden and Pearle Johnson, Robert and Jean Johnson, Nancy and Bill O'Connor, Janice and Vernon Ahmadjiam of Massachusetts, Philip Johnson of New York, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family & friends will assemble at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 10, 2008 at Grandview Cemetery for the interment. A memorial service in celebration of Estle's life will be held 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 10, 2008 at Lake Hills Presbyterian Church, Knoxville with Reverend James McTyre officiating. The Family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the Maryville College scholarship fund (502 E. Lamar Alexander Pkw. Maryville, TN 37804) or the Lake Hills Presbyterian Church (3805 Maloney Rd Knoxville, TN 37920) for their Women's Mission for Sunset Gap. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Estle K. Johnson please visit our Sympathy Store.