Frankie Mae Ferguson

Frankie Mae Ferguson earned her angel wings on July 9, 2024, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Maryville, Tennessee.

 Born on August 24, 1936, in Anchorage, Kentucky, to Maxine and Logan Sageser, Frankie faced significant challenges early in life. After losing her mother at the tender age of five and with her father’s whereabouts unknown, she was raised at The Presbyterian Home for Children under the loving guidance of Robert G. Haney. Mr. Haney became a cherished figure in her life, and Frankie often spoke of him with great affection.

 Frankie was an exceptional athlete, excelling in baseball, soccer, and tennis. During her time at Montreat College in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she was fortunate to receive guidance from the Reverend Billy Graham. She fondly recalled playing tennis with him at Montreat, a memory she treasured dearly.

 While attending college, Frankie met the love of her life, Charles Ferguson of Swannanoa, North Carolina. They married and together raised four wonderful children.

 Frankie dedicated her career to bookkeeping, where her meticulous skills and dedication made her an invaluable asset to every business she worked for. Her final years of employment were spent at Fox Den Country Club in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she retired in 2014.

 Frankie is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Billy Wright of Louisville, Kentucky, her sister Marjorie Woodward of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, and her beloved first grandson, Jerrod Roland Howe of Knoxville, Tennessee.

 She is survived by her loving children: Robert Charles Ferguson of Knoxville, Tennessee;

Sabrina Ferguson Howe-Coopman (William) of Maryville, Tennessee; Robin Dale Ferguson (Donna) of Tega Cay, South Carolina; and Melanie Ruth Turner (Roger) of Knoxville, Tennessee. Frankie was immensely proud of her nine grandchildren: Heath Ralston Howe of Sarasota, Florida; Melanie Elyse Howe (“precious darlin”) of Alcoa, Tennessee; Joseph Charles Ferguson (Kara) of Asheville, North Carolina; Robin Dale Ferguson Jr. of Tega Cay, South Carolina;

Meagan Christine Turner of Knoxville, Tennessee; Matthew Thomas Turner (Kate) of Knoxville, Tennessee; Brett Christian Ferguson of Tega Cay, South Carolina; and Savannah McKenzie Ferguson of Lees Summit, Missouri. She also cherished her nephew David Wiggins of Dayton, Kentucky, and niece Judi Tallman of Spokane Valley, Washington.

 The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the University of Tennessee Hospice Services team for their unwavering support, guidance, and compassionate care.

 The family will conduct a gathering of loved ones in the fall of 2024 prior to traveling to Anchorage, Kentucky where Frankie will be laid to rest in the place she loved most.

 Frankie, known lovingly as Mom and Grammy, may be gone from our sight, but she will forever remain in our hearts. We will miss you deeply, Mom. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com