Gracie Sellers Harpe

Gracie Sellers Harpe, age 88 passed away January 6, 2025 at her home in Maryville, TN. Gracie was born June 23, 1936 in Blount County. Gracie was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Harpe; her parents, Ernest Lee Sellers and Geneva Amburn Sellers and daughter, Kaye Harpe Todd. She is survived by two brothers, Jerry Sellers of Maryville; Jack Sellers and Brenda of Maryville; son, Michael Joe Harpe (Janet) of Maryville; two grandsons, Brandon Harpe (Christi) and Banks Todd; two great grandsons, Kyler and Kaden Harpe all from Dothan, AL; two nieces, Dawn Matthews (Jason) of Canton, GA and Danielle Frazier (Sean) of Cartersville, Ga; three great nieces, Ava, Arden and Adeline.

Gracie was of the Baptist faith and was retired after a longtime career in education. Gracie graduated from Lanier High School in 1955 and Hiwassee College in 1957. She received her BS degree at East Tennessee State University and went on to earn her Masters Degree, AA degree, Educational Specialist certificate from Troy University in Alabama. She also took specialized teaching courses from Auburn University and the University of Alabama. She taught school two years in Tennessee and 30 years at Wicksburg High School in Dothan, AL. She also supervised Troy University intern student teachers. She then worked at the Adolescent Resource Center for 4 years as Academic Coordinator for grades K - 12 and wrote the curriculum for two daycare centers for underprivileged children.

Ms. Harpe received numerous awards and recognition for school and community activities including the Arthritis Foundation, Lions Club, National Beta Club and organizing two scholarships to Wicksburg High School students and was recognized by the Learning Disability Associations. She was named in Who's Who Among America's Educators and in 1975, the Wicksburg yearbook was dedicated to her for her understanding and loyalty over the years. She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter #76, Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, National Education Association, Alabama Education, Dothan/Houston County Retired Teachers Association.

Special thanks to Dr. David Vines, Dr. Peter Scott, and the staff at Blount Memorial Hospital on 5th Floor North for the care provided Gracie. Also special thanks to her longtime friends and coworkers, Gayle Snell and Linda Little.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 PM, Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Funeral service will be at 6:00 PM with Rev. Clifton Hearon officiating. Family and friends will assemble at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 10, 2025 at Maple Grove Cemetery for the interment.

Gracie loved working in her vegetable and flower garden, so flowers will be accepted. Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.