Marsella Lea Sullivan

Marsella “Marcy” Lea (Dunlap) Sullivan, age 77, saw her Savior face to face on March 12, 2025, at 7:05 p.m., and we know she heard, “Well done!” Surrounded by family and friends at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Marcy passed peacefully after nearly three years of bravely battling pulmonary fibrosis. Through her unwavering faith, she set an inspiring example for all who knew her.

Marcy is survived by her adoring husband of 27 years, John Sullivan of Maryville; her only son, Kenneth Allender of Maryville, his wife Paige (Loveday) Allender, and their children, Hannah Allender, Sam Allender, and Evan and Emma (Allender) McCrady. She also leaves behind her brother, Michael Dunlap, his wife Cindy, niece Stacie Dunlap, and nephew Christopher Dunlap. Preceding her in death were her parents, William Paul Dunlap and Margaret Callie (White) Dunlap of Louisville, Tennessee.

A true native of Blount County, Marcy was born in 1947 at Blount Memorial Hospital. Her family’s roots run deep in the region, helping shape its history. The White family established and operated Maryville’s first grist mill, while her grandfather ran the local general store and served as postmaster. The Dunlap family’s legacy is etched into the land, with a creek and an overlook on Foothills Parkway bearing their name, nestled against the foothills of Blount County.

Marcy’s primary mission in life was to live for Christ in the service of others. Blessed with the spiritual gift of faith, she expressed it through direct prayers and encouragement that uplifted everyone she met. Her genuine concern and ability to refocus any situation on Christ left people feeling better after every visit. Trained as a nurse, she touched lives locally at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in labor and delivery and the early days of the GI Lab. Her compassion extended far beyond, as she served on short-term medical mission trips to Honduras and worked with teams in New Mexico supporting the Navajo Nation, among other states.

Since returning to Maryville in 2020 from Chattanooga, Marcy and John have been faithful members of East Maryville Baptist Church. For 20 years prior in Chattanooga, they were proud members of Morris Hill Baptist Church, and before that, Beech Grove Baptist Church in Louisville was her home. Wherever she went, Marcy’s faith and love shone brightly.

Marcy and John cherished traveling and spending time with family and friends. Their annual family trip to Destin Beach became a treasured tradition, synonymous with “family time.” Though she adored the ocean, her devotion to her loved ones eclipsed all else. She and John even transformed their Maryville home into “Nene’s Beach House,” a beach-themed haven reflecting her joyful spirit.

A family visitation and Celebration of Life will be held Monday March 17, 2025 from 5:00 until 7:00 pm receiving of friends and 7:00 pm Funeral Service at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service at 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803

Tuesday March 18, 2025 at 11:00 am Family and Friends will meet at the Cemetery of Old Ballard’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 3979 Wrights Ferry Rd. Louisville, TN 37777 for the interment service and burial. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000.