Suzanne Keil Love

Suzanne Keil Love passed away with family by her side Thursday September 26th at the age of 83. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Norman.

She will be dearly missed by her four children, Aaron (Debbie), Heather Constantino (Michael), Nathan (Valerie), Amber Perkins (David); grandchildren Isabella, Joe, Hannah, Catherine Love (Ryan Sitton), Nicolas, Ben, Grace; her sister Patricia Grimm; nieces Karolyn (Thomas), Sharon (Stacey) and numerous other family members and friends.

Born and raised in Fulton New York, Suzanne and her husband relocated to Maryville in the late 1960’s. She was a beloved Kindergarten and First Grade teacher in the Blount County School system with over 25 years of her tenure at Porter Elementary. Her devotion to nurturing hundreds of young minds to cultivate the love for learning earned her multiple distinctions of Teacher of The Year.

Summer breaks, Suzanne could be found tending to her gardens and hobby farm, playing the piano, doing jigsaw puzzles, and driving her 4 children all over the country for swim meets. She also had an incredible tender heart for stray and homeless cats and dogs. All of which ended up calling the farm home. She loved being outdoors and was always doing what she could to help the environment.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local Humane Society in Suzanne’s honor.

A special thank you to all the Home Instead caregivers. Your compassion gave Sue the courage to live out her life in the comfort of her own home surrounded by family and friends. Your kindness and caring were much appreciated. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 3:00 until 5:00 PM in the Smith Trinity Chapel with a Celebration of Suzanne’s life to follow at 5:00 PM with Dr. Jerry Russell officiating. A reception will be held afterwards in the Smith Life Event Center. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com