Willodean Dishman

Willodean "Dean" Dishman passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at the age of 72. Dean was born in Maryville, Tenn. to Carl and Bessie (Hatley) Dishman. Dean is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Bessie Dishman, Maryville; and is survived by brother, Taskel Dishman and wife, Bobby, Maryville; brother, Homer Loy and wife, Arlene, Chattanooga; brother, Jimmy Dishman and wife, Dorothy, Maryville; brother, Harold Raines, Grosse Ile, MI; brother, Edmond Dishman and wife, Mayna, Knoxville; and brother, Jerry Dishman, Maryville. She is also survived by several special nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Dean was known in the community as a "caregiver to the core" being recognized in February 2006 by The Daily Times in a series about People Who Matter. She was an employee of Blount Memorial Hospital in the dietary department retiring in 1992 due to her health. Following retirement, Dean cared for her mother until her death in 2002, she drove cancer survivors to monthly support group meetings, ran errands for homebound friends, and took sick and elderly friends to doctors' appointments. She was a faithful member of Maryville First Church of the Nazarene where she enjoyed her church work and won the Distinguished Service Award in May 2006. Dean was a member of Hope for Today and the Walland FCE. She served in leadership positions with the Walland FCE for many years and resigned as its President in 2014 due to her declining health. Recently the club recognized her as its 2014 Outstanding Member. Thank you to the many family members, special friends and caregivers who were there for Dean during her illness. Special caregivers include brother, Jerry Dishman; niece, Kristina Marshall; cousin, Carolyn Phillips; friend, Mary Anderson; friend, Loretta Irwin; Janet Pearson, Sandy Brewer and the staff of Tennova Hospice especially Sandy Roberson. Memorial donations may be made to Maryville First Church of the Nazarene, 1610 East Broadway, Maryville, Tenn. 37804 in memory of Dean. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM, Monday, January 19, 2015 at Smith Trinity Chapel with Pastor Ray Couey and Pastor Will Runyon officiating. Special music will be provided by long-time friend Ronnie Sullivan. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 3:00 PM, Monday, January 19, 2015 at Grandview Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM, Monday, January 19, 2015 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Willodean Dishman please visit our Sympathy Store.