HENRY JON VAN HASSEL (HANK)
October 22, 2020
Henry John Van Hassel (Hank), born May 2, 1933, and raised on the “mean streets” of Paterson, N.J., died Oct. 22, 2020.
In his own words, “I was big enough to beat up anyone who was fast enough to catch me and fast enough to out-run anyone who could beat me up.”
He graduated early from Paterson Central High School, was “Man of the Year” at Maryville College in 1954, where he received his B.A. in English. He immediately joined the U.S. Army and served in the aftermath of the Korean War.
In 1960 he married Ann Newell Wiley of Heiskell, when he was in dental school and Ann had recently left her position as Maryville College’s first admissions counselor and was teaching. He received degrees from the University of Maryland (D.D.S.) and the University of Washington (M.S. and Ph.D in physiology). He was honored to receive the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from each of these three institutions.
He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service and interned at the USPHS Hospital in San Francisco, then was stationed at the USPHS Hospitals in Boston and Seattle. He completed his residency in endodontics at the University of Washington and was a professor at U.W. before becoming chairman of the Department of Endodontics at the University of Maryland in Baltimore.
In 1984 he was named Dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Oregon’s Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, where he also became a vice president, and also served as President of the Oregon Dental Association. He was a Diplomate of the American Association of Endodontists, served as President of the AAE and was editor of the Journal of Endodontics for many years. He authored many articles in scientific journals and contributed chapters to several books as well as co-authoring two. He was the recipient of every distinguished award possible from his professional organizations.
He was a fine athlete and gym rat, who until recently went twice a day to bike, treadmill, and lift weights. He played racquetball competitively and he and Ann ran in many road races in Seattle, Baltimore, and Portland.
He had a brilliant mind and could quote the Bible, Shakespeare, and myriad other poets at the drop of a hat. He could sing hundreds of old pop songs and hymns, mostly and sadly off-key. He had a wonderful sense of humor and told fantastic stories about boot camp at Fort Dix, N.J., and his experiences in the hundreds of jobs he had putting himself through school.
He was a gifted teacher and many of his grad students had kept in touch with him over the years. He was Ann’s “ready reference” source when they were doing the New York Times and Wall Street Journal crosswords. He could do math in his head faster than most people could get out their calculators. He thought deeply about theological questions and was a great admirer of C.S. Lewis. His Christian faith was very important to him. His speech was liberally laced with colorful language, which he tried to tone down in his later years—not always successfully.
He was proud of his Dutch heritage and was raised in the Dutch Reformed, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches. He found a loving home at St. Mark United Methodist Church in Clinton, and leaves many friends there, as well as at First Baptist Church’s Family Life Center in Clinton, where he was an almost daily visitor at their fitness facility until a few months ago.
Hank embraced Ann’s Southern background and her family as his own. When he retired as Dean in 1998, he and Ann returned to her family home in Heiskell. This Yankee city boy loved East Tennessee and living out in the country, and knew that he had the best friends and neighbors in the world. Not too long ago, he wrote his own obituary. It was 16 lines long. He deserved more. He got it.
He is survived by: Wife, Ann Wiley Van Hassel, and cherished members of her family; Jeanette Wiley McMaster, Mary Wiley McWhorter (Bill), Karen Lunde Wiley Young (Mike), Bruce, Karla, Lindsay, and Kasey McMaster, Jane (McMaster), Dan and Ben Clemons, Catherine (McMaster), Paul, Anne, and Rachel Pietrow, Elizabeth (McWhorter), John, Ethan, Allison, and Madeline Bridger, Andrea Wiley, Josh, Rachel, Noah, Heidi, and Burks Wiley.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Ina Sturr and William Cornelius Van Hassel of Paterson, N.J.; Ann’s parents, Mildred Newell and Eugene Fulton Wiley of Heiskell; beloved “brother,” David Lee Wiley; and brother-in-law and friend, William M. McMaster.
No services are scheduled at this time. Instead of sending flowers, please write a note to Ann recounting your memories of Hank, and consider making a donation in his name to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 252 Main Street, Clinton, TN 37716. Or to Wesley House Community Center, 1719 Reynolds Street, Knoxville TN 37921.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is assisting with arrangements.
EDNA MIAMI SPROUSE
October 22, 2020
Edna Miami Sprouse, 100, Decatur, formerly of the Frattersville Community, passed away at her residence Oct. 22, 2020.
She was of the Baptist faith and a member of Frattersville Baptist Church. She was born to the late Salamon and Pearl Poore Foust.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Bill Sprouse. She is survived by: Sons, Willard Sprouse Sr. of Clinton, Jerry Sprouse and Kathy; daughters, Bernice Phillips and Troy, Carlette Hall, Phyllis Hart "Janie" and Steve, Suzette "Sue" Salisbury and David.
Visitation is from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, at Hatmaker Funeral Chapel.
Funeral service will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, at Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel
Interment will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at Leach Cemetery in Lake City.
DOROTHY (DOT) MARGARET GOOD CHAPMAN
October 22, 2020
Dorothy (Dot) Margaret Good Chapman, 88, Clarksville, formerly of Clinton, went peacefully to be with the Lord Thursday morning, Oct. 22, 2020.
She was a member of Main Street Baptist Church for more than 50 years and later became a member of Mt. Herman Baptist Church in Clarksville. Dorothy enjoyed sewing and gardening but was happiest when she was surrounded by her family that loved her so very much.
Dorothy was preceded in death by: Loving husband, Earl Chapman; and her parents, Russell and Stella Good.
Survivors: Daughters, Sandra K. Gilliam and husband Ervin (Buster), Bonnie Lou Freeman and husband Joe; brothers, Joe Good, and George Good and wife Maria; grandchildren, Lori Gilliam Burchett and husband Travis, Beth Gilliam Chisenhall and husband Paul, James Devereaux (Devin) and wife Nita, Travis Freeman and wife April, Lance Freeman and wife Melissa; great-grandchildren, Lauren Sykes and husband Douglas, Lindsey Torres and husband Brandon, James D. Gilliam and wife Lindsey, Brittany Sullivan and husband Jordan, Caleb Gilliam and wife Erica, Joshua and Rachel Eaves, Lane Chisenhall, Abbigail Gilliam, Hannah, Leah and Chloe Freeman, Ansley and Josie Freeman, Zach Merillat and wife Lindsay, Noah and Abigail Burchett; great-great-grandchildren, Cashton and Willow Sullivan, Audrey Gilliam, Rosemary Sykes, and Zayn Merillat.
Visitation was from 5 – 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at Main Street Baptist Church in Lake City.
Funeral service was at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Wayne Phillips and grandson, the Rev. Travis Freeman, officiating.
Family and friends met at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, at Hatmaker Funeral Home to go in procession to Oak Grove Cemetery for the graveside service officiated by son-in-law, Ervin Gilliam.
ALANNA CHANTELLE LOWRANCE
October 22, 2020
Alanna Chantelle Lowrance, 19, Clinton, passed away at her home Oct. 22, 2020.
A student at Clinton High School, she was a friend to everyone she met and was most beloved by her family.
Alanna was preceded in death by: Nephew, Blayne Jones-Johnson; loving step-mother, Christy Lowrance; and her uncle, Matthew Hardin.
Alanna is survived by: Parents, Eva Lowrance and Barry McGaha of Clinton, and Toney Lowrance of Inman, S.C.; grandparents, Mamie and L.B. Lowrance of Forest City, N.C., Hunter and Patricia Waters of Bostic, NC, Dewey Hardin, Jr, of Bostic, NC, and Anne and Paul Mann of Bostic, N.C.; siblings, Spec. Tyler Lowrance (Jennifer, Kaleb, Soren, Damien) of Fort Gordon, Ga., Sgt. Taylor C. Lowrance (D.J.) of Hinesville, Ga., PFC Venson Lowrance (Maria) of Fort Knox, Ky., Chelsea Daly of Cullowhee, N.C., Danielle Daly of Shelby, N.C., Jessica Jones-Johnson (Douglas, Danica) of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ashley McGaha (Carley, Stella) of Andersonville; as well as many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Travis McEntyre officiating.
Family and friends will meet at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, and go in funeral procession to the Grandview Memorial Garden for an 11 a.m. interment.
www.holleygamble.com
CAROLYN ANN PRITCHETT
October 21, 2020
Carolyn Ann Pritchett, 84, Finley, Tenn., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, at West Tennessee Healthcare Dyersburg Hospital.
Carolyn was born Sept. 13, 1936, in Bonicord, Tenn., to the late James and Pauline Putman Mount. For 24 years, Carolyn owned and operated Granny's Kids Daycare. As a childcare provider, Carolyn was involved in stimulating, encouraging growth and guiding young children. Over the years of each generation of children she kept, Carolyn never forgot one of her kid's names. Carolyn's kids loved her and she also loved them too. She was a member of Parr Avenue Church of Christ.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, at Fairview Cemetery with Mr. Scott Owen officiating. Dyersburg Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Survivors include: Husband, Neely Pritchett of Finley; son, Joey Pritchett and wife Candi, of Dyersburg; two daughters, Patsye Thurmon and husband Larry, of Clinton, and Cyndi Whedon and husband Greg, of Ashland City; sister, Pollyanna McClure and husband Mickey, of Dyersburg; seven grandchildren, Lesli Todd and husband T.J., Jenni Hassell and husband Timothy, Brandon Thurmon and wife Saneta, Michael Thurmon and wife Kelley, Nate Dodd, Kyle Dodd and Theresa Whedon; 14 great-grandchildren; and a special niece, Maryanna Hudson.
Pallbearers were Timothy Hassell, T.J. Todd, Brad Studard, Mickey McClure, Spence Lowery and Carl Shultz.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to a charity of the donor's choice.
TYLER LANE CONNOLLY
October 18, 2020
SSgt Tyler Lane Connolly, 22, passed away Monday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Charleston, S.C.
He was the son of Anita Smith of Powell, and was a member of Reality Church in Goose Creek, S.C. Tyler proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. He was adventurous, and loved cars and nature.
Tyler was preceded in death by: Maternal grandfather, Pete Dax; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Dax; uncle, Kevin Stevens; and father-in-law, Scott May.
He is survived by: Wife, Hannah Connolly; son, Rylan Jackson; mother and father, Anita and Justin Smith; brothers, Miles Dax and Darrien Connolly; sisters, Courtnie Connolly and Alexus Tolliver; stepbrother, Kaden Hodgins; nephew, Lukas Brady; niece, Talia Dax; mamaw, Kay May; and many friends in his military family.
Visitation was from 4 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, at Woodhaven Funeral Home. A funeral service with military honors will followed at 6 p.m.
Woodhaven Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of SSgt Tyler Lane Connolly.
GEORGE NORMAN JOHNON JR.
October 16, 2020
George Norman Johnson Jr., 61, Clinton, passed away Oct. 16, 2020, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.
George was born in Oak Ridge to the late George Norman Young Johnson Sr. and Phyllis Ann Duncan Johnson, Feb. 22, 1959. George was a proud grandfather of Anna Rose May Johnson and Gemma Riley DesLonde. They were his world. He was an engineer who worked on projects across the country, most prominently the New Jersey Light Rail. He was an avid Yankees fan, golfer, and overall sports lover. He was an accomplished athlete who was all state baseball in high school and was scouted by the Chicago Cubs.
In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by: Brother, Timothy Johnson; grandparents, Ed and Myrtle Duncan of Lake City, and Carl and Beulah Johnson of Beech Grove.
Survivors:Daughter, Heather DesLonde; daughters-in-law, Sarah Johnson and Ashley Ronco; sons, George Johnson III and Austin Johnson; son-in-law, Matthew DesLonde; brothers, Darrell Johnson and Steve Johnson; sisters-in-law, Nisey Johnson and Gale Johnson; grandchildren, Gemma DesLonde and Anna Johnson.
A private service was held by the family.
ITHA MARTIN
October 15, 2020
Itha Martin, Coral Springs, Fla. (formerly of Speedwell), passed away Oct. 15, 2020, at the age of 84.
She was born in Speedwell, Nov. 27,1935, to the late Charlie L. Dunn and Flora B. Phillips of Speedwell and Clinton, respectively.
Itha graduated from Powell Valley High School in 1952 and LMU in 1955. She majored in chemistry and minored in biology. Upon graduating from LMU, Itha began her career at the National Security Complex and the graphite reactor sites in Oak Ridge.
Itha then met and married the late Dr. Doyle Martin, DDS. Together they started a dental practice in Margate, Fla. During this time, Itha attended and completed school to be a dental hygienist.
Worthy of note is the fact that Itha never missed a single day of school beginning with elementary school, onwards into LMU, and finally through school to become a dental hygienist.
After 15 years as a dental hygienist, Itha developed her love of Wilton-Style hobby cake decorating, becoming an award-winning decorator. That personal interest in cake decorating garnered her a 30-year career with Wilton as a traveling Wilton Coordinator. Itha traveled across the country and several out-of-country locations in her last career. She worked with Wilton until she was in her 80’s.
Itha was preceded in her rest by: Half-brothers, Charlie L. Dunn Jr. and Walter Dunn, both of Speedwell; nephew, Martin (Marty) R. Haynes of Knoxville; brother-in-law, Bill Messer; and great-niece, Erin Renee Haynes.
Itha is survived by: Son, Rick Martin; older sister, Faye (Messer) Bill; nephews, Steve Haynes and Ronnie Dunn; niece, Debbie Dunn; and several cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Itha was a brilliant, well-educated and inspirational woman with an unmatched desire to make the most of her life. She will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, with funeral services to follow in the chapel.
Her graveside will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, at Woodhaven Memorial Garden.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
