Description:
Betty Jo Etherton Large, a lifelong Sevier County resident and retired Sevier County educator died Tuesday, October 3, 2006 at Fort Sanders-Sevier Nursing Home. 'Ms. Betty', as she was affectionately known by thousands of her former students, was born June 28, 1930, attended Sevier County schools, graduating from Sevier County High School in 1948. She then continued her education at Lincoln Memorial University and graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Elementary Education. She taught fifth grade at Pigeon Forge Elementary School for 38 years until her retirement in 1989. She loved to travel, taking particular pride in having visited in all 50 capital cities of the United States. During her years of teaching, her travels often centered on finding items to enrich the educational experience of her students.
After retirement, she continued to support public education through active membership in the Retired Teachers Association and Delta Kappa Gamma. She was also a dedicated volunteer with the Sevier County Food Ministry and an active member of First Baptist Church in Gatlinburg.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Leila Etherton and brother J.W. Etherton.
She is survived by her loving family and a host of friends:
Her best friend and husband of 55 years: Eugene (Amos) Large
Son and daughter-in-law: Phil and Amy Large
Two grandchildren: Meghan (David) Rasnake, David Large
Sisters: Georgia (Joe) Freels, Margaret Etherton
Sister-in-law: Elma Etherton
Special niece: Brenda (Joe) Rudder
Special friends: Edna and Gary Kimble, Rebekah Atchison
A huge circle of relatives, friends and former students who loved her
It was often said by those who knew her, 'Ms. Betty never met a stranger'. She loved life and greeted each day with joy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, c/o Cheryl Burcham, PO Box 4610, Sevierville, Tennessee 37864 or to First Baptist Church, Gatlinburg, 111 Oglewood Lane, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738.
A service to celebrate her life will be 7 PM Friday at First Baptist Church, Gatlinburg with Rev. Larry Burcham officiating. Interment will be 10 AM Saturday in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends 5-7 PM Friday at First Baptist Church, Gatlinburg. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home,Sevierville. (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)
Type: Public Announcement
Date: 2006-10-05
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