Betty Gwin

Betty Ann GwinKNOXVILLE Betty Ann Gwin, community volunteer and mother of five, died peacefully at home surrounded by family members on Sunday, June 30, 2013, after a long struggle with Alzheimers disease. She was 86.Betty Ann, the only child of William and Hollie Sue Kimsey, grew up in Chattanooga. She was the first person in her family to attend college, graduating from the University of Chattanooga with a degree in biology. In 1948, Betty Ann married Reginald Gwin, and they soon moved to Oak Ridge, where she worked as a biologist until they started their family in 1954.Betty Ann participated in many volunteer activities in the Farragut community. She led Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops as her children grew. She served as president of the Farragut PTA, and was deeply involved in school board issues. Betty Ann made many cherished friends through these activities and through her membership in Concord United Methodist Church.She enjoyed sailing and hiking with her family, and she lovingly tended a houseful of children and pets. Her culinary skills included everything from biscuits described as fluffy cumulus clouds of perfection, a world renowned spaghetti sauce, cornbread of the kings (and dogs), goololly and fried okra, to pure delight melt in your mouth if you can get some pound cake. Betty Ann loved travel of all sorts. On car trips, she taught her children to sing multi-part harmony, and after retirement, she and her husband sought cultural and natural beauty in everything from African safaris to Mississippi riverboats. Her most constant pleasure was bridge, which she played whenever, wherever, with whomever, for as long as she could.Betty Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years; survivors include daughter, Holly Gwin and her husband, William Chandler; son, William Gwin, his wife, Pamela, and their children, Paul, Moses, and Madeline; son, David Gwin, his wife Vanessa, and their children, Katie and Riley; daughter, Mary Guffey, her husband, John, and their son, Matthew; and daughter, Gina Goldman and her husband, Norman Goldman.The family will receive friends from 1011 a.m. Friday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel followed by an 11 a.m. Celebration of Life service with the Rev. Clay Mulford officiating.Family and friends will gather that afternoon at Chattanooga National Cemetery for a 2:30 p.m. graveside service.In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Concord United Methodist Church Fund in Betty Anns honor, 11020 Roane Dr. Knoxville, TN 37934. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com.