Phyllis W. Lovette, 81, of Elizabethton, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, at Ivy Hall Nursing Home. She was born in Carter County and was a daughter of the late Maude (VanHuss) and Benjamin Harrison Williams. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard H. Lovette Sr.; a brother, Dr. Ben Williams; and three sisters, Christine W. Justis, Elizabeth W. Love and Beatrice W. Alexander.
Mrs. Lovette was a graduate of Elizabethton High School, Class of 1954, and a 1961 graduate of East Tennessee State College (ETSU) where she chose music as both her major and her minor. Music was her life and because of her love of music she spent her career teaching others. She taught music at Cloudland High School, Harold McCormick Elementary School and West Hills Elementary School in Knoxville. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities over the years, including as the director of the Chancel Choir for 16 years and as the director of the Handbell Choir. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and served as President of that organization and a member of the Elizabethton Women’s Civic Club where she also served as President. She loved to collect antiques.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Richard H. Lovette Jr. (Jennine) of Johnson City; a grandson, Caleb Lovette of Johnson City; and several nieces and nephews.
A service to honor the life of Mrs. Lovette will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 29, at the First United Methodist Church, Elizabethton, with Rev. Raymond. W. Amos Sr. and Rev. Buford Hankins officiating. Music will be under the direction of the Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church and Mr. David Arney, organist. The family will receive friends in the church sanctuary from 12:30 until 2 p.m. Sunday or at her home, 214 West F Street, at other times Interment will follow the service at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be John Crockett, Greg Bowers, Frank Schaff, Joe Alexander, Richard Hale, Josh Smith and David McNeely. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Grindstaff, Jim Hardin and Buck McClellan. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to First United Methodist Church, Music Ministry, or United Methodist Women, 325 East E Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Mid-South Chapter, 2020 Meadowview Parkway, Suite 100, Kingsport, TN 37660. The family would like to express their heartfelt and sincere appreciation to the staff of Sycamore Springs Senior Living Community, Ivy Hall Nursing Home, Dr. Jonathan Bremer, Dr. Vivian Clark and Dr. Robert Walter for the love and care shown to Mrs. Lovette and her family. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Lovette and her family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.