Eleanor Jeanne Byerley

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

Eleanor Jeanne Byerley, 89, also known as "Nan" or "Nanny", passed away peacefully at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center on Monday, June 1, 2015. She was the second child of nine, born on June 12, 1925 to the late Fred and Libby Pruett of Mt. Airy, NC. Jeanne lived a very full and interesting life.

She attended Mt. Airy High School where she played basketball. Upon graduation, Jeanne went to Baltimore and worked for Glenn L. Martin Company making parts for Martin B-26 Marauder Medium Bombers flown during World War II. While in Baltimore, she met William Kent Byerley, who would later become her husband. Jeanne saved her money to attend Martin Memorial Nursing School in Mt. Airy. Her only requirements to attend were white shoes and a watch with a second hand. After graduating from nursing school in 1948, she married Kent and moved to Cayuta, NY. They purchased a dairy farm and began their young lives. Jeanne also embarked on her nursing career working in Montour Falls, NY. While in New York, two children, Margaret and Pete, were born to them. They settled in Kingsport in 1959 and welcomed a third child, Etta. Jeanne and Kent enjoyed life together. They liked coon hunting, fishing, camping, going to horse shows and showing Tennessee Walking horses. They shared many adventures. Jeanne started working at Holston Valley Community Hospital where she continued to work for 25 years, touching the lives of many patients and co-workers. She and her husband founded Sullivan Paving Co., where she was the bookkeeper until Kent's death in 1981.

Upon retirement, "Nan" became the cook at her church's daycare. She loved the interaction with the children. Many of them called her "Nan" years beyond their pre-school days. She welcomed her children's and grandchildren's friends into her home, many times cooking for them and just letting them hang out.

Jeanne was a survivor. She was a 37 year breast cancer survivor and also survived open heart surgery. She shared her experiences with many of those facing illnesses. She attended Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, where she was an active member for many years. Her humor, kindness, and sweet spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Leaman and Etta Wood and spouse, Tim; son, Pete Byerley and spouse, Sherry; grandchildren, Luke Wood, Callie Leaman Tankersley and spouse, Kevin, Meg Leaman Dykes and spouse, Mark, Skyler Leaman and spouse, Kristi, Kent Byerley, and Lorna Hensley and spouse, Ronnie; great-grandchildren, Samuel Lisasuin, Izayah Leaman, and Axl Dykes; two sisters, Melba Tickle of Mt. Airy, NC, and Jenny Williams of Pampano, FL; and one brother, Terry Pruett of Mt. Airy, NC.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to HVMC staff, palliative care staff, Dr. Turner, Dr. Greene, Jo Sensebaugh, and her best friend, Janie Harvey for their help with her care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 4 at 5 pm, followed by a fellowship of friends in the fellowship hall at 6 pm.

Graveside services will be held Friday, June 5 at 10 am at East Lawn Memorial Park, Garden of Peace. Please gather at the gravesite.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bays Mountain Park Association, 853 Bays Mt. Park Rd., Kingsport, TN 37660, or the Kingsport Animal Shelter, 2141 Idle Hour Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660.