Lee Etta McCarty

Lee Etta McCarty, 87, of Jonesborough, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 9, 2024. She was born April 11, 1936, in the city of Knoxville to parents, Lee and Molly Branson. She attended Carter High School in Knoxville and would go on to work for Washington County Food Services in the cafeteria for over 10 years. To most, Lee Etta was known as a caring and compassionate woman to whom maternal instinct came natural to. She not only raised and nurtured her own children but was a babysitter and caregiver to many. Lee Etta was not afraid to get her hands dirty and thoroughly enjoyed mowing her lawn and tending to her garden. She had the skills of a seamstress and created many intricate items such as custom garments of clothing for herself and others. Apart from her many years of work and hobbies, Lee Etta found family to be her priority; she adored every member, especially her grandchildren. Her selfless and loving presence will be missed but it is certain that her legacy will live on through beautiful memories held by her cherished loved ones.  

In addition to her parents, Lee and Molly Branson, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Judy Lusby and Mary Thompson and brothers, Jay and Orville Branson.

She is survived by her sons, Steve McCarty (Kay), Ronnie McCarty (Angie), Tim McCarty (Lori) and Phil McCarty (Beverly); brother, Tom Branson (Jenny); grandchildren, Christi (Kenny), Michelle (Shawn), Lori Beth (Jeremy), Drew (Melissa), Amber and LeeAnn (Kahlil); sixteen great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 16, 2024, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Blountville. A funeral service officiated by Drew McCarty will follow. Interment will follow in the Garden of Masonic. 

Pallbearers will be friends and family members.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Lee Etta’s memory to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.