Lucile Morton Early

Lucile Early, a life-long resident of Sullivan County, peacefully passed away on July 31, 2013 at age 103. Lucile was born on the family farm in Emmett, TN. She attended Sullivan County primary and secondary schools (including first grade at Troublesome Hollow School) and was notably a member of the first graduating class from Dobyns-Bennett High School. Lucile was awarded a BA degree in Music from Flora McDonald College (Red Springs, NC). While raising a family, her life was filled with classical, popular and religious music; she taught piano, served as a church organist, and played at many civic and private affairs throughout her adult life. She was an active member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, and a choir member for much of that time. Lucile enjoyed many sports throughout her life, including archery, golf and tennis.

Following the death of her husband, Conley, in 1972, she returned to the family farm of her birth and enjoyed an active lifestyle there for more than 30 years while managing and maintaining the farm property. Her life was rich in living so many local and world changing events of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Lucile Early established a warm and loving Christian home. Her life was consistently guided by Christian values and principles that were instilled in family and friends by the example that she provided. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Morrell and Mary Katherine Morton; her husband, Conley Freel Early; two sisters, Dr. Anna Inez Wager and Dr. Nelle Katherine Morton; and a son, Jonathan "Jan" Everett Early.

Lucile is survived by her son, David "Dave" Early and wife, Pat; daughter-in-law, Madie Early; four grandchildren, Jonathan "Jon" Early, James "Jim" Early and wife, Viki, Melinda "Lindy" Freyman and husband, John, and Christopher "Chris" Early and wife, Heather; great-grandson, Rivers Levon Early; soon-to-be great-grandson, Popy Freyman; and first cousins, Robert "Bob" O'Dell and Sue O'Dell. She was affectionately known as G.E. and Gram to her grandchildren, and traveled to visit them often.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday at 11:00 am at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Mickey Rainwater and Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service in Shipley Cemetery.