Myra Silver

Myra Silver, a woman of great intelligence, quick wit, and strong opinions, was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 23, 1928, and died November 12, 2023 in Kingsport, TN.

Myra graduated from Brooklyn College and earned a Masters degree in Library Science from Pratt Institute.  She worked as a school librarian at William E. Grady Vocational High School in Brooklyn for over twenty years.

Myra was strong-willed and self-confident, traits that served her well when her husband, Morris Silver, died suddenly in 1959, leaving her to raise their two young children. Her beloved sister, Rissie Weiss, who preceded her in death, became her partner in providing a loving home for the family.  Myra and Rissie enjoyed the many cultural and educational opportunities afforded by life in New York City, as well as summer trips in the U.S. and abroad, often accompanied by her daughter and soulmate, Karissa Silver, who also preceded her in death.

Myra moved to Kingsport in 1998, where she found a ready-made community at the independent living apartments at Baysmont. She took great pride in managing the resident library there, as well as serving on many committees where she shared her opinions and ideas on improving the services and activities offered to the residents. 

She found a church home at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where Rev. Jay Mills, and later Rev. Johnny Tuttle, provided spiritual support and guidance while respecting her staunchly maintained Jewish identity.

Despite living in Tennessee for twenty-five years, Myra maintained her Yankee attitudes and accent, and was always delighted when a new acquaintance ventured to ask, “You’re not from around here, are you?”

Myra’s friends – and there were many – never doubted her viewpoint on any issue, whether in her social circle or in world affairs. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved, and continued to correspond with many of those whose lives she had touched throughout her long life.

In 2019, Myra’s increased medical needs precipitated her transfer to Assisted Living at Steadman Hill, where the staff provided loving care throughout the challenging times of the Covid pandemic.  In January 2023, her failing health necessitated her move to the Health Center at Baysmont, where the staff provided outstanding care throughout her final days.

Myra’s memory is a blessing to those she leaves behind, including her son, Marty Silver, and her daughter-in-law Chris Silver; grandchildren Jacob (Amara) Silver, Rachel (Rob) Chutter, Sister Francesca (nee Mary) Silver, David (Alex) Silver, Hannah (John) Wheeler, and Sarah Silver: great-grandchildren Max, Carter, Eleanor, Janet, Maggie, Mary, Rissie, Thomas, Isaac, Abigail, and Patrick.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 27, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, at 6:00 pm, followed by a memorial service at 7:00 pm.  A private inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Memorial Park at a later date. 
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee, PO Box 3327, Johnson City, TN  37602.