Rosalyn Perry Hataway

Rosalyn Perry Hataway, 80, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, after a brief illness.

Rosalyn was born on August 6, 1943, in Grenada, MS to the late Marshall and Gertrude Belk Perry. After graduating from John Rundle High School, she earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in history from the University of Mississippi. There she also met Jim, her husband of 59 years. They were married in 1964 and moved to Kingsport after Jim accepted a job with Eastman Chemical Company. Together they raised two children, Cecilia and James.

Rosalyn served for many years as an adjunct professor of history at East Tennessee State University. A lifelong educator, she taught valuable lessons of history to generations of ETSU students. She was also active in several community organizations, including the Junior League of Kingsport.

First and foremost, she was a kind, loving and nurturing wife and mother. She loved voraciously, and she doted on her spouse, children, grandchildren, and friends. Indeed, those who knew her well could count upon her as their most stalwart ally and companion.

Family members, in addition to her husband, include her daughter, Cecilia Staniec of Exeter, NH; son, James Hataway (Leigh) of Athens, GA; grandchildren, Nicholas, Andrew and Ava; and brother, Edward Perry (Jimmie) of Vicksburg, MS.

Rosalyn specifically requested that there be no funeral or memorial service.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, charitable donations may be made to the ETSU history department by selecting “history” on the aforementioned webpage.