Sue Blevins Vest

Sue Blevins Vest, 78, died Sunday April 18, 2010 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a brief illness.

Mrs. Vest was born March 3, 1932 in Erwin, TN. She was a graduate of Unicoi High School and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Kingsport, where she served on various committees and volunteered at the Salvation Army through the years. She was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class, and co-taught the Adult Bible School at Maple Oaks Apartments.

Mrs. Vest was a member of Woodland Garden and Art Guild and had served as its President in 1998. In addition, she was a member of P.E.O., Chapter V, which is an organization dedicated to the education of women. She was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Kingsport and a former member of the Kingsport Women's Symphony Committee. Mrs. Vest also belonged to several bridge clubs. She remained active in church and community activities and loved spending time with her family.

Sue was happiest when surrounded by her friends and family. She always had a smile on her face and was deeply loved and respected by all who knew her. She was loyal, kind-hearted, and unselfish to all. She was a beloved wife to Jack for over 59 years; a loving and supporting mother to her children; and a much-loved grandmother and great-grandmother. She was also blessed to be loved by many, many very special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Lillian Blevins; and a brother, Charles Douglas Blevins.

Survivors include her husband, Jack E. Vest, Kingsport; daughters, Debra V. and husband Russell G.Brown, Greenville, SC, Mary V. Powers, Kingsport, and Carla V. and husband Joseph E. Boyd of Knoxville; grandchildren, Sarah and husband Kenton Parker, Piney Flats, Reed Brown, Charlotte, NC, James L. Powers, Kingsport, Caroline and Courtney Boyd, both of Knoxville; and great-grandchildren Tristen Billups, Anderson, SC, and Rowan Parker, Piney Flats, TN.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday April 21, 2010 at First Baptist Church, Kingsport with Dr. Marvin Cameron and Dr. Ron Davis officiating. Graveside services will follow in Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be William Derby, Ron Jones, Russell Brown, Reed Brown, Joseph Boyd, Kenton Parker, James L. Powers, and James Stout.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 W. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.