Joretta Mack McConnell

Joretta Mack McConnell, 85, passed away peacefully in Kingsport on Monday, July 16, 2018, after a period of declining health. She was born August 27, 1932 in Kingsport, TN and lived there for the majority of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Errett Wesley (Mac) McConnell, Sr. and Natalie Hillman McConnell. She is survived by her brothers, Errett Wesley "Wes" McConnell, Jr. and wife, Frances, and James Hillman McConnell, and wife Brenda. She is also survived by two nephews, Errett Wesley “Wes” McConnell, III, Adam Fields McConnell, MD, and one niece, Kathleen Ann McConnell, MD. and three great-nephews, Nicholas and Alexander McConnell and Rory McConnell. Joretta graduated from Dobyns-Bennett in 1950. She went on to graduate from ETSU, worked as a medical technologist and later obtained certification as a cytologist in Buffalo, New York. She then returned to work at Holston Valley Community Hospital as the first cytologist in East Tennessee. Joretta retired from Holston Valley Community Hospital, after more than twenty years of service.She will be remembered most for the true joys in her life, her family and her church. She had a very outgoing and adventurist personality, always wore a smile and never met a stranger. She endured the trials of being an epileptic, but she never let it define her or interfere with her life. At the time of her death, she was the longest serving member of Crossroads United Methodist Church, having joined its original West View Methodist church as an infant, two years after its formation in 1930. She was very active in her church and loved singing in the choir, being a part of the Silver Sounds Choir, and attending the Fellowship Sunday School class until her health worsened. For many years, she was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Joretta enjoyed playing bridge and all card games and was especially excellent at playing FreeCell, even during her recent years. Joretta loved water activities and went water skiing into her 70’s. She was a member of the Order of The Eastern Star organization. Her family and extended many relatives were a main focus for her, and she loved activities with them, visits, and especially family pictures. She will be very missed by all of them.The family will receive friends Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 12:30 pm to 2 pm in the J. Wayne Hamilton Memorial Chapel of Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2 pm in the chapel and will be conducted by the families’ long-time friend and retired UMC pastor Rae Mullins. A Graveside Service will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Honorary Pallbearers are nephews, first cousins and families in law; Adam McConnell MD, Wes McConnell III, Ben McConnell PhD, Gary McConnell, Bill Hillman, Kenneth Hillman, Johnny Carter, Scott Hillman, Phillip Hillman, Jim McConnell (Daris Ann's husband), Doug Cox, Jim Cox, William Tipton, and Jim Hayden.The family wishes to thank her present pastor, Randy Lentz for the many years of care shown by him and Crossroads United Methodist Church. The family wishes to also acknowledge Holston Valley Medical Center, Health South, and NHC Kingsport Facility, and a special thank you to extra-attentive cousins, Helen Tipton and Saundra Hillman. The family would also like to acknowledge two special people, who have become like family members to us and sisters to Joretta, Peggy Hicks, for many years, and more recently Val Riner. These ladies were a shining light in Joretta’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Crossroads United Methodist Church, 200 Bays Cove Trail, Kingsport, TN 37660 or the charity of choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakhillfh.comThe care of Joretta McConnell and her family has been entrusted to Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.Read Obituary