Elaine Ensign

Elaine Campbell Ensign departed this life March 7, 2014. She was born March 26, 1924 in Hawkins County, TN in the small community of St. Clair near Rogersville, Tenn. She graduated from Rogersville High School and the Fort Sanders School of Nursing. After graduation, she taught in the nursing school, followed by employment by TVA in the medical division during construction of the John Sevier Steam Plant. She was preceded in death by her husband, William S. Ensign; parents, Clyde B. Campbell and Anna Parvin Campbell, brother, Lonas Campbell, sister, Ruth Moore. She is survived by three daughters, Margaret Massey-Cox of Powell, TN, Jeannie Ensign and husband, Jack Kreyling of Farragut, TN and Lee Ensign of Knoxville, TN and son, William E. Ensign and wife, Renee of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren, Micah Leinenweber and wife, Mandy of Bremerton, WA, Courtney Bemus and husband, Glen of Fort Rucker, AL , Jennifer Cox of Knoxville, TN, Laurel Ensign-Simmons of Knoxville, TN, Molly Ensign-Simmons of Knoxville, TN and great-grandson, Kylen Reed of Bremerton, TN. She and her husband lived in Chattanooga, TN until moving to the Shannondale Retirement Center in Maryville, Tenn. in 2002. While in Chattanooga, she was active in PTA and was awarded a Life Membership. She was also an active volunteer in the Ben Mott School which later became the Chattanooga Community School for preschoolers before kindergarten was offered in public education. She served as chairperson for the Hand-in-Hand program, was active in the Panel of American Women and was a graduate of the University of South Education for Ministry program. Elaine was a member and ruling elder of Northminister Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga. She trained in the Laboratory Training Consultant Network and after her husbands retirement they together consulted with several non-profit organizations in Organization Effectiveness Habitat for Humanity, Family and Childrens Services, Venture 2000 and others. She and her husband were avid gardeners and together developed flower and vegetable gardens on Chattanooga School campuses encouraging children to experience how food was grown and to appreciate healthy food. There will be a celebration of life service at Highland Presbyterian Church, Maryville, Tenn., at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014 with the Rev. Dr. Billy Newton officiating and the Rev. Dixie Lea Petrey assisting. In honor of Elaines life, please wear your brightest colors. There will be a reception at the church after the service. Memorial gifts may be made to Northminister Presbyterian Church, Hal Drive, Chattanooga, TN or Shannondale Faith Community, Maryville, TN. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.