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Marlene Gonce Obituary
January 26, 1943 - January 15, 2024
Marlene Delores Gonce, 80, born January 26, 1943, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 15, 2023 at her home after a brave battle with a lengthy illness.
She loved and served God, and was one of four founding families of Indian Springs Christian Church - where her hands helped lay the foundation - and which stands today for a community to assemble for worship and a beacon to draw others to Christ. Her faith was immeasurable. Dee was a pillar in the community and sought to give back - she was a charter member of the Indian Springs Optimist Club in 1988, where over three decades served more than 20,000 youth from across the region through its many programs, including girl's volleyball, chairing of children's Christmas party, chairing the inaugural community Easter egg hunt, and first community Christmas tree lighting, but most notably leading the football cheerleading and dance teams. Dee loved the kids and the kids loved her.
Above all, Dee was a loving devoted wife for over 60 years to her husband Don, and loving proud mother to his sons Donnie and Mike, and became a recent momaw to her grandson Major.
Dee was born to the late Ralph Lonnie ("Drag") Houser and Ella Mae ("Toby") Houser. She graduated from Blountville High School in 1961, then attended East Tennessee State University, before going to work for orthodontist Dr. Ralph White as a dental assistant with over 35 years of dedicated service. Her devotion to her profession led her to becoming the President of the Dental Assistants' Association.
Along with her parents, Dee was preceded in death by, and now reunited in the presence of Christ, her husband Don, her sister, Jerry Rosenbaum; father and mother-in-law F.B. and Mary Bell Gonce-Webb; and step-father-in-law Curtis Webb, brother-in-laws Leonard Gonce, Lee Roy Gonce, and Dr. Joel Gonce.
Survivors include her sons, Don Jr. and Mike Gonce; grandson Major Gonce; brother, Steve Houser; sister-in-law Sandra Gonce; sister-in-law Gladys Gonce; nieces and nephews, Barbara Williams, Lorie Doran, Jana Gilliam, Joel Gonce; Elgin Gonce, Linda Greer, Becki Lewis, Robbie Rosenbaum, Lee Houser, and Tiffany Houser, along with several great nieces and nephews.
The Gonce family wishes to extend its gratitude to Dee's care team Charlotte Erwin, Tracey Faison, and Amy Carmack, along with great medical care from Dr. Ryan Hunley - the family thanks you for the exceptional care and friendships. The family sends love to you all - your care given to Dee will forever be remembered.
The Gonce family will gather to share memories and meet friends on Monday, January 22, 2024 in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home from 5 to 6:30 p.m. A Funeral Service will follow at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Mike Beverly officiating. Eulogy will be given by Mike Gonce, and music provided by Indian Springs Christian Church choir. Committal Service and Entombment will be Tuesday, January 23, 2024 in the Chapel of Mausoleum Two beginning at 1 p.m. Pallbearers include Tony Perez, Adrian Perez, Joel Gonce, Elgin Gonce, Tony Barger, and Jeff Barger.\ Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Malone, Bill Anderson, Mac McCarthy, Mike Messamore, and members of Indian Springs Optimist Club.
The legacy of Dee Gonce will stand for eternity. Her impact on the community will never be forgotten, nor her hard work and selfless spirit. She will forever be known as a loving wife, mother, grandmother (momaw), friend, and community servant. Dee's life exceeds more than imaginable, and we are all blessed because if it.
To further serve the community Dee loved, donations can be made to Indian Springs Christian Church (5536 Kiowa St - Kingsport, TN 37664) or Indian Springs Optimist Club (273 Emory Church Rd - Kingsport, TN 37664).
Memories and condolences can be shared with the Gonce family by visiting www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park 4997 Memorial Blvd. Kingsport, TN 37664 is in charge of arrangements. (423) 288-2081.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marlene Gonce
Sponsored by East Lawn Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Rick and Kaye Malone
December 19, 2024
I especially remember Dee this time of year because of how she loved Christmas and how she strived to live long enough to see her grandson spend his first Christmas with his new family. Her last request from Kaye and me was for us to share some of our Christmas boiled egg custard made from my great grandmother´s recipe. We loved her like a sister and miss her deeply.
Rick and Kaye Malone
Brent A. White
January 20, 2024
I remember Dee Gonce, who worked with my father, Dr. Ralph White, as a sweet, kind person and a dedicated professional. Along with my mother Carolyn and my brother and sisters, we express our sincere condolences to Mrs. Gonce's family. We couldn't be more grateful for Mrs. Gonce's tireless support to my father's dental practice, where she worked for some 35 years, and for her kind and gentle spirit that she freely shared with patients, her fellow employees, and Dr. White's family.
Mike Messamore
January 19, 2024
Dee and her husband Don were the backbone of the Indian Springs Optimist Club for over 30 years. Their sons, Donnie and Mike have been instrumental in keeping their legacy alive. I've considered them friends ever since I moved to the area in 1997. Thousands of youth in our area have benefitted from their willingness to help our youth. We are sad but know they are united again. Prayers for the family!
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