Joe Anne Lintz

1926 - 2025

Joe Anne Lintz

Born: August 31, 1926 | Died: December 16, 2025

Joe Anne Ottinger Lintz, 99, passed away peacefully on Tuesday at Ben Atchley Veterans' Home.

Joe Anne was born on August 31, 1926, to Victor and Stella Easterly Ottinger of Midway, Tennessee and was baptized and confirmed at Sinking Springs Lutheran Church.

Joe Anne had a desire to teach from the time she was 5 years old. She was educated at Midway Elementary and Mosheim High School. She began college at the age of 16 and received her B.S. and M.A. Degrees from East Tennessee State University. She served 36 years as a teacher and librarian in Greene County, Kingsport, and Greeneville City Schools. Her last 25 years were at Chuckey-Doak High School as librarian.

Joe Anne married Charles Lintz on July 28, 1948. They had two children, Martha Nannette Lintz and James Allen Lintz, both predeceased their parents. After 67 years of marriage, Charles passed away in 2016. Joe Anne was also preceded in death by her brothers: Lynn Easterly Ottinger and Gene Allen Ottinger.

Joe Anne belonged to the National Education Association, Tennessee Education Association, and the Greeneville/Greene County Education Association. She was a charter member of the Tau Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa International Teachers' Sorority and a member of Eastside Garden Club and Andrew Johnson Women's Club.

After her retirement she volunteered at Tusculum University Library, Doak House Museum, and Greeneville Greene County History Museum (formerly known as Nathaniel Greene Museum). She belonged to and supported many other worthy organizations and causes. She especially loved children and wanted everything for them which would better their lives.

Joe Anne served in almost all positions in her church, Reformation Lutheran. The Lintz family was always there whenever the church doors were open. She was a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class, Carrie Cobble Women's Circle and taught most all ages in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at some time or another. She was on the Church Council several times and was the first woman President of the Council. She was a Stephen Minister, Lay Reader and on the Altar Guild.

Her most difficult life situations, of course, were when she and Charles lost their son in 1979 in an automobile accident and their daughter in 2000 from Multiple Sclerosis. Charles and she never cast blame on God or anyone during their heartaches. They never lost faith and thanked God each day for giving them the strength and courage to face these adversities. God must have had a plan, and their prayer was that they were helping God carry out His plan. The love and respect which she and Charles had for each other never wavered. If anything, it became stronger as they suffered together.

One of Joe Anne and Charles' great joys was their God Grandchild Kira and her mother Cindy. Kira was Nan's Godchild and Cindy was Nan's best friend. They did everything for Charles and Joe Anne just as if they were their children. That gave them great joy through the years. Birthdays, Christmases, Mother's Days and Father's Days and all the days between they were never forgotten.

Joe Anne is survived by Cindy Krusenklaus, Kira (Brian) and Kelsey and Nora Morgan; cousins: Patty Driskill and David Easterly; niece: Davinda Winter; nephews: T.J. Davis, Jeff Lintz, Jason Lintz, and David Lintz; and great niece: Dana Nidiffer; and great nephew: Erich Winter.

Joe Anne loved the Lord and wanted us to share Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God and Psalm 122:7 – Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.

She loved you all and looks forward to seeing you in heaven!

Visitation will be at Reformation Lutheran Church from 1 - 2 pm on Monday, December 22nd, with funeral services following at 2 pm. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pastor Mike Sauls officiating.

Pallbearers will be Neal Holladay, Tom Bible, Mike Finchum, Erick Winter, Brian Morgan, and Travis Shults.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Greeneville Greene County History Museum, 101 West McKee Street, Greeneville, TN 37743.

Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.