Violet Jerlean Gregg Allison

1925 - 2022

NEWPORT - Violet Jerlean Gregg Allison passed away at home Saturday after a lengthy illness. She was 97.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 78 years, Stanley Clee Allison, who passed away Feb. 7, at age 97.

Surviving her are two daughters: Sharon Y. Allison and Jerri Lynn Allison. A devoted wife and mother, Violet always put her family first. Known for her lively sense of humor, she was loved by many friends and neighbors. She will be dearly missed by all.

Born Jan. 3, 1925, Violet was the youngest of Walter and Martha Gregg's six children. She attended O'Dell and St. Tide, local schools in Cocke County. At age 19, she married Stanley C. Allison and lived on Clear Creek all her life.

Her Baptist faith was a constant throughout her years.

While Stanley provided for the family, Violet was devoted to caring for their daughters and their home, yard and garden. Together, Violet and Stanley were avid gardeners. Their expansive vegetable garden was renowned among the many delighted recipients with whom they graciously shared its bounty. Rows of zinnias and sunflowers fed the wild birds Violet's garden joyfully attracted. She loved animals, nature, reading National Geographic and watching PBS.

An accomplished seamstress, Violet sewed for her family as well as friends and neighbors. She excelled in hand quilting, and the beautiful heirloom quilts she spent countless hours making are a legacy to her special talent. Violet also entertained friends and family playing the guitar, fiddle and banjo.

Preceding Violet in death, in addition to her husband and her parents, were an infant daughter: Janet Kay Allison; a brother: Lawrence H. (Christine) Gregg; sisters: Blanche (Omer) Richardson, Rosa Mae (Eulas) Ealy, Charlsie (Larmie) Gregg, and Ardeanas (Frank) Hayes; brothers-in-law: Charles Allison, Frankie (Flossie) Allison, Jeter Freshour, Carl Freshour, Johnny Freshour and Ralph Freshour; and sisters-in-law: Ina Mae Allison Brady and Marie Freshour Ford.

She is survived by sisters-in-law: Carolyn Allison and Elaine Freshour; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat: Trixie.

The family expresses their sincerest gratitude to the staff of Amedisys Home Health and Hospice – Hannah, Laura, Aleshia, Bryan, Jessica, Christy, Jeff and John (clergy) – who took such great care of Violet during her illness. Also, much appreciation goes to family physician, Dr. David Kickliter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Tide Missionary Baptist Church, Friends Animal Shelter of Cocke County, or the American Lung Association.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Manes Funeral Home.

A graveside service will be Thursday at 10 a.m. in Union Cemetery. The Rev. Zane Stuart will officiate.

Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com.