Betty Bryan Whitehead Kinser

KINSER, BETTY BRYAN WHITEHEAD - age 79, passed away on Jan. 8, 2012 after a long and courageous struggle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rev. Keith Whitehead, who died in 1971. Mrs. Kinser resided at the Darby House in Jefferson City with her husband, Rev. James Kinser, since 2008. She had been a member of several Baptist churches in Jefferson County, serving along with her husbands, Keith and Jim, in their ministries. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jefferson City at the time of her death. Betty was born July 11, 1932 in Sevier County, the oldest child of Lois and Rev. Dott Bryan. She attended Porter High School in Maryville, where she met and married Keith Benton Whitehead after her graduation. Their 3 children were born while the couple lived in Maryville. The family moved to Dillwyn, VA in 1957. While in Virginia, Betty graduated from Longwood College in Farmville with a BS in Education, and immediately began a career in education that spanned 35 years. Over those years, she taught at E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, Virginia; also New Market Elementary School and Jefferson County High School in TN. She earned a Master's degree in Education from UT, and completed her career in 2001 after several years serving at Carson-Newman College, coordinating and counseling student teachers in the Education Department. Betty was a devoted wife and mother, and her professionalism as an educator was beyond reproach, touching the lives and hearts of countless individuals. She was always available to mentor and encourage her students, who felt valued when she took a special interest in their lives and development. Ever the southern lady, she always respected and paid attention to softness, gentleness, and beauty. These values carried over into her treatment of others, and many of us were moved by her love. Her life was one of service, listening and giving prayerful support when needed. Betty Bryan Whitehead Kinser embodied the words from Proverbs 31:25-26: "She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future. Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful." Although she was seriously ill for many years after the cancer diagnosis, she continued to be gracious and warm, and remained blessed with a sweet sense of humor into her final days. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Rev. James Kinser; children James Whitehead, Robert Whitehead, and Pat Whitehead Jones (Mike); stepchildren Jim Kinser (Janet), Alan Kinser (Brenda), and Carol Kinser Musick (Claude); grandchildren Robert A. Whitehead, Jennifer DeVisme, Erik Musick, Genan Kinser and Justin Kinser; seven great grandchildren; and brothers Bobby Bryan (Elsie), Harry Bryan (Laura Grace), and Kyle Bryan (Alison). Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City will handle the arrangements. Viewing and visitation will be from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the First Baptist Church, service following at 7 p.m. with Dr. Gene Wilder officiating. Family and friends will gather at 1:45 p.m. Friday at Grandview Cemetery in Maryville for a 2:00 p.m. graveside service. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Keith Whitehead/Betty Kinser Education Scholarship for deserving Jefferson County students, c/o Carson-Newman College, 2130 Branner Ave., Jefferson City, TN 37760 (865-471-2000); or to the Benevolence Fund, First Baptist Church, 1610 Russell Avenue, also in Jefferson City (864-475-3826).