Myrna Wolfenbarger Obituary

Myrna Wolfenbarger

Knoxville, TN

Myrna Faye Woody Wolfenbarger, age 79, of Knoxville left her earthly life on Saturday, December 5, 2015, and is now resting safely in the arms of Jesus. Her life was a demonstration of the love she had for the Lord. For over 50 years, she faithfully served Him through the teaching of His word in Sunday School and Bible studies at Bell Avenue and Buffat Heights Baptist Churches. Myrna was born in Burnsville, NC to the late Zack Woody and Pauline Monday Woody on July 4, 1936. After graduating from East High School in 1954, she married her high school sweetheart, Dowell Wolfenbarger. She was a devoted wife for over 54 years, and considered it a blessing to be a homemaker and mother to their four children. She enjoyed watching the sporting events of her children and grandchildren, the UT Vols and Peyton Manning. Her greatest blessings were her grandchildren and her beloved role as "Nana"! Together they created many precious memories: baking cookies, playing cards and board games, sledding in the snow, decorating for the holidays, reading together, trips to Dollywood and attending church. The testimony she leaves us is one of unwavering faith, Christian guidance, selflessness, unconditional love, acceptance, and dedication to the Lord, family, and friends.

Preceded in death by father, Zack Woody; brother, Neil Woody; mother-in-law, Mercedes Wolfenbarger Foust; father-in-law, Jack Wolfenbarger; and husband E. Dowell Wolfenbarger. Survived by mother, Pauline Woody; children, Sherry Michienzi and husband Mark, Jeff, Paul and Amy Wolfenbarger; grandchildren, Allison Patterson and husband Dusty, Seth Clowers and wife Katie, Elizabeth Wolfenbarger, Anna Heatherly and husband Justin, and Jordan Wolfenbarger; great-grandchildren, Emma and Lane Patterson, Jaxon Beaty, and Elijah Heatherly; brother, Kenneth Woody (Shirley); sister, Carol Pratt (Jerry) and families; extended family, Randy Clowers, Claudia Walsh, Sherri Hill, Jeff Edwards, and Jean Wolfenbarger. To her friends – thank you for the home visits, cards, phone calls and prayers. Our family appreciates the special care given to our Mama (Nana) by Lyndi, Laurel, Julie, Dr. Reese, and Dr. Herman at Ft. Sanders Regional.

Funeral services will be 7:00 PM, Thursday, December 10, 2015, at Bridges Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Phipps and Dr. Jeff LaBorg officiating. Family and friends will meet 11:45 AM on Friday at Greenwood Cemetery for a 12:00 PM interment. The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM, Thursday at Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Dec. 8 to Dec. 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Myrna Wolfenbarger

9 Entries

Sylvia Sproul

December 11, 2015

Myrna's East High classmates extend their deepest sympathies in her death. The Knoxville East High School Alumni Association will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Pat & Kathy Nicely

December 11, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Charlotte Pratt. Pierson

December 10, 2015

you will always miss her, but rely on your wonderful, fun memories when you feel low. My prayers are with you. I've know the Woody family for over 50 years.

Patti Bell

December 9, 2015

Sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers to each of you during this time of sorrow and into the weeks ahead. God Bless.......

Kay Phipps

December 9, 2015

I have looked up to "nana" for many years. She answered many questions for me as well as made me laugh ands gave me assurances.
She will be greatly missed by many.
I love you all and I loved her.

December 8, 2015

Sending my condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time. (Psalm 29:11)

Diane Hinkle

December 8, 2015

A beautiful obituary for a lovely lady. It is so sad to lose a mother. Be happy she was your's and savor the sweet memories. Love you all!

Marvin & Kathy Mitchell

December 8, 2015

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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