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Nancy Kerr Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Kerr
Sponsored by Tender Heart Support Services for Seniors-Knoxville, TN.
Carole Benoist
April 29, 2020
My dear Tenn. friend, Nancy Kerr, such a wonderful, loving, caring person who always was there when someone needed her help. She would drop anything she was doing at that time, Grab her car keys, and off shed go ,,,,, wherever she was needed,
A. truly beautiful person, who is still missed, when I think about my friend in Knoxville, Tenn.
Fondly,
Carole Benoist And Family
Betty Knight
October 18, 2007
Written: June 26, 2006
Nancy Kerr was the most selfless person I ever met. She always was thinking about what she could do for others. When I started working at Ft.Sanders Covenant Homecare in 1983, Nancy was a hospice nurse.
She didn't just go and visit a patient if they were extremely ill and not expected to make it through the night, she spent the night with them. She had a heart of pure gold.
Also, Nancy liked to give to her co-workers. In 1987, when I was getting married, Nancy graciously let us use her chalet in Gatlinburg on our honeymoon.
Both, Nancy & Jim were loving and Kind.
Betty Knight
Knoxville, TN
Sam Brown
January 11, 2007
NURSES'S WORLD WAR II WORK LAID FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE HOSPICE CARE
(By Sam Brown)
It could have been a Hollywood movie.
She was a young, stunningly beautiful English nurse who cared for wounded British and American troops in World War II. Several dying soldiers called her an angle. Some said she looked like Katharine Hepburn. She was 18 and a student nurse when Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France. She remembers D-Day well, comforting many wounded and dying soldiers who were brought back from the front lines. After the war, she married Jim Kerr of Knoxville after saying she would never marry an American. She became the first hospice nurse in the state of Tennessee.
This is not a Hollywood script. It is the story of Nancy Wilkie Kerr.
She was born near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she spoke Malay and Chinese before she learned English. Kerr was 13 in Southhampton, England, when World War II started. She lived through German bombing raids and recalled when three British Spitfires flew up to meet 20 German bombers. The air raid sirens and the screams of the wounded were etched in her memory. She wanted to help, so she became a nurse. During the war, she worked 12-hour shifts for six weeks and got two days off. Kerr once said, ``I look in the face of death every day.''
It was invaluable experience for what was ahead in her life.
In 1979, Kerr helped establish the first hospice program at Fort Sanders Hospital. It was also the first program of its kind in Tennessee.
I was anchoring television news for Channel 6 in 1979 and heard about the hospice program. It intrigued me. I had never heard of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, who founded the concept in England. Hospice is a medieval term meaning a stopping-off point for weary travelers.
In 1969, Kubler-Ross wrote the book ``On Death and Dying.'' She presented the premise that the terminally ill go through various stages from denial to acceptance as death closes in. Hospice allows them to face death with dignity. Hospice tries first and foremost to relieve pain with medication, to prepare the patient for death both mentally and physically and, if possible, to let the patient die peacefully at home.
Kerr felt the terminally ill should not die in a sterile hospital room. In a span of 25 years, she comforted more than 500 families as their loved ones went through the stages of death with dignity. Shortly after the Knoxville program started, I did a two-part TV series on hospice with Kerr.
She told me, ``You become a definite part of each family with which you work. Of course you get emotionally involved, but we try to aim for what we call a `good death' where they are tranquil and accepting. No joyous or euphoric but rather accepting.''
Kerr died in May at the age of 80, just before her death, she was still doing what she did best--nursing the sick and terminally ill. And comforting their families. The tributes poured in at her funeral.
Patty Loveday wrote in the guest book, ``She helped us through two long months of Mother's illness. We could never have brought Mother home without her. She was truly a wonderful nurse. We felt like she was part of the family,''
Nancy's number three son, Chris and his wife, Karen, carry on her legacy with their company. Tender Hearts Support Services, which provides companionship for the elderly with a hospice approach. ``We are trying to keep Mother's mission alive. She was truly a remarkable woman,'' Chris Kerr said.
Ironically, Nancy Kerr did not die in a hospice environment. On the afternoon of May 1, 2006, she was killed instantly in an auto accident on Alcoa Highway.
A friend at her funeral perhaps said it best. ``Heaven has gained a new angel.''
1959 or so Jim, Nancy, and the 4 boys! Terrell, David, Chris & John
August 29, 2006
1978- Nancy Kerr RN, with Patricia Neal- Founder of the Patricia Neal Rehabilation Center -Knoxville, TN
August 29, 2006
Barbara Lockett
July 4, 2006
I knew of John Kerr when I attended Young High School. 25 years later, his mother, Nancy Kerr came into our lives.
My sister and brother-in-law were expecting their her first child. My husband and I were expecting our second child. We were so excited about being pregnant at the same time. Mom was so happy...
Mom had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. We were devastated. Nancy taught us how to take care of mom and counseled us as a family and individually. She was such a strong and compassionate woman. She was so attentive to Mom. She made sure we had everything possible to make her comfortable. It was so hard to see someone you loved going through so much. Nancy was so loving and gentle. I was 8 months pregnant with our second child. I remember Nancy taking me for short walks in the yard. She would put her arms around me as we walked, talking about my emotions and what was going to happen. She counseled each one of us. She was our rock.
I can't help but cry while writing this letter. It brings back so many memories. She helped us understand the death process, to talk to Mom, to be able to share our feelings, to let her go, and let her know it's OK.
Nancy spent so much time with us in a few short weeks. She was always there when we needed her. The night before Mom died, Nancy had been there most of the day, and later, she and Jim came back and stayed the night. I remember one night, her laying down on the front porch glider in front of Mom's bedroom window. Refusing a bed or couch, she rested briefly keeping a close vigil on Mom. She helped us prepare for Mom's death, emotionally and physically. We cried rivers. I remember Nancy telling me as a little girl she was taught not to cry. I loved to hear her talk. She was so proud of her family, especially her sons. She would often tell us little stories about them to take our thoughts away from Mom's suffering and to give our minds a brief respite. Nancy was so strong and compassionate. She gave us strength and comfort. I can only imagine how many families and lives she has effected through the years. We quickly bonded with Nancy.
Nancy Kerr was the best thing to come into our lives at the worst time of our lives. She was with us until the end. She was there through the funeral and kept in touch for sometime after that. We wrote the Hospital Administrator a three page letter praising Nancy and Hospice Care. I can only imagine the sacrifices Nancy and her family made for her doing what she did. She was so precious. A stranger in our home that we quickly fell in love with.
Before she died, Mom spoke several times of seeing a beautiful angel by her bed. She knew...
Nancy was our Angel.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Barbara Lockett & Family
Family of Hospice patient, Gladys Green - 1981
Sharon Rogers
July 3, 2006
Dear Jim & Family;
We just learned of Nancy's passing and we are deeply saddened. May you find comfort in reading just how she touched so many lives.
My family became acquainted with Nancy & Jim in the May of 1981. Our mother had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Nancy & Beth became a member of our family almost immediately. They were welcomed by all and we looked forward to seeing her wonderful smile and big bear hugs.
My sister and I were both pregnant and not due until the early fall. Nancy would often sit beside us and rub our very large bellies. She would delight my sister and I in discussions of the little one's arrivals. She was such a comfort to our family. We so enjoyed hearing her tell stories of growing up and stories of her four boys and meeting Jim.
The night before our mother passed away we called Nancy late in the evening. She and Jim came right over and they sat with us on the front porch all night long. Just to have her there was a great comfort to us all. She knew the end was near for our mother and wanted to be there to help us in letting her go. We are ever so greatful for her love , support and friendship.
We have often thought of her through the years. When we would discuss her it would bring a smile to our faces and a warmth to our hearts. We are one of many that was blessed in knowing her.
I'm glad she was still living a youthful life @ age 80! I'm sorry that I never followed up in contacting her. I would have loved to hear her voice.
Treasure the wonderful memories and the many years that you had with her. She has left behind a glorious legacy.
Sincerely,
The Daughters of Gladys Green
Barbara Lockett- Knoxville, TN
1951 Passport Photo- "Jim's Favorite"
June 30, 2006
Patty Loveday
June 27, 2006
To the Kerr's: I appreciated your article in the paper about your Mom. She truly was a wonderful hospice nurse to the families she worked with through the years. Nancy was asked to help us when our mother was sent home with cancer in 1979-probably near the beginning of the hospice ministry here in Knoxville. She helped us through 2 long months of mother's illness. Never once was she impatient with all of our questions-just kind and very helpful. We could never have been able to bring mother home without her. Two years later, I think that there was at least one more nurse doing the ministry with her, but she was kind enough to accept our family once again when our brother was in the last stages of cancer. By this time, we felt like she was part of the family. She truly was a wonderful nurse and knew just how to help a distraught family during such a difficult time. I know you will miss her.
Pattie Loveday, daughter of the late Florence Price and sister of the late John R. Price
Terrell Kerr
June 26, 2006
"Pete" and I are staying at the "Big House" for the summer and we have accepted the task of going through Mom's things. The experience is overwhelming. We had no idea how many people she touched during her lifetime including Presidents, Congressmen, Chairmen of Parties and Attorney Generals. She wrote or talked to all. We also, are finding notes of appreciation from her families when she was doing her Hospice work. I think she was accepted as an honorary member of many families. Feel free to drop by and see us. We are doing our best to get things in order. Mom had been working on this task, but her penchant for being a "Pack-Rat hindered this process. We are uncoving treasures along side trash. We will keep in touch.
Jim Dwyer
June 25, 2006
Dear Mr. Kerr and family,
I am not in the habit of reading obituaries (or writing unsolicited emails), but Nancy's Katherine Hepburn-like pose struck me as I flipped through the News Sentinel this evening. I read the text and it enthralled me.
Torn between imposing on your private life and learning more about a great lady, I read through the legacy.com guest book.
It did nothing but inspire me. The setting is familiar. My mother was "Rosie the Riveter" in a aircraft engine factory in Michigan, and my father served with the Flying Tigers in China during WWII. My wife is a RN. I was once president of a hospice foundation in Washington State. Needless to say, the story struck a chord.
I read the personal accounts with sorrow, but also with joy, that one person could touch so many others so profoundly. What marvelous testimonials, and what a wonderful personality!
As an impartial (but not disinterested) third party, I wish you all the grace and comfort the Lord (and your memories) can provide during a time of such great loss.
I only wish I had met her.
Jan 9th, 1947 - Jim & Nancy take off for honeymoon!
June 23, 2006
A portrait by Elizabeth Kerr - Rike, Nancy's Sister-in-law.
June 23, 2006
Nancy Kerr and Beth, bring a comforting touch!
June 23, 2006
~1954 Jim Kerr Wins another Golf Trophey- Nancy Beams!
June 23, 2006
Nancy and brother Edward "Teddy" go to school in England ~ 1937
June 23, 2006
1926 in Malaya - Nancy Wilkie-Kerr with her sister Margo Wilkie-Rogers. Nancy is placed in a basket “in desperation” as she would not stay in the photograph!
June 23, 2006
Nancy Wilkie -Kerr, RN, Tennessee's First Hospice Nurse via Fort Sanders Hospital circa 1978
June 16, 2006
Carole Benoist
June 15, 2006
Memories---
After visiting with Chris and Jim this past Tuesday, just a "flood" of happy memories raced thru my mind--The times spent here in Gatlinburg with Jim and Nancy. Jacques and I would beg them to come up to the chalets--and then, when they arrived--we'd "get" them into the car--drive up to CADES COVE, with a picnic--or over to DOUGLAS LAKE, for another picnic--infact, in soo many of our pictures together--we were always -happy--laughing,
and eating !--ha-- and the eating usually always ended-- with a slice of Nancy's --FRIENDSHIP CAKE--Lordy--just wonder how many hundreds of those wonderful FRIENDSHIP CAKES she made --And- ya know---when we would start back to FL. --she ALWAYS made a special trip up to our chalet with Jim, with two of her cakes for us--one for Danielle, too--our daughter.
I guess I could write for hours about my dear friend, Nancy--when Chris, took us over to their homestead, Tuesday--my heart--- and such wonderful memories just came flooding over me--I feel so blessed to have had her in my life !
Thank you, Chris, for a wonderful morning--
Love you, and God Bless you all--
Carole Benoist
Terrell, Nancy & Chris Kerr - April 21, 2006 Nancy at 80 years, 7 Months!
June 12, 2006
Germaine Gombert
June 12, 2006
Thoughts About Nancy Kerr
March 5, 2006 By Germaine Marie Gombert
I'm feeling very sad today because my friend, Nancy, was killed in a car wreck on Alcoa Highway on Monday. I didn't know about it until yesterday, when 2 friends from the hospital called to ask if I’d seen Nancy’s obituary in the morning paper. I was stunned. Nancy had called me late in the afternoon on Monday and we had talked for about an hour .... like always, we discussed silly stuff and serious stuff .... and we decided I would drive over to her house today so we could go to lunch at RJ's Courtyard, and then dig up peony "starters" from her yard afterwards so I wouldn't have to go out and spend actual money for new plants. We talked about how peony plants outlive us (even Nancy, who is 80) because once established, they last at least 100 years. She laughed about how she was probably the human version of a peony, still ready to live another 20 years or so. As it turned out, she was wrong. I haven't been able to stop thinking about her; and about how, with her passing, a lot of sunshine has gone out of this World forever.
I knew her from the hospital. She was often in the office of my bosses, Nursing Administration, and usually she was in trouble. She was, well....shall we say, ‘unorthodox’ in the way she did things. She was a brilliant nurse, schooled in England, and she started the first Hospice program in Knoxville. But she wasn't exactly a rule follower. She was on the carpet much of the time for things like, sneaking dying patients' pets into their antiseptic rooms via laundry carts; bringing them a pizza or a cheeseburger against doctors’ orders for a restricted diet. She’d go down to Pharmacy or Laundry and purloin whatever her patients needed – despite the outraged sputterings of the various departmental guardians of supplies and appropriate billing protocols. She’d pay for the stuff out of her own pocket, to save time. Which, of course, wasn’t on Accounting’s agenda at all.
Nancy believed that people should be allowed to die with dignity and, whenever possible, in their own homes surrounded by loved ones. So, armed with all kinds of medical paraphernalia, she'd jump in her 4WD jeep and bring medical care directly to them, no matter how remote a location they dwelt. As a consequence, the patients and families loved her -- but her penchant to miss hospital staff meetings, failure to wear her white uniform and nurses' cap, and other frowned-upon multi-infractions caused her to be summoned to The Office (where I was ensconced as Secretary) on many, many occasions. I liked her from the start, and apparently the feeling was mutual. Over the years, she dragged me to Elizabeth Kubler-Ross seminars, hands-on healing workshops conducted by Shaman practitioners, and all sorts of holistic medicine presentations. She believed there were many approaches to healing -- and that administering to the sick, wounded, and dying should not be strictly limited to the “modern” two options: surgery and/or drug intervention. Back in the 70's and 80's, these oddball ideas were considered sacrilege -- and the hospital administrators were in a dither about what to "do" about Nancy. On one hand, she aroused the ire of many members of the long-standing and sanctimonious medical staff, who resented her tendency to make decisions on her own. In those days, nurses were viewed as the handmaidens of the physicians – and it was important to remember to let the doctors think all patient decisions were theirs. The doctors considered nurses who voiced their considerable medical knowledge to be insubordinate. But there wasn’t much they could do about Nancy. Besides being well-loved by the patients and their families for the personal and professional efforts she made in their behalf, she was married to a pillar of the community -- whose business associations included serving on the Board of a prominent local bank and being co-owner of a major local construction contractor; both of which, though the auspices of Nancy and her husband Jim, made generous philanthropic donations to the hospital (as well as to the other hospitals in town). Plus, nothing she did ever killed a patient – they were already dying. She was just finding ways to upgrade their palliative care, and help them through the separation process. So, the "problem" of what to do about Nancy Kerr was pretty much the elephant-in-the-room / that-nobody-mentioned at the hospital medical staff meetings. I admired her greatly. And I helped her in small ways, whenever I got a chance. We shared this symbiotic relationship of both being odd-ball renegades; even though her role was major and mine was minor. Plus, we shared similar philosophies -- which we called ‘the Popeye outlook:” ‘I ‘yam what I ‘yam’ [and whoever doesn’t like that is welcome to get out of my face]. We also shared a special appreciation for the 92 goofy books written by British author, PG Wodehouse.
Around Thanksgiving time last year, she'd called me up out of the blue, with her usual crisp British greeting: "I say, Old Sock, jolly hello! Where the devil have you beeeeen? I've been trying to call you for 15 years!" And we took up where we’d left off, catching up on the happenings of our Significant Others, pets, and gardens. When we got together at Red Lobster last winter, I was amazed to see she was still the youthful, beautiful woman she'd been when I first met her back in the 70's. She hadn't changed a bit; didn't look a day over 55 ! ‘though she was convalescing from a recent, 2nd, mastectomy, she was as energetic and lithe as ever. Her aqua-blue eyes still sparkled; her peaches & cream complexion was still radiant; and her fair hair was pulled up on top of her head with a pencil stuck through it like always. After that, we stayed in touch with some frequency. Whenever we'd phone each other, or meet each other at her big old [haunted] farmhouse or my little brick one in Norwood, it was always, "Greetings, Old Sock." I know she was 80 years old, but she seemed the same as she’d always been. She didn’t have the hang of being an ‘old lady.’ Her wittiness and Katherine Hepburn-esque presence made her ageless.
On Monday, we talked about our various plans for the upcoming week – she had places to go, things to do, people to see. Her conversation was full of her usual intelligent introspection and wit . We decided to do lunch at RJ’s Courtyard on Friday (today). I'm sure it didn't dawn on her -- as certainly it didn't dawn on me -- when we rang off, that at that moment of time as we know it in this world, she had only about an hour to live. We’d sometimes talked about how we wanted our own worldly departures to be….. she couldn’t abide the notion of a long and drawn-out passage of death. She preferred going out with a bang, as would the ocean liner Queen Elizabeth, “with all her flags flying.” And as it turns out, that is pretty much the way it happened,.
Goodbye, Old Sock. I am going to miss you, truly /gmg
Christopher Kerr #3
June 2, 2006
Often at the end of a game, when the victory is sure, COACH will take that special player out of the game early. When a most valuable player comes out, they are often greeted by an thunderous standing ovation... It allows those to whom so much has been given by the efforts of the player to give something back. The Jim Kerr Family would like to thank each of you for all of your tremendous support given to us during a difficult time. Through God’s help and yours, we have been able to celebrate and cherish our mom’s wonderful life. We have been overwhelmed the outpouring of sympathy, prayers, letters and by the large number of charitable gifts given to both the Interfaith Clinic and Salvation Army. We had no idea how busy mom had been, even recently, with her adopted hospice families. We have discovered that the “Nancy Kerr Fan Club” was much larger than we had ever imagined. Nancy led a storybook three part life. She was born in Malaysia, worked as a Registered Nurse in wartime England and after breaking her promise to “Never marry and American”, raised 4 boys (Terrell, David, Chris & John) in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you have a story of how Tennessee’s first hospice nurse, Nancy Joan Ridgewell Wilkie Kerr, positively impacted your life or the life of your loved one, we would love to hear about it! Please leave letters on the Knoxnews.com / sign-in portion of the of the legacy.com obituaries or send letters and photographs to NJK / Tender Heart Support Services for Seniors, 9724 Kingston Pike, Suite #303, Knoxville, TN 37922 / e-mail to [email protected]
Jim, 1st son Terrell and Nancy Kerr in 1949
June 2, 2006
Patty Harmon
May 9, 2006
I will miss Nancy very much. I was one of the many "adopted daughters" of Jim and Nancy. I pray for peace for the whole family at this time.
Jim Geiger & Missy (Geiger) Hennon
May 6, 2006
We send our sympathy to your entire family. Nancy will be missed. She touched so many people through Hospice. She was a truly unique soul and lived a remarkable life.
Vicki Beaman-Yuille
May 5, 2006
Dear Kerr Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you during this time of loss.
Your loss is heaven's gain, as the angels rejoice in Nancy's arrival!
May the Lord comfort you and give you strength in the days ahead.
Love, in Christ,
Vicki Beaman-Yuille and Bill Yuille
(Florence, Alabama)
Hugh Ladd
May 5, 2006
Dear Kerr Family,
Growing up in Lake Hills just would not have been the same without your family right in the center of it. Nancy was such a special person and is a part of many wonderful memories I have growing up.
Heaven has gained a new Angel. GOD Bless you all.
Judy Flaherty
May 5, 2006
Jim, May God bless you and your family, I have such "fun" memories of Nancy when I was groing up, as a child, in Highland Hills,my parents, Frances&Henry Herbert, friends-Tommy&Ann Hines, Mickey&Ben Miller, the Post's, Hasson's, Myers,Christophers, what a wonderful neighborhood for us as children,even as children we were in such "awe" of Nancy,she was the adult in the neighberhood, that was so "with it" so much fun, and so loved by us all.
Judy Allen Flaherty ( child of Frances Herbert)
DANIELLE KRZYWADA
May 5, 2006
TO CHRIS,KAREN AND THE ENTIRE KERR FAMILY:
A WONDERFUL WOMEN THAT I CARRY IN MY MEMORIES FROM 30 YEARS AGO AS I BECAME TO KNOW CHRIS AND MOM AND DAD IN MY DAYS IN CHALET VILLAGE WITH MY PARENTS, JACQUES AND CAROLE BENOIST. I CAN NOT IMAGINE THE PASSING OF ONE OF MY PARENTS, BUT I DO KNOW THAT I CARRY A SMILE KNOWING THAT ALL OF HEAVEN IS SMILING BACK AT US WITH NANCY NOW IN THE HANDS OF GOD. I PRAY FOR YOUR COMFORT AND KEEP MANY MEMORIES THAT SHE SHARED WITH HER FRIENDSHIP WITH MY MOM. MY MOM WAS JUST SPEAKING OF HER AND ANXIOUS TO SEE HER SOON IN TENNESSEE. SHE WILL GET THAT MEETING ONE DAY..STILL
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL AND YOUR LOVING FATHER AS WELL.
Suellen Lund Davis
May 5, 2006
Mrs. Kerr will be greatly missed. I used to live down the street from her and grew to love her very much. You all are in my prayers.
Michael & Jan Seeley
May 5, 2006
Dear Kerr Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of such an amazing, remarkable, and loving woman. She will be remembered as a shining example to us all. Take comfort knowing that you will be in our hearts and our prayers. God Bless the Kerr Family.
Alan & Angela Harmon
May 5, 2006
Chris and Karen,
We are truly sorry to hear about your mom's death. We are still living in Memphis and would love to visit with you but our oldest daughter is graduating from the University of Memphis on May 6. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through the memorial service.
Cheryl Collette
May 5, 2006
Chris:
Losing a mother isn't easy at all...but with the help of the Holy Spirit, it's bearable. Lean on, trust in, and rely on Him each and every day.
With love,
Alan, Cheryl, Rachel, Jake, & Caleb Collette
Barbara and Bud Sherrod
May 5, 2006
Terrell and Pete,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to help.
May 5, 2006
Greatly missed by all of your friends at SunTrust Bank in Bearden.
Holly Deeds
May 5, 2006
My thoughts are with you in this difficult time. Nancy was an inspiration to so many people, and I know that the good work she started will continue through the people who knew and loved her.
Barbara Nicely
May 5, 2006
I first met Nancy when she came to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center to establish our Hospice program back in the late '70s. She was a wonderful person who touched many lives and was a very fine and classy lady.
Rev. Chuck Webb
May 4, 2006
Mr. Kerr, Terrel, David,Chris & John
We are praying for all of you and remebering what great memories we have to cherish of growing up in your yard the football games and the great hospitality and food your Mom would always fix for all the boys , you all were more then neighbors & friends but family !
What a great legacy of your Mom's true ministry of caring and healing and your Dad's service to the community through The Salvation Army and My Mom , my Grandmother Maxey ,my Dad & Randy loved her greatly as my words cannot express what your family has been to me.
May The Lord Jesus draw near to you now and forever more
Our Love & Prayers
Rev.Charles Maxey Webb & Family
Pauline and Ed Perry
May 4, 2006
Our hearts and our prayers go out to the Kerr family. We know this grand lady will be missed by all.
Larry Henderson
May 4, 2006
Hello to Jim and David. This is
Larry Henderson of Knoxville.
You guys probably don't remember
me but I remember you guys very
well. I was a Fort Sanders
orderly back in the 1970s and I
worked with Nancy and took care
of David on 3 west along with Sue
Griffith and other nurses. I
truly admired and was awed by Mrs
Kerr. She enthralled me with her
stories about war time England.
I remember one of her stories in
minute detail as a matter of
fact. Her mild English accent I
loved along with her constant
sense of humor and bubbly
personality. Where did she get all
that energy and optimism by the
way? She was a very hard working
nurse and always seemed happy. If
I had been an older fellow
instead of an early twenties
kid.......hee hee! Sincerely
fellows, Nancy was a rare jewel.
She inspired in me the longing to
one day make a trip to the UK. I
finally took my wife and two sons
to England in Aug 2001. Believe it
or not I thought about her while
I was there! Then, amazingly, I
was working at McNutt-Brown
company (1998-2002) and she came
in one day! I could not believe
that she remembered me after all
those years but she did and gave
me a BIG hug! What a God given
coincidence!! It was so good to
see her again! I'll always
remember Nancy Kerr. Incredibly
kind and decent lady. God bless
her and all her family. I'm going
to write my buddy in Halesowen
England and tell him about Nancy
Kerr R.N. and how fortunate I was
to have worked with and known her
for a short while. I'll always
remember her.
sincerely, Larry D.
Henderson, former Ft Sanders
orderly, 1972-1977.
Sue Haun
May 4, 2006
Nancy left an indelible imprint on my heart and life in 1980. I was a 23 yr old volunteer with hospice. I was looked upon as a "kid" in meetings, but Nancy validated my heart's experience with living and dying, even if I happened to be young. You say she died suddenly, how gracious of God to allow her to cross over quickly. I still continue to hold hands with those crossing over, or the ones left behind. Those we have truly loved, we will always love, and that which was deeply felt, we will always feel. Remember, death can take all things save one - Love remains, for love alone is real. God is Love. God's blessings on you all.
Margaret Goodman
May 4, 2006
I cannot believe that this beautiful lady and wonderful friend is gone. I will always be grateful for her helpfulness to our family in several times of crisis. My love and sympathy to Jim and the rest of the family.
May 4, 2006
Dear Family, no words can convey the sorrow we feel for you. God Bless. UT Area Sertoma
Evelyn (Price) Larson
May 4, 2006
May your Lord and friends give you the needs that comfort the family as a reminder of the many families Nancy comforted in her life. She was with my family twice and I will never forget Jim and her leaving the TN ballgame in 1982 (the opening game) to come to my home with our family in the passing of my husband. May God bless all of you and give you peace.
Amy Deeds
May 4, 2006
I'm so sorry to hear of your immeasurable loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we share your grief.
Carole Benoist
May 4, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you on the loss of --one fantastic, loving--Mother, wife, grandmother, great gram- who was always there for everyone-- Our friend--
Carole and Jacques Benoist and Family
Lennie Robertson
May 4, 2006
25 years ago or so, when I was just a 20-somthing kid, I had the great pleasure of traveling with Nancy for a month, visiting her hospice patients and taking pictures. This experience had a profound impact on me, teaching me lessons that are so very valuable in my every day life. Nancy made a lot of peoples lives and death MUCH better. I am proud to be one of them.
Betty Davidson Frierson (Mrs. Laurance W.,II)
May 4, 2006
Jim, my heart goes out to you and your sons at this time and in the days ahead. I was both very sad and shocked to hear about Nancy, whom I loved and admired for all that she accomplished, her beauty and positive outlook, and her caring personality.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love,
Jean Jolly
May 4, 2006
Thank you for helping our family so very much when our Mother died in 1979.
Brenda Giles
May 4, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Hal & Flo Damron
May 4, 2006
Sending a deserving 'snappy-salute' in memory of an 'All-American' precious lady--Nancy Kerr.
Our thoughts and prayers for the Kerr family.
Lee Hefley West
May 4, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I remember all the wonderful times sitting at the Kerr's dinner table with Nancy, Jim, the boys and whomever happened to be around.
Ann Rita Ditmore
May 4, 2006
Dear Kerr Family,
You are all in the thoughts and prayers of my family. We are all terribly sorry for your loss. I always thought of your Mother as a real LADY. She always presented herself with such class and was truly a beautiful woman. I lost my Mother three and a half years ago so I know how you feel but most importantly I know that she will live within you for the rest of your lives and she is watching over you each and every day. May the peace of the Lord be with you always and may you find comfort in God's love and from your circle of family and friends.
Ann Rita Ditmore
Tim and Nancy Kirkland/Guffey
May 4, 2006
Just wanted to let you all know we are thinking of you and send our deepest sympathy. She was a very lovely lady and we hope you find comfort knowing it was truly, a full and meaningful life well lived.
Barry L Bradley
May 4, 2006
What a great lady.
David E. Smith
May 4, 2006
Nancy was a gracious and generous lady. We looked forward to her smiles and hugs during the years we sat beside her at Sequoyah Church. Dave and Kaky Smith
Mary Baird-Barger
May 3, 2006
Dear Heart, that is what you always called me. I will always love you.
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How to support Nancy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Nancy Kerr's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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