Edith Sisson

Edith Lavonne Sisson, age 85, went to be with the Lord on October 9, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was born on March 15, 1940, in Brevard (Transylvania County), North Carolina, to parents R.V. and Juanita Owen.
Following her graduation from high school, Edith pursued higher education and earned an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Assisting Technology from Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska. Edith spent three years as a cashier at Oregon State University, then dedicated six years as a medical assistant in Knoxville, Tennessee, working for George Weber, MD, as well as Drs. Branson and Morris. Edith also contributed five years as a church secretary in Knoxville, six years as assistant director of the Healing Rooms Ministry of Knoxville, and three years as secretary at a radio station in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her diverse experiences reflected her strong work ethic and heart for service.
Edith was passionate about serving her community through a variety of organizations and remained active in church throughout her life. She served as a Volunteer Group Leader at Turning Point Ministries (later Living Free Ministries) under Dr. Jimmy Lee in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for four years. Edith managed church administration at Trinity Chapel, supporting the church's mission. She also served as a Volunteer Prayer Minister and Team Leader at the Healing Rooms Ministries of Knoxville, providing support and encouragement to those in need. She also served alongside her husband Leonard, the pastor of Grace Connection Church. Edith found joy in baking and cooking for her family and friends, sharing her extraordinary gift of hospitality with all who entered her home. She was a talented seamstress, creating beautiful church banners that inspired her community. Edith also delighted in crafting beaded bracelets, which she lovingly gave as gifts to others. Above all, Edith was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Melodie and Kim, and a steadfast, loving wife to her beloved husband Leonard for 59 years. She poured her heart into creating a warm and welcoming home and was known for her deep compassion in ministering to those facing emotional and spiritual challenges.
She was preceded in death by her parents, R.V. and Juanita Owen; her sisters, Laverne Grant, Lavola Smith, and Virginia Tiedemann; her brothers, Randall and Jay Lee; and her First husband: James Bryson Galloway. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Leonard Sisson; daughters, Melodie (Mike) Vaden and Kim Fonder; grandchildren, Nick (Michelle) Andrew, Jordan (Alicia) Andrew, Jennifer (Larry) Farner, Jillian (Jeremy) Keener, Sarah, and Allison Fonder; great-grandchildren, Cambree, Wade, Weston, Colsen, Collins, Reese, and Winnie Andrew; Jackson, Brandilyn, Halle, and Sydney Farner; and Gage and Ava Keener. She is also survived by her brothers: Gerald (JoAnn) Owen, Claxton (Patsy) Owen, Dan (Helen) Owen, and sister-in-law, Annalou Owen; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews who survive her.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff at Rainforest Landings and UT Hospice (2020–2025) for their compassionate care. They also offer a special thank you to Bridget Woods, whose exceptional skill, compassion and dedication as a private caregiver was deeply appreciated.
A visitation will be held at New Covenant Fellowship Church (6828 Central Ave Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918) on Friday, October 31, 2025, starting at 3:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 5:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Russ Porcella.