Frances Prince Corlew

Frances Prince Corlew, age 94, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years the Rev. Dr. Andrew J. Prince- long time beloved pastor of the West Hills Baptist Church. And also by Jack Corlew of Murfreesboro, Tn. known for his integrity and generosity, who brought her great joy. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Keilah Gonzalez-Bonilla and the staff at Little Creek for the outstanding care she received the last few years of her life. Each of you is a gift from God!
She was a devoted wife, mother and classroom teacher remembered for her strong advocacy of public education, helping students to dream great dreams and becoming involved in those dreams well beyond her own classroom.
In 1987, Governor Ned McWherter appointed her as Assistant Commissioner of Education, placing her in charge of the Career Ladder for teachers. She brought a voice for policy making in the State Senate, House of Representatives, the State Board of Education, and in her dealings with
various regional and national groups.
She was honored by Knoxville's Tribute to Women as Woman of the Y ear in Education. After delivering the Commencement Address at Carson Newman College, she was presented the highest award presented by the college to a community leader, the Algernon Sidney Sullivan Award. George Peabody of Vanderbilt University Roundtable honored her with an Outstanding Educator Award. After retiring from education, she served on the Duke University Board of Trustees Baptist House of Studies and as Scholar in Residence for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty.
Frances was also preceded in death by her parents Frank and Ruth Willson, by her siblings Caroline Warner, Bunny Evans, Dot Stoess and Eb Willson. She is survived by her brother Bill Willson (Marie), children Karen Roden (Stan), Fran DeLozier (Rob), Dr. Ty Prince (Suzanne), Rev. Drew Prince (Kim), by her grandchildren Blake and Grant Roden, Will and Davis DeLozier, Taylor and Jack Prince and Greer and Elle Prince, by her great grandchildren Weston and Bennett Roden, Kayla and Aubrey Roden, Hayden Dowdy, by Jack Corlew's granddaughter Jesse Haines Bournemann and her mother Melinda Haines, by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, and by a church family that loved and respected her deeply.
Frances was also an incredible musician and devoted her life to the highest standard of music at West Hills Baptist Church. A celebration of her life will be held there on Saturday January 18th at 12pm with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating. A reception in the fellowship hall will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made to West Hills Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com.