Naomi Hartman Cunningham

Maryville - Naomi Howard Hartman Cunningham age 98 of Maryville passed away on Dec. 24th. Born on Jan. 20, 1927 in Kingston, Tn. To parents John Sewell and Florence Marnette Howard. She graduated from Roan Co. High School in 1944 and attended the University of Tennessee. Naomi married Jack Lyle Hartman Sr. In 1950. In 1955 they were founders of Hartman's Flowers. They also built the Mt. Vernon apartments, acquired a motel and several rental properties.

Naomi was a well known artist and member of the Tennessee artist association. She was a Girl Scout leader at New Providence Presbyterian Church. She was on the board of directors at the Blount Co. Children's Home, was the first woman chairman of the Board of Finance at First United Methodist Church, volunteered as a "Pink Lady" at the hospital, a counselor at Contact Tele-ministries and helped with the Younglife program in Maryville and at Windy Gap. She was in charge of the parents Band Booster Club at Maryville High School for several years. In later years she played her accordion and harmonica with her band The Turkeys in the Straw playing at churches, nursing homes and several local venues. She loved helping people and sharing her talents. The beauty that many recognized on the outside was a mere Fraction of her internal beauty. Throughout her life, Naomi was known for her strong devotion to her faith and her genuine love for her family and friends. She will be remembered for her compassion, kindness and grace.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Jack Lyle Sr., her son Jack Hartman Jr., her grandsons Wesley Smith and Patrick Johnson, son in law Bob Johnson, second husband Joe L Cunningham and sister Lucille Browder of Kingston.

Naomi is survived by her daughters Patti Johnson and Holly (Mike) White; Grandchildren Tyler and Brad Hartman, Alex and Jackie Johnson, two great grandchildren Madison and McKenzie Hartman. Daughter in law and husband Vicki and John Hinkle. Special nieces, Carolyn (Richie) Blackerby of Morristown, Lilian (Buddy) Clark of Tallahassee, Fl. GeorgeAnna (Gary ) Bacon of Brentwood, Sarah ( George )Whittaker of Jacksonville, Fl. Rebecca (Will) Wolfenbarger of Maryville, Jane Hartman of Gray, Tn. Jan (Ron) Smulcer off Houston, Tx, Lauren (John) Gabriel of Ft. Campbell, Ky. Special Nephews Johnathan (Sandy) Hartman of Limestone, Tn. David (Pat) Boshears of Johnson City, Tn. Mark Boshears ( BJ )of Kingsport, Tn. Walter (Paula) Hartman of Antioch, Tn. John (Pat) Browder of Kingston.

Funeral Service will be held Sat. Jan. 3rd at First United Methodist Church of Maryville. Family will receive friends from 11:00am-1:00pm. The service will be at 1:00pm and a graveside service will follow at Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Celebrate Recovery at First United Methodist Church 804 Montvale Station Rd. Maryville, TN 37803.

Friends of The Smokies 3099 Winfield Dunn Pkwy Kodak, Tn 37764

Second Harvest Food Bank 136 Harvest Lane Maryville, Tn 37801

Blount Hearing & Speech Foundation 1619 East Broadway Ave. Maryville, Tn 37804. Arrangements by Miller Funeral Home, Maryville TN