Catherine Buttram (Nonnie) Brinkman

Catherine Buttram Brinkman (Nonnie), age 91, formally of Lakeland, Florida, passed away Saturday, February 7, 2015 at her home in Maryville, TN. from complications of a stroke. She was preceded in death by Earl Ray Brinkman, her beloved husband of 62 years. She is survived by daughters Kaye Brinkman Howell, (Chuck) of Maryville, Lynda Brinkman Mullinax, (Gary), Maryville and sons Larry Brinkman (LaDonna), Centre, AL, and Mike Brinkman(Pat) , Griffin, GA. seven Grandchildren and 3 Great Grandchildren. She was the youngest daughter of James Henry and Bethany Hammond Buttram of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.Born in Bonifay, Florida, she was a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Florida State University with a double major in English and History. Mrs. Brinkman taught at The Chapman School in Miami, Florida, before devoting her life to raising her family, and working with her husband in their Import Company. Her heart was in mission work, through the Church of the Nazarene, of which she was a lifelong member. She served for 10 years as the Central Florida District Missions President for the Church of the Nazarene. Along with her husband, they traveled to many mission fields and built a church in Kenya in memory of Earl's parents, Rev. and Mrs. George Brinkman. Catherine was an eloquent writer and penned a book on their Missions Adventures. In 2009, after the death of her husband, Catherine moved to Maryville, Tn. to be close to her children. She lived in her own home, and loved her new church family at Grandview Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member. After her stroke, her children took loving care of her in her home for 15 weeks prior to her death. Our thanks to Amedisys Home Health Care for their care, comfort and expertise. Visitation will be Wednesday , February 11th, from 5:00 7:00 at Grandview Baptist Church, 2208 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville. Funeral is Thursday, February 12th 2:00, at Grandview Baptist.Mrs. Brinkman will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetary in Lakeland, Florida, next to her beloved husband on Valentine's day which is the anniversary of their engagement. Graveside service will be Saturday at 1:00 at the cemetery and open to friends in the area.