June Fay Rogers

Rogers, June Fay Gilland, age 78, lost her 15 year battle with the dreaded Parkinson’s. She passed away February 8, with son, Phil, by her bedside—holding one hand on her forehead and the other on her hand. She just seemed to go asleep. Now she is with her Lord Jesus Christ with all the family and loved ones gone before. One morning when Leroy got to the nursing home to share breakfast with his dear Fay, she was all smiles. When asked why such a beautiful smile so early in the morning, she replied: “ I dreamed I died and went to heaven last night—oh, what a beautiful place!” Her biggest trait was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Fay loved life and people, especially children. She taught the first graders at First Baptist Church Maryville, for 21 years. She also worked during vacation bible schools. She especially liked working in the nursery. When her two sons moved out, she would always be eager to hang around to see if she was needed. She loved most sports, however, most especially following her two sons in whatever sport was in season. UT football and Lady Vols basketball have also been a big part of her life. She was a great seamstress-- having worked out her tuition money in the maid shop at Maryville College in 1950- her freshman year. Her oldest son, Randy, played in the band from fourth grade through high school. She was always in the booth working as a band mother and when short, she would fill in. She was a certified CPR and worked at the schools a lot. At Everett High School, she was voted Best All Around, her senior year. {Some may not know Everett was the largest high school In the county back then.} Leroy thinks she was also movie star beautiful! She was captain of the basketball team her senior year- playing her guard position. While at Green Meadow Country Club, she won the nine- hole ladies championship. She loved to water ski. Having seen the ski show at Cypress Gardens, Florida- where the guys would put a skier on their shoulders, she said she could do that and did many times. Not many of her water skiing friends would attempt to get on two guys shoulders and enjoy the scenery atop their shoulders. People who saw her ride her bicycle from Everett High School down the steep grade to her home near Five Points would marvel at the speed she came off the hill. She also loved her time with the Order of The Eastern Star. She was an officer in several positions. She always looked forward to a new year when the worthy matron chose her material for their gowns for her year because she loved to make new gowns. {Some are still in her wardrobe.} Traveling was something very special in her life. Having taken her two sons to Disney World in Orlando, Florida its opening year. Fay mapped out a plan to cover the country in 1975 and 1976. Having lost her father unexpectedly March 25, 1975, she invited her mother to join the family for this 6800 mile trip west. Her mother kept a diary. The boys were 12 & 9. They went to Juarez, Old Mexico, then north to Montana where General Armstrong Custer lost the battle known as The Battle of Little Big Horn fighting the Indians. Leroy served with this famous regiment-The Seventh U. S. Cavalry from 1951 till 1953. 1976 was the bicentennial vacation up the East Coast—stopping at all historic sites. This trip north would end and at Digby, Nova Scotia. This trip covered over 4600 miles. One of Leroy’s army pals, John Elden and wife Joan, from Geneseo, IL. spent two nights with her & Leroy and they “took over the kitchen” those two days. This was very important to Fay- because she was an excellent cook. She was preceded in death by her parents, Commodore Gilland and Pauline Headrick Gilland. Commodore was born at Elkmont. Pauline was born and reared in Wears Valley. Survivors include her husband of over sixty years, Leroy. Sons, Randy, fiancé Krysti Gregory, Phil and wife Jamye. One grandson, Joseph Rogers, son of Randy. Sisters, Phyllis Reneau, from Ellijay, Ga. Evelyn Howard-Don from Columbus, Ga. And brother, Jim of Kingsport & wife Linda. Uncle Carl Headrick of Gatlingburg, Uncle Glen Headrick of Madisonville and ant Maxine Huskey of Wears Valley. Several cousins, nieces, nephews—also great-nieces and nephews. Special people in her life are Al & Myrtis Wilson, of Jackson, TN. Myrtis was her hairdresser from the mid-seventies. Also, special sister-in-law, Betty Rogers—Bill, of Cleveland, Ga. Thanks also to Dr. Glen L. Loveday, Dr. Frederick Radoff, Dr. Tan, Dr. Reisser and Dr. Carole Long for diagnosis, surgery and care all these years. Maryville-Health Care & staff were very special the past three plus years. Eight days were spent in the comfort care wing of Blount Memorial Hospital, where the care and staff were really kind and helpful—also, very caring. Leroy’s dear niece, Dee Renfro and nephew David Rogers, have been so loyal in their visits- wherever Fay was. Lastly and most importantly, Blackwood Insurance & Associates, who have worked with Leroy so many years with their love and support in his caring for Fay. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be sent to the first graders at First Baptist Church of Maryville 202 W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy. Maryville, 37801, or Willadean Barumgardner, 1219 Walker School Rd. secretary of the Mary Blount Chapter of the Order of The Eastern Star-Maryville, 37803. The Celebration of Life will be Friday February 10, in McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home Chapel receiving friends from 5 to 7—with service to follow. The Interment will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday in East Maryville Baptist Cemetery.