Lorena Avril Carmen

Lorena Avril Carmen, 93 of Maryville, passed away Monday, June 20, 2016, at Blount Memorial Hospital. Lorena was born in Nashville, TN, to the late Frank and Elizabeth Avril. She graduated from Cumberland High School, George Peabody College, and the University of Tennessee with a Master's degree in special education which she taught for 20 years. She was best known for her giving spirit-whether a recipe or unconditional love to family and all she met. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Maryville and the Garst Sunday School Class. She was preceded in death by her brother Billy Avril. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Alton Cecil Carmen. She is also survived by daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Bill Pedersen; son, Frank Carmen; grandchildren, Laura and Robert Pedersen, Heather, Justin, and Amber Carmen; great-granddaughter, Harper Wilson; sister, Ann Puryear; and several special nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held Thursday, June 23, 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with Reverends Catherine Nance and Parker Benson officiating. A receiving of friends will be held after the service. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Carole Long and the wonderful nurses at Blount Memorial Hospital for the excellent care she received during her extended illness. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, TN 37803.