Mickey (Lynda Rexine Mcculloch) Gredig Lyda

Mickey (Lynda Rexine McCulloch) Gredig Lyda died on November 11, 2014, after a twelve-year journey with ovarian cancer. She was born at Camp Polk, Louisiana, on May 22, 1953, to SSGT Rex Gredig and his bride, Mary Lynn McCulloch Gredig. The family stayed there through Mickey's infancy, and then moved to Olympia, Washington. By the time Mickey was of school age, they had returned to Maryville, where she attended Blount County Schools. She received an undergraduate degree in deaf education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. A life-long learner, she subsequently earned an M.Ed. from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga; an Ed.S. from Lincoln Memorial University; and pursued further graduate studies at East Tennessee State University. Mickey began her career by starting the deaf education program in Jackson County, Alabama. After she married, she taught in a large program in Hamilton County, Tennessee, for fifteen years. In 1994, Mickey and her son returned to Blount County, where she taught at William Blount High School for three years before becoming the hearing specialist for Blount County Schools. She was a mentor for many interns who were completing M.Eds. in deaf education. Mickey was honored to maintain these personal and professional relationships through the years. Mickey was fortunate enough to align her passions with her work. She was forever grateful for the opportunities afforded her. She loved animals, and caring for pets was a loved discovered at an early age. Life was not complete without a daily errand, copiloted by a dog. She was especially close to Wilbur, a Schnauzer she adopted when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Wilbur played a pivotal role in Mickey's healing and comfort. One of her biggest regrets was becoming allergic to cats. She was a volunteer and foster parent at Blount County Humane Society. Even with end-stage cancer, Mickey fostered a blind, abused hound dog, Jack. Mickey's thirst to discover, learn, and embrace cultural diversity was realized through her many travels to various countries. She often reflected how an unexpected occurrence during a travel resulted in the best story. Mickey loved to "entertain". But it was just not "entertaining." Mickey's home was a place for people to gather for holidays, special occasions, or a quiet evening. She often experimented on family and friends with new recipes. Always gracious and humble, she joked with her guests that the emergency room was not far from her home. Dinners could occur on the front porch with the smell of fresh boxwoods and roses, or the back deck, with the sun setting behind the rolling hills of Tennessee. Whatever the occasion, time with friends and family was Mickey's passion. Mickey's belief systems were reflected in her love and acceptance for all people she met. She considered all people to be valuable. Mickey's mother, Mary Lynn McCulloch Gredig, died in 2013. Her father, Rex Gredig, survives her, as does her son, Daniel Lyda. She is also survived by her brother, Ben Gredig; his wife, Connie; and their son, Thomas. Her grandfather, Leonard McCulloch, served Blount County as clerk and master for many years. She had no extended family, as she considered cousins, aunts, and uncles to be immediate family. She often reflected on the beauty of life and relationships, and leaving behind so many friends and family. Saying goodbye was one of her greatest sorrows; however, she often reflected this: "All is well with my soul." Ashes will be scattered where this amazing journey began, in Olympia, Washington. Until next time, Love, Mickey. Donations may be made to any preferred Humane Society or to the Wounded Warrior Project. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville 982-6812 www.mccammonammonsclick.com