Elizabeth Chastain Emery

Elizabeth Chastain Emery 5/17/1929 – 5/6/2018 Elizabeth (Betty) Emery died on Sunday, May 6th, 2018 at Holston Valley Medical Center following declining health. She is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Roy R. Chastain and Elizabeth Longmire Chastain, her husband, Russell Van Emery, Jr., and her sister, Dorothy Wayne Chastain Coughlin. She is survived by her four children and their spouses; Susan Emery Hubbard (Virgil) of Knoxville, Russell Van Emery III (Carol) of Jackson, TN, Robert Wayne Emery (Susan) and John Franklin Emery (Alisa) both of Kingsport; ten grandchildren, Ryan Hubbard (Jessica), Elizabeth Hubbard Rogers (Mark), Peyton Anne Hubbard (fiancé Randall Schurig), Russell Hubbard, Kate Emery Heginbottom (Roger), Suzanne Emery Bowen (Matt), Harrison Emery, Luke Emery, Reece Emery, and Hannah Emery; three great-grand children, Emily Elizabeth Hubbard, Colton Russell Heginbottom, and Deacon Ryan Hubbard. Betty was born in Knoxville, TN where she resided for most of her life. She graduated from Knoxville High School, and also attended Salem Academy and the University of Tennessee, where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Betty attended West Hills Presbyterian Church, where she was a charter member. She lived briefly in Middle Tennessee, and then returned to Knoxville to work at Southern Bell while her husband, Russ, served in the USAF in Korea. While raising a family and supporting her husband in his growing business, Betty enjoyed an active social life which included a life-long passion for bridge (attaining Life Master status), UT sports, Cherokee Garden Club, Nine O’Clock Cotillion, and bowling. She became a widow in 1972 and continued to raise her children with a tenacity and determination that served her well. While doing so, she also worked as a bookkeeper at Crenshaw Children’s Shop where she loved to interact with people. Following her retirement she volunteered at East TN Children’s Hospital, which filled her with a tremendous sense of purpose and belonging. In November 2016 she moved to Kingsport, TN to live near her two younger children. She was an active participant in the Senior Adult program at First Baptist Church, Kingsport and continued to play bridge at the Kingsport Senior Center while also enjoying the activities at the Preston Place community where she resided. The family will receive friends in Kingsport on Friday, May 11th, from 4:00-5:30 pm at First Baptist Church, Kingsport, with a brief service to follow officiated by Dr. Marvin Cameron. A memorial service and receiving of friends will be held in Knoxville on Tuesday, May 29th at West Hills Presbyterian Church. Details will be announced at a later time. Memorial contributions may be directed to East TN Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, West Hills Presbyterian Church (Knoxville), or First Baptist Church, Kingsport. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.cartertrent.com. Carter-Trent Funeral Home in downtown Kingsport is proudly serving the Emery family.