Betty Walker Curtis

Betty Walker Curtis, age 87 of Knoxville, TN, passed away November 11, 2018. She was a Knoxville native, but also lived in Rogersville, TN where she raised her family of five children. She then moved to Sevierville, TN for ten years before returning to Knoxville in 1985. She was living with her beloved son and daughter in-law, Fred and Brenda Curtis, in Kennesaw, GA at the time of her death. Betty had an infectious smile and laugh, as well as a passion for collectibles. Her black history collection is priceless and contains treasured hand-written letters that historically and respectfully reflect the lives of southern slaves. Betty was President of the Rogersville chapter of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA) and served twice on the State Board. In addition, Betty was a distinguished leader of the East TN Doll Collectors, organized and was President of the Annalee Doll Club for four years, and was very active in the East Tennessee Postcard Club. Betty was a successful homemaker. She was honored as the Tennessee State Young Farmer and Rancher Queen her first year of marriage. In addition, she developed and owned her one-of-a-kind business, “Smoky Mountain Doll Shows.” Betty treasured her relationships with the University of Tennessee. Her father, James J. Walker, was Treasurer of the University for nearly forty years. Betty was the University’s first homecoming queen in 1950. A few of her many honors were: 1949 Outstanding Freshman in the College of Home Economics; Lambda Chi Alpha Sweetheart; Military Queen; Engineering Queen of Diamonds. Three of her sons and three of her grandchildren graduated from the University. Preceded in death by parents James Jackson and Frances Ralston Walker. Survived by son Jack Curtis (Marilyn); son John B. Curtis, Jr. (Lisa); son Fred Curtis (Brenda); son Sam Curtis (Jody); daughter Laura Heeke (John); sisters Mary Ann Haubenreich and Martha W. Hutson; dearly loved grandchildren Jeremy, Abby, Claire, Caroline, Bryan, Nathaniel, Jane, and Jessica Curtis and Amber Heeke; great grandchildren Caleb and Nathalie Curtis; Steven, Curtis, and Abigail Wheeler; and Emmett Sam Walsh. A private family service will be held at Betty’s favorite place - Andrews Bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Tributes

Betty Walker Curtis

November 11, 2018