Mary Martha Shanks Dorflinger

Mary Martha Shanks Dorflinger, 77, was called to heaven the 17th day of January 2022 in Knoxville, Tn. Mrs. Dorflinger, Martye, was a resident of Knoxville, Tn. She was of Presbyterian belief but was involved with the Methodist Church of Cleveland. She held a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wesleyan College and a Masters of Secondary English Education from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She received the Lottye McCall Scholarship from Delta Kappa Gamma that she used to obtain post-Masters credits from many other Universities. Martye was an educator for almost five decades having taught at Cleveland High School, Alcoa High School, Roane State Community College, and most recently at Greenway School in Knoxville. During the mid-1980’s she worked for the Tennessee Department of Education. In 2021, Martye was recognized for her excellence in education. Martye was a lifelong advocate for the arts and served for ten years as a member of the Advisory Board of Humanities Outreach at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. She was also a member of the Athens-Cleveland Cotillion for forty-five years. Those who knew her best knew her love for animals, especially cats and dogs. In her lifetime, she rescued many. Martye is preceded in death by her husband John Everett Dorflinger Jr, parents Robert Wright, Lucille Shanks Wright, and William Shanks Jr. Grandparents William and Martha Hawkins. Survivors include her son John Everett Dorflinger III. Goddaughter and husband Nichole and Landon Turbyfill. Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Gail and Gary Marino. Niece and husband Tanya and Thomas Casey, niece Kimberly Marino, nephew and wife David and Elizabeth Marino. Great nieces and nephew Caleb Marino, Josephine Marino, and Genevieve Casey. Special friend and wife Mark and Shelly Jones. She will be greatly missed by all her family and many friends. The family will receive friends Tuesday January 25th, 2022 from 5-7 at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Turkey Creek Medical Center Knoxville, Tn or UT Veterinarian Hospital.

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Mary Martha Shanks Dorflinger

April 1, 1944 - January 17, 2022