Mary Zitzman

Mary Mulvina Fowler Zitzman (1929-2023) peacefully departed for her eternal home on Friday, June 23rd, after several weeks in hospice care in Knoxville. She was 94 years old. In her final hours, she was surrounded by loved ones who enjoyed memories of shared blessings, reading scripture, praying, singing hymns and acknowledging the Lord’s faithfulness. Born in Pennsylvania on February 10th, 1929, she was the first child of Dr. Frederick C. Fowler II, a Presbyterian minister, and his wife Anna. She was raised in a loving family in Pittsburgh, and was involved in her church’s music ministry as a young woman. Her much-loved younger siblings Fred (III), Rosalie and Paul all survive her. In 1952, she was married to James A. Zitzman in Pittsburgh. The family’s early years were spent in West Virginia, then Duluth, MN, during the 1960s. In 1969, the Zitzman family relocated to Oak Ridge, TN. Jim and Mary, both educators, were employed by the Oak Ridge Public Schools for many years. Mary taught early grades in several schools, finishing at Woodland Elementary. Their five children (Jim, David, Beth, Rick and Tim) all graduated from Oak Ridge High School. Mary and Jim were longtime members at West Hills Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, where her brother Fred was pastor. She enjoyed many happy years in East Tennessee. A loving wife and mother, she was blessed to be a grandmother of 17 and great-grandmother of 21. Mary was predeceased by her firstborn, James A. Zitzman, Jr. (1955-1983), and her devoted husband James A. Zitzman Sr. (1928-2010).Though her ancestry includes pilgrims, puritans, patriots, pioneers and pastors, she would chiefly want to be remembered as a child of the King, enjoying salvation and eternal security obtainable only through faith in the finished work of Christ on her behalf. Mary is survived by her brother Rev. Frederick C. Fowler III (Suzanne) of Knoxville, her sister Mrs. Rosalie Arnold of Kernersville, NC, and brother Rev. Paul Bucher Fowler (Patricia) of Dallas, TX. Surviving children are David Zitzman (Paula) of Greer, SC, Beth O’Reagan (Patrick) of Burlington, KY, Rick Zitzman (Valerie) of Richmond, VA, and Tim Zitzman (Kathleen) of Knoxville. Mrs. Susan Gilliland, widow of Mary’s son Jim, lives with her husband Dick in Wisconsin. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 15th at 1:00 PM at the West Hills Presbyterian Church, 7600 Bennington Drive NW, Knoxville, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be given to the West Hills Presbyterian Church.

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Mary Zitzman

February 10, 1929 - June 23, 2023