Mary Anne Cissy Eckert

Eckert, Mary Anne (Cissy), 88, resident of Shannondale Retirement Community of Knoxville, died on Friday, September 10, 2010. Born on March 20, 1922 in Johnson City, she was the daughter of the late William Joshua Barton, Jr. and Louise Parsons Barton. Cissy, so named by her older sister Jane, had a joyful childhood, enjoying games and social activities with extended family and friends. Swimming and tap dancing in her youth were some of her favorite activities. She maintained lifelong friendships in Johnson City and Knoxville, where her family moved during her high school years. Cissy went to work for TVA as a secretary in 1942, after attending the University of Tennessee for two years. After 10 years with TVA, her career became being a homemaker and mother to three. She loved the game of golf, participating every week in “Ladies Day”, and teaching her children to also enjoy the game. Cissy volunteered with the AFS program in Knox County, and the family was privileged to host Arturo from Costa Rica in the 1977-78 school year. Cissy was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church for over 65 years, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon and was always involved in Women’s Association activities. In her seventies, she served with energy as a Stephen Minister, a ministry of compassionate listening to those who have experienced grief or loss. Cissy is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Richard (Dick) H. Eckert; sister, Jane Barton Phillips and husband Richard H. Phillips of Signal Mountain, TN; children Richard (Rich) B. Eckert and wife Karen of Charlotte, NC, Jane H. (Holli) Limbach and husband Judd of Medina, OH, and William (Bill) C. Eckert and wife Marilyn of Springfield, VA. Surviving grandchildren are John and David Eckert of Springfield, VA. In addition to her parents, Cissy was preceded in death by her sister, Adda Barton Chesteen of Huntsville, AL. Memorial Service 2:00 PM Tuesday at Second Presbyterian Church with Reverend Bryan Wilson officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends following the memorial service in the fellowship hall. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 2829 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, The Knoxville Zoo, 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914 or to the Salvation Army, 409 North Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917. Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Mary Anne Cissy Eckert

March 20, 1920 - September 10, 2010