Leona Grace (Souder) Tilson

Leona Souder Tilson, age 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Jefferson Park in Dandridge, TN.  Leona was born on April 9, 1931, in Pittsburgh, PA. She moved to Tennessee to attend Tusculum College and there met her future husband, Joe Tilson. They moved to Morristown in 1964.

Leona was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Morristown.  She was also a dedicated advocate for literacy and served on the board of the Morristown-Hamblen Library for many years, as well as participating in the Friends of the Library organization. She loved working with flowers, reading, watching University of Tennessee sports, and keeping up with current events and politics.

Leona was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Joe Tilson; her parents, Mervin and Lena Souder; her sister, Elizabeth Howard; and brother, David Souder.

She is survived by her son, David (Terri); daughter Susan of Seattle, WA; daughter Laura Watkins (Tony); grandson Jake Watkins; granddaughter, Maddie Watkins; and great-granddaughter, Aubree Watkins; nephews Doug Howard, Dave Howard, Tom Howard, and niece Sherah Howard Perry, and their families; and special friends, neighbors, and caregivers.

Sincere gratitude to the staff of Jefferson Park and Smokey Mountain Hospice for their care and compassion.

The family will be receiving friends from 3:00 – 5:00 on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home in Morristown, TN.  A graveside service will be held at 1:00 on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Shiloh Presbyterian Church in Greeneville, TN.

Donations may be made to the Morristown-Hamblen Library, 417 West Main Street, Morristown, TN 37814, or a charity of choice.

Arrangements by Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home.

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