Alice Driver Bratten, age 82, of Knoxville, TN, passed away gently on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. She was born on December 11, 1941 in Knoxville to parents Ralph and Ruth Meade Driver. She was a graduate of East High School, Class of 1959, and went on to attend The University of Tennessee, Class of 1964.
Alice was one of those treasured educators that knew how to make even the dullest subject fascinating and fun to her children. Yes, they weren't just students, they were "her kids," and that never changed throughout her extraordinary 52 year career teaching 5th grade. Her love of working with children extended to becoming a 4-H sponsor, a Girl Scout leader, a cheerleading coach, BETA club sponsor and environmental camp sponsor. All of this boundless energy and positive support lead to Alice being selected to mentor new teachers. Alice believed teaching children required giving of yourself to be successful. As a candle burns and consumes itself to light the way for others, so did Alice burn for more than 52 years. She will be remembered fondly by the multitude of children whose lives she touched.
Alice was preceded in death by her father, Ralph; mother, Ruth; sisters, Rebecka and Carline; and son, Bradley.
She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Walter Allen; and youngest son, Andrew.
Family will receive friends from 5:00 - 7:00 PM Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at McCarty Evergreen Funeral Home, 7426 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37924, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 7:00 PM. Family and friends will meet at Caledonia Cemetery at 3:15 PM for a 3:30 PM interment on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Pallbearers: Past and present Girl Scout Troop 20411 Fathers. Honorary pallbearers: All present and past members of Girl Scout Troop 20411.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to: Girl Scout Camp Scholarship Fund, C/O Girl Scout Troop 20411, 5005 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37914, or Chilhowee Intermediate Memorial Page, https://chines.givebacks.com/store/items/1145025, in Mrs. Bratten's honor.
Online condolences may be left at www.mccartyevergreen.com for the Bratten family.
