Marlene Delores Gonce

She loved and served God, and was one of four founding families of Indian Springs Christian Church – where her hands helped lay the foundation – and which stands today for a community to assemble for worship and a beacon to draw others to Christ. Her faith was immeasurable. Dee was a pillar in the community and sought to give back – she was a charter member of the Indian Springs Optimist Club in 1988, where over 3 decades served more than 20,000 youth from across the region through its many programs, including girl’s volleyball, chairing of children’s Christmas party, chairing the inaugural community Easter egg hunt, and first community Christmas tree lighting, but most notably leading the football cheerleading and dance teams. Dee loved the kids and the kids loved her.

Above all, Dee was a loving devoted wife for over 60 years to her husband Don, and loving proud mother to his sons Donnie and Mike, and became a recent momaw to her grandson Major.

Dee was born to the late Ralph Lonnie (“Drag”) Houser and Ella Mae (“Toby”) Houser. She graduated from Blountville High School in 1961, then attended East Tennessee State University, before going to work for orthodontist Dr. Ralph White as a dental assistant with over 35 years of dedicated service. Her devotion to her profession led her to becoming the President of the Dental Assistants’ Association.

Along with her parents, Dee was preceded in death by, and now reunited in the presence of Christ, her husband Don, her sister, Jerry Rosenbaum; father and mother-in-law F.B. and Mary Bell Gonce-Webb; and step-father-in-law Curtis Webb, brother-in-laws Leonard Gonce, Lee Roy Gonce, and Dr. Joel Gonce.

Survivors include her sons, Don Jr. and Mike Gonce; grandson Major Gonce; brother, Steve Houser; sister-in-law Sandra Gonce; sister-in-law Gladys Gonce; nieces and nephews, Barbara Williams, Lorie Doran, Jana Gilliam, Joel Gonce; Elgin Gonce, Linda Greer, Becki Lewis, Robbie Rosenbaum, Lee Houser, and Tiffany Houser, along with several great nieces and nephews.

The Gonce family wishes to extend its gratitude to Dee’s care team Charlotte Erwin, Tracey Faison, and Amy Carmack, along with great medical care from Dr. Ryan Hunley – the family thanks you for the exceptional care and friendships. The family sends love to you all - your care given to Dee will forever be remembered.

The Gonce family will gather to share memories and meet friends on Monday, January 22, 2024 in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home from 5 pm – 6:30 pm. A Funeral Service will follow at 6:30 pm with Rev. Mike Beverly officiating. Eulogy will be given by Mike Gonce, and music provided by Indian Springs Christian Church choir. Committal Service and Entombment will be Tuesday, January 23, 2024 in the Chapel of Mausoleum Two beginning at 1 pm. Pallbearers include Tony Perez, Adrian Perez, Joel Gonce, Elgin Gonce, Tony Barger, and Jeff Barger.\ Honorary pallbearers will be Rick Malone, Bill Anderson, Mac McCarthy, Mike Messamore, and members of Indian Springs Optimist Club.

The legacy of Dee Gonce will stand for eternity. Her impact on the community will never be forgotten, nor her hard work and selfless spirit. She will forever be known as a loving wife, mother, grandmother (momaw), friend, and community servant. Dee’s life exceeds more than imaginable, and we are all blessed because if it.

To further serve the community Dee loved, donations can be made to Indian Springs Christian Church (5536 Kiowa St – Kingsport, TN 37664) or Indian Springs Optimist Club (273 Emory Church Rd – Kingsport, TN 37664).