Grace Chaney Lewis

Grace was born August 12, 1923, in Louisville, Mississippi. She graduated from Huntingdon College of Montgomery, Alabama, with a mathematics degree. She got a job as an engineering assistant immediately out of college with TVA in Chattanooga. A year later, “when the boys came home from the war”, she was transferred to Knoxville. She had many good friends at TVA and Church Street Methodist, and spent her twenties enjoying life. On December 17, 1955, she married lead electrical engineer at TVA Richard Rutledge Lewis. They were married for 44 years, until Dick’s passing in 2000. They lived in West Hills, where they raised their two daughters. The Lewis’s were members of the Church of the Ascension (Episcopal) where they were active and had good friends. After Dick’s passing, she returned to Church Street Methodist.

Grace was known for her cooking, having a large collection of cookbooks, her beautiful Southern accent, and her love of playing bridge. She was in several bridge clubs and they were in a couple’s bridge club. She was a loyal and conscientious mom (who made great family meals and stir-together peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and pecan tarts) and an encouraging listening ear.

Grace is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Nellie Chaney of Louisville, Mississippi; her husband, Dick Lewis; her brother, Charlie Chaney of Louisville, and many other wonderful friends and relatives. She was granted a long and happy life. Grace (Nonnie) will be missed by her daughters Cindy Hallen and husband John of Atlanta, and Margaret Moran and husband Terry of Knoxville, five grandchildren – Ryan, Mitchell (Brittany) and Taylor Moran, Paige Hallen Hanson (Alan), and Caroline Hallen Moore (Jay), and her first great-grandchild, James Chaney, who she was able to hold in January.

Grace’s life will be celebrated with her family graveside. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages persons to donate to the Church Street Methodist Church of Knoxville.

A special thanks to Shannondale Assisted Living and The Nursing Center at Little Creek for giving her a great quality of life in her last few years.