Katie Mae Smith Tutor, 93, of Johnson City, formerly of Memphis, died Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018 at NHC Healthcare, where she had lived since 2010.
She was born August 17, 1924 in Vance, the fifth child of Alford Luther and Eddie Elnora Stewart Smith. She was married to Rollon Lee Tutor for nearly 74 years until his death in 2017. They had five daughters.
A cherished wife, mother, grand- and great-grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, she was a Proverbs 31 woman whose talents and friendship, servant’s heart and hospitality were freely shared with those who knew her. She was a wonderful cook and skilled seamstress, sewing the full skirts and pinafores of the 50s for her girls. In the pre-permanent-press and pin-curl era, getting the five of them outfitted and ready for church on a Sunday morning was no small feat. Her children rise up and call her blessed.
Outside the home she enjoyed sales positions as a Studio Girl Cosmetics representative in Ohio in the ‘60s and later with Haverty’s and at Goldsmith’s department store in Memphis where her artistry in custom floral design brought silk flowers to life for her clients. Multiples of her grandchildren’s and friends’ weddings and special occasions were enhanced by her creative designs and décor. She also had a compassionate, nurturing spirit that made her a natural during her years as a private duty nurse.
She is survived by five daughters including Peggy Tutor (Bill Robertson), San Marino, CA; Phyllis (Jeff) Breiter, Palm Coast, FL; Ann (Herman) Spicer, Gadsden, AL; Kathryne (John) Horner, Nacogdoches, TX; Ellen (Doug) Polk, Johnson City, TN; brother, John Verrell Smith, Tomball, TX; 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 13 from noon until 2 p.m. at Parker Memorial Funeral Home with the service following, under the direction of Katie’s son-in-law Elder John Horner, Nacogdoches, TX, accompanied by Elder Grady Camp of Germantown. Interment will be in Antioch Cemetery in Bruce.
She was a member of Faith Primitive Baptist Church of Kingsport, TN.