Iris Rose Faulkner Howard -age 98 of Knoxville, passed away peacefully Friday, May 27, 2022, at the Nursing Center at Little Creek. Born October 31, 1923, in Elizabethton, Tennessee, she was always a fighter and survived Typhoid Fever as a child, cancer as an adult, and lived with Alzheimer’s for over 20 years. During her childhood years, she loved playing with her sister Shirley, and developed a passion for animals and nature. Iris became the first person in her family to graduate from college. A long-time honored employee for the University of Tennessee, she worked in the Records Office. During her 36 years of service, she became the Graduation Supervisor and would receive The Chancellor’s Citation for extraordinary service to the University in 1986. Also, during her time here, she met Ermel, the love of her life, and they married in 1948. Iris was an incredibly devoted and compassionate family member, taking care of her parents and three daughters. She was a long-time member of Spring Place Presbyterian Church.
Preceded in death by her loving husband, Ermel M. Howard; parents, William and Rose Faulkner; sister, Shirley Weems; and brother, Johnny Faulkner.
Survived by her daughters, Iris A. Howard of Tremelo, Belgium, Carol H. (Stephen D.) Elam of Knoxville, Michelle E. Howard of Knoxville; granddaughters, Shelby Elam, and Sydney Elam, both of Knoxville; grandson, Evan Howard of Knoxville. Many thanks to the excellent providers at the Nursing Center at Little Creek, as well as Avalon Hospice.
The family will receive friends 5:00-6:00 PM Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Bridges Funeral Home in Chapel I, followed by services at 6:00 PM, with Pastor Rick McIntee officiating. The funeral service may be viewed securely at the Bridges Funeral Home website. Family and friends will meet 12:45 PM, Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Spring Place Presbyterian Cemetery for a 1:00 PM interment. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Iris Rose Faulkner Howard October 31 1923 May 27 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Knoxville, Province: T-N