Hallie Jean Mayes Knauss Culpepper, of Hixson, died in her home on Thursday, February 16, 2012.
Hallie was born on Nov. 6, 1926 in Fayetteville, Ark. She was the daughter of John and Rachel Kathryne Raney Mayes. Hallie had four brothers, Jerry, John, Bob and Richard, of whom only Bob survives. On Oct. 21, 1945, she married U.S. Navy veteran Merlie Howard "Jack" Knauss in Fayetteville. Hallie and Jack moved to Dallas, Texas and had three children, Janet Marie Knauss Griffin, Gary Howard Knauss and Tracy Hoyt Knauss.
Jack pre-deceased Hallie as did their son, Gary.
Hallie had 11 grandchildren (Shawn, Shane, Amy and Andi Griffin, and Frederick, Konie, Sheryl, Kevin, Kelly, Megan and Travis Knauss) and many great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
On March 22, 1988 Hallie married Amos Spencer Culpepper. They were married 23 years.
At one time Hallie owned TECO (now Griffin Products), a manufacturer of stainless steel kitchen equipment. She also had a flair for the arts and was quite creative in making decoupage pieces for her homes. But her main pleasure was derived from her children. She remarked that all she ever desired to do in life was to be a good mother and raise good children. She fulfilled her wishes by raising her own three children and five grandchildren as well. Hallie was a lifelong Christian and a self-described "dyed-in-the-wool" member of the Republican Party.
She is already missed. Thank you Hallie for being the inimitable person you were. We salute you for the bright star you were in our sky, for the example you set for us to follow, for the confidence you instilled in our young lives, for the love you gave our families, and for the inspiration you shall always remain in our hearts. Dearest Hallie, we love you so. Rest now. Rest sweet mother, and be assured you shall remain forever in our hearts and minds.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Art Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort to the family.
The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, February 20, at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.