Charlotte Vandergriff
Former County Commissioner Charlotte Ellison Vandergriff, 83, died Thursday.
She had been appointed to the commission following the death of her husband, Buster Vandergriff.
Ms. Vandergriff served until 2006 when she did not seek another four-year term.
At the time, she announced her support for Jim Coppinger as her successor. Mr. Coppinger, who had recently retired as city fire chief, went on to win the seat and later became county mayor.
Trustee Bill Hullander, who served alongside Ms. Vandergriff, said, "I enjoyed working with Charlotte Vandergriff. She did a lot for her Hixson district. She was especially interested in the health and welfare of the community and was active in setting up standards to improve the community."
When she ran again in 2002, Ms. Vandergriff said, "I am currently completing my sixth year of service to the Hixson community as I was appointed and then elected to complete the term held by my late husband.
"I appreciate the support of the constituents in District 3 and pledge to continue as a strong advocate for individual rights. Our state economy will have an effect on our local budget and we must be cautious with our local budget. Improvements in our economy is a high priority. Public school education must improve. I encourage more opportunity for technical and vocational training through our public schools, partnered with local business."
She was a graduate of Central High School, and also attended Cleveland State. She graduated from the Erlanger School of Nursing as an RN. Ms. Vandergriff was one of the first nurses hired at Parkridge Hospital. She finished her nursing career in Hixson at Memorial North Park. Charlotte was a dedicated member of Burk’s United Methodist Church.
Ms. Vandergriff was a member of a group of ladies aptly called “the hookers”, they were a rug hooking group. She also played cards with a special group of friends every Thursday. She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi Nu Masters Chapter.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. “Buster” Vandergriff, her parents, Boyd Elbert and Anna Louise Ellison, and a brother, Sam Ellison.
She is survived by her children, David Alan (Karen) Hill, James Duane (Shea) Hill, Danny Boyd Hill, and also her special friend and sister-in-law, Pearl Ellison, grandchildren, Amy Cabe, Josh Hill, Ashley Macco, Dakoda Hill, Justin Worley, Callen Wallis, and Katy Clark, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Charlotte’s Life will be held privately in the Chattanooga Memorial Park. A memorial service commemorating her life will be held at a future date to be announced.
Also the family wishes to offer special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at Hospice of Chattanooga.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Charlotte’s memory to Burk’s UMC, 6433 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343.
Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist North Chapel, 5401 Hwy 153, Hixson,.