Ms. Catherine Irene Hembree
Remember

Ms. Catherine Irene Hembree

  • March 14, 1917 - August 13, 2012
  • Knoxville, Tennessee
Share This Obituary
Arrangements made by

Highland Memorial Parks

5315 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
View Map - Get Directions→

Profile of Highland Memorial Parks→

View Phone Number
Fax. (865) 584-5890

Send Flowers
flowers logo

Flowers are messengers of hope when it's needed most.


Memories & Candles

“I just wanted to pass along my deepest sympathies to the Hembree family. I will never forget visting Mrs. Hembree at her home and seeing her at...Read More » ”
1 of 15 | Posted by: David Jackson - Rockwood, TN

“The Bearden High School class of 1957 appreciated Mrs. Hembree's giftedness in teaching and send their condolences to her family. ”
2 of 15 | Posted by: Julia Montgomery Scott - TN

“Steve and Bill I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember the mornings that we would not of gone trout fishing had not been for her waking us up at 3 a...Read More » ”
3 of 15 | Posted by: Albert Burks - Miami

“A caring teacher and friend of the family. ”
4 of 15 | Posted by: Steve Shepherd - Student

“Mrs. Hembree taught me to love biology. I still remember our field trip to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and trying to identify as many...Read More » ”
5 of 15 | Posted by: Judy Shepherd - Ramstein. Germany

“I remember Mrs. Hembree as a wonderful teacher and good neighbor to my grandmother as I was growing up. There were happy times playing with Bill...Read More » ”
6 of 15 | Posted by: Sue Henson Reynolds - TN

“Steve, Coach and Mrs. Hembree were always willing to share a little kindness. And with that kindness, they helped me along the way. My thoughts...Read More » ”
7 of 15 | Posted by: Gerald "Jerry" Whitehead - TN

“Former student. My thoughts are with the family. ”
8 of 15 | Posted by: John Seames - Lakeland, FL

“Mrs. Hembree was a wonderful teacher and role model. She nurtured my love of biology, which led me to a career in teaching and in biomedical...Read More » ”
9 of 15 | Posted by: Susan Manning Blanchard - FL

“Our deepest sympathies. We loved Catherine, we were privileged to have known her for over 30 years. She was an inspiration to this mother and...Read More » ”
10 of 15 | Posted by: David and Pam Ramsey - Knoxville, TN

“A great teacher. I had Mrs. Hembree for Science and Biology. ”
11 of 15 | Posted by: Sandra Armstrong Brown Turner - TN

“She knew her subject well. Great science teacher! ”
12 of 15 | Posted by: Duane Dunlap - Knoxville, TN

“Dear Hembree Family, I would like to express my deepest sympathy at the loss of Mrs. Hembree, she was a wonderful teacher, I was in her Science...Read More » ”
13 of 15 | Posted by: Horace Hamilton - Knoxville, TN

“Dear Hembree family, I just wanted you to know that though I am so sorry for your loss, just hearing Mrs. Hembree's name brings a smile to my face!...Read More » ”
14 of 15 | Posted by: Terrye Broome Guthe - Knoxville, TN

“Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Condolences on the loss of your mother. ”
15 of 15 | Posted by: Don & Sue Hillon - Knoxville, TN


Catherine Irene Strange Hembree

Left this world on Monday, August 13, 2012 at Brakebill Nursing Home. Born in Knoxville on 03/14/1917 --the oldest child of John L. Strange and Grace (Irene) Hampson Strange. Mrs Hembree is preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 40 years, William Chandler Hembree, Sr. She is survived by sons/spouses:Bill (Kimberly) Hembree, Steve (Sherrye) Hembree and grandchildren and great grandchildren: Will (Christy) Williams, Eric (Stephanie) Hembree and daughter Bella, Sarah Hembree, Cynthia (Chris) Hembree Rolen and their son Cohen. Plus several nieces and nephews and brother-in-law Jim Hembree.

Mrs. Hembree was a graduate of Central High School in Knoxville and Carson Newman College in Jefferson City. She taught biology at Bearden High School for over 30 years and retired in 1980. Former Bearden High Science Chair who designed the Biology Science Department (1970) for the present school facility, Mrs. Hembree was the first teacher in the State of Tennessee to teach physiology at the high school level. She wrote the study guide for Advanced Biology for the State. She was sponsor of BHS Student Council, Tri Hi Y and homecoming activities. After retirement, she was active in BRATS (Bearden Retired Association of Teachers).

She was a lifelong member of Rocky Hill Baptist Church. Mrs. Hembree was a avid sports fan -- particularly national and international tennis, collegiate and professional baseball and collegiate basketball and football. She had a tremendous love of animals and gardening. She grew beautiful flowers in her gardens until the age of 90 at her home on Nubbin Ridge Road in West Knoxville. Her interest in travel took her to Europe twice and her favorite vacation destination was Long Boat Key, Florida which she visited for over 50 years.

We would like to express a special thanks to her nephew, John Miller for his care and devotion to Catherine in her later years, Marion Stubbs, her roommate at Brakebill, her nurses Joyce Risin and Jessica Sisk, and Doctor Pearman.

A celebration of Catherine's life will be held Sunday August 19th at Rocky Hill Baptist Church, 7409 Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37919, 2-4pm. You may sign the online register book at www.highlandmemorialparks.com HIGHLAND MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME (865) 588-0567.