STELLA SIMS CATE WHISENANT BALDWIN

BALDWIN, STELLA SIMS CATE WHISENANT - born February 14, 1923, passed away February 13, 2015. Stella was one of eleven children born to Sherrod Sims and Linnie Campbell. With her seven brothers and three sisters, she was raised in Sevier County, Tennessee, through most of her early years. At the age of nineteen, Stella married Robert Cate who was killed in WWII after less than two years of marriage. Stella lived her entire adult life in Knox County where she fell in love and married Fred D. Whisenant, her husband of over thirty-five years who passed away in 1987. For twenty three years Stella was co-owner and manager of Glamour Fashions, a woman's specialty shop located on Chapman Highway. She was a member of Knox #69 Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S) for 60 plus years, serving as Grand Adah for the State of Tennessee in 1969 and as a past Matron of the Knoxville chapter. Stella was an active member of Meridian Baptist Church for over 60 years. Later in her life she met Howard Baldwin to whom she was married for 18 years. Stella and Howard enjoyed traveling and dancing as active members of the John T. O'Conner Dance Club. Stella is survived by her daughter, Sheila Wilson and her husband Jack, San Antonio, Texas; her granddaughter, Priscilla Hankins Wunderl and her husband Asher who live in Little Rock, Arkansas, with her great grandchildren, Ty and Stella. Stella always remained close to her many nieces, nephews, friends and to Priscilla's father. They were all so special to her. The family would like to offer a special thank you to her friend, Jackie Imbry, and to her special caregivers, Cindy Cutshaw and Stacey Thomas. The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 17, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Berry Funeral Home, Chapman Highway, with a funeral service to follow at 12:30 p.m. Family and friends will meet at Berry Highland South Cemetery Tuesday, February 17, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. for a graveside service.

Published in Knoxville News Sentinel on Feb. 15, 2015.