Betty "Lynn" (Horner) Elkins

Betty “Lynn” Horner Elkins, affectionately known as “Pepaw,” passed away peaceably among family & friends at Covenant Health (Morristown) on October 17th. Lynn was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Pansy Horner of Whitesburg, TN; and brother, Master Sergeant Lyle Jones (Sue) of Fort Walton Beach, FL. She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Susan Janelle Elkins and Sandy Elkins Dyke (Stephen), both of Morristown, TN; beloved grandson, John Franklin Foreback (girlfriend Joana), residing in NY; cherished uncle, Dr. J. Gordon Henry (Sue), of Lynchburg, VA; sister-in-law, Sue Jones (AL); and her fur baby companion grandpet, Izzy. She adored her family, her two daughters, Susan and Sandy, and her son-in-law, Stephen Dyke. For them, she always had a soft spot, as well as firm high expectations. She taught Susan and Sandy work ethic; both are college graduates from the University of Tennessee. She adored her son-in-law Stephen and no matter what the issue or challenge, always said, “Stephen can solve it.” Perhaps the softest spot and the apple of her eye was her beloved grandson, John Franklin Foreback. Even in failing health, she never missed an opportunity to watch him play football, and she was beaming with pride over his accomplishments in both education and football, as he completed Morristown West High School & completed his Global Finance & Economics Degree from Columbia University in NYC. Lynn was a graduate of Whitesburg High School, Morristown School of Business and The University of Tennessee. She spent her entire career at Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT), where she began as an instructor of office occupations, keyboarding and shorthand. She had a great mentor & friend in the former director, Eugene Smith, who encouraged her to complete a Masters Degree in Business Administration (Tusculum University), while both her daughters were also in college. Following the completion of her Masters Degree, she was promoted as the first female Director of TCAT in the state of TN until her retirement in 2012, completing 44 years of service. Her devoted staff and instructors were not just associates but family to her; she loved mentoring, seeing their influence unto others and career growth. To those who knew her well, she was a strong, outspoken, “tell it like it is” advocate of hard work, education and tenacity. She was a community icon who served as a Chamber President and thoroughly encouraged the growth in the business & restaurant industry that we all enjoy in Morristown today. The influence of her leadership and passion to see her community grow, established multi-generational growth in manufacturing, automation, industrial parks, utilities, and modernizing the transportation industry by trucking and airport maintenance programs. She assisted numerous students and was a strong advocate of post secondary education and career development. She was recognized for doing vocational rehabilitation to people with addiction and other challenges. She enjoyed traveling the country she loved and fellowship with her dearest friend & fellow TCAT Director, Margaret Mahery of Athens, TN. Lynn also cherished the fellowship she had with the “Golden Girls,” as her daughters referred to: Kay Senter, Tish Jones and Rosemary Wigington. The four of them on a routine, regular basis, celebrated birthdays & a monthly dinner together. She also enjoyed spending time with her special neighbors, Justin and Sydney Ivy. The family wants to give a special thanks to the care provided both by The Heritage Center, especially nurses Daryl Delaney, Taylor and Jennifer as well as Covenant Health, Administrator Gordon Lintz, Drs. Harrell and York, and nurses, Logan, Lauren, Ali & Amber. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made to the: Tennessee College of Applied Technologies - General Fund https://tcatmorristown.edu/about/make-donation. The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 21st at Westside Chapel Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Private graveside services will be held at the White Pine Cemetery. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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