Laurie (Willemssen) Smalley

Laurie W. Smalley, age 73, died peacefully Tuesday January 27 at her home in Maryville TN. 

Laurie was born in Memphis, Tennessee, the only daughter of Anton John "Johnny" and Rachel Willemssen. A graduate of White Station High School in Memphis, she earned a Masters Degree in English from Memphis State University, and went on to get her nursing degree from Motlow State. She worked as a Registered Nurse for 40+ years, and spent much of her career as a home health and hospice nurse in Blount County. 

Laurie later settled in East Tennessee to raise her two children, daughter Vanessa Painter (and husband Kevin, Maryville, TN) and son Lauren Smalley (and wife Whitney, Bay Area, CA). She was a fiercely loving mother to her children, who both stayed very close with her. She was beloved by her grandchildren Audrey, Lila, Houston, Rachel, and Rory, who all felt a strong and personal connection with her.

Laurie loved solitary pursuits such as gardening, reading, and watercolor painting. If she wasn't in her garden, you could find her sitting on her back porch in the sun, with a book in hand or a podcast in ear. She had a lifelong interest in education and concluded her nursing career as a nurse educator with Tennessee College of Applied Technology. She was a voracious reader her entire life, always curious to learn and explore through literature. That passion led to a committed and loyal support of both her favorite local bookstore, Southland Books, as well as Blount County Friends of the Library, where she served as a board member and a devoted volunteer for nearly a decade. She was also a lifetime member of the Blount County Master Gardeners, serving as a board member of the organization for many years. She was a vendor at the Maryville Farmer's Market, selling succulents and vegetables to her community under the moniker 'Laurie's Backyard Gardens'. 

Throughout her life Laurie enjoyed hiking in the Smokies, listening to live music, spending time in her garden (her blueberry bushes are legendary and she shared generously with neighbors and friends), and caring for her beloved pets. She was a dedicated foster mom for Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee and helped many a pup find their forever home. She also loved spending time with her close family and friends, who she was ardently loyal to. She was highly selective in who she cared deeply for, so if you felt that love from her it was a true honor. 

Honoring her final wishes, a gathering to celebrate her life will be held at her home, to be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, Laurie requests donations be made to Blount County Friends of the Library, Small Breed Rescue of East Tennessee, Blount County Habitat for Humanity, Haven House, National Public Radio, or ACLU. Cremation Done ProperlyTM under the care of  Dotson Funeral Home & Cremation, Wildwood. (865-984-5959) Online Book of Memories: Dotsonfuneralhome.com 

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