Marianne McKemie Chamblee passed this life on June 11, 2025 at her residence in Morning Pointe Assisted Living Facility at the age of 84.

Marianne was born in Lee County, Ala., on Dec. 29, 1940. The daughter of Hilda and Ralph McKemie and sister of Ken McKemie, Marianne had an idyllic childhood that was centered around her close-knit family and her church. She graduated from Beulah High School, then later from Draughon’s Business College in Montgomery, Ala. She also earned a degree from Motlow in Tullahoma. Marianne leaves her husband of 62 years, Claude Chamblee, and three daughters, Suzanne (Craig) Collier, Dana Smith, and Denise (Matt) McClure. She was a very involved grandmother to nine grandchildren, Chamblee Smith, Victoria (Barrett) Thompson, Robert Collier, Hayden (Molly) Smith, Matthew Collier, Thompson McClure, Libby Smith, Ellen McClure and Edie McClure. She also leaves behind one great granddaughter, Hazel Thompson.

Marianne worked at West Middle School as a special education paraprofessional for over 10 years, making friends with many of the faculty and students. She loved people and went out of her way to make everyone feel loved and included. In 1988, she became a Realtor and worked for Lewis Orr Realty until 2002. Marianne loved life and lived it to the fullest. She never met a stranger and could and would talk to anyone. She was a tireless volunteer for the Literacy Council, Partners for Healing, Girl Scouts, Tullahoma School system and her church, Tullahoma First Baptist, where she served in many roles—including children’s ministry, historical committee, long time wedding committee member and food pantry volunteer. She and Claude traveled extensively. They especially enjoyed the many trips they took in the US and abroad with the Stantons and later, the Curlees. She was a faithful Christian and in addition to her church activities, she maintained a close personal relationship with Jesus. Her many journals are filled with prayers for her family and friends and praise for her many blessings.

Visitation with her family is scheduled for 10 a.m. on June 21, 2025 at Kilgore Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m.

Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Literacy Council, 510 South Jackson Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388 or Habitat For Humanity, 201 West Lincoln Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388.

Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – June 18, 2025