Betty Jane Henry McFee of Knoxville, formerly of Madisonville, slipped away from her family and friends to be with her heavenly father on Thursday, June 25. Betty left earth three years to the day after her beloved husband, Bob. She was born March 27, 1925 in her family's home in the town of Concord, Tenn. She graduated from Farragut High School in 1943. She then worked several years in Knoxville before attending Memphis State University. Betty married Bob McFee in 1949 and started a family. After having five children, Betty returned to school at UT, where she graduated with high honors with a degree in early childhood education. She then organized Happy Hill Kindergarten at Buckner Memorial Church at Hiwassee College in Madisonville, where she taught for many years. Happy Hill was a unique learning environment for preschool children with a legacy of happy, accomplished adults in various careers.

After retiring from Happy Hill, Betty continued to teach as a volunteer with the Monroe County School System in many roles including working with gifted high school students and with multiple first grade classes. She was a member and elder of the Madisonville Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir for many years.

After her husband's death, Betty moved to Knoxville in 2008 to be closer to her family.

She was 84.

Preceded in death by: parents, Dr. Carl Henry and Eva Bevins Henry Smith; and husband, Robert Nelson McFee.

Survivors include: daughters-Rebecca Russell McFee of Stuart, Fla.; Camilla Carlen McFee Lyle and husband, Hunter; Messina Amber Lyle of Johnson City; and Laura Leigh McFee-Adams and husband, Mitchell Adams of Farragut;

Son-William Henry McFee and wife, Maria Thompson McFee and their children, Celeste Eva McFee, Erin Regan Tucker, Colin Thompson Tucker and Samuel Colton Tucker, all of Boca Raton, Fla.; and son, Robert Jefferson McFee and wife, Sherrie Koon McFee of Chapmansboro, Tenn.;

Sister-Phyllis Henry Brannon and husband, Tandy Watts Brannon of Memphis.

All friends, family, former students and those who loved and respected Betty McFee are invited to a Celebration of Life service at 5 p.m., Friday, July 3, at Madisonville Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Colleen Curtis, associate pastor of Farragut Presbyterian Church and Rev. Michael Chamberlain officiating. The family would like to express special thanks for all the love and support of church members, friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Madisonville Presbyterian Church, 210 West Main St., Madisonville, TN 37354. Click Funeral Home, Farragut Chapel, in charge of arrangements.