Helen Christine Farner

Helen Christine Oliver Farner, age 83, of Athens, Tenn.   passed away Monday, December 7, 2020 at Lantern at Morning Pointe in Ooltewah, Tn..
A native and lifelong resident of McMinn County, she was a daughter of the late Ray and Mary Jane King Oliver. 
A member of Marshall Hill Baptist Church, and was a former employee of Athens Hosiery Mill for 21 years and was retired from Johnson Controls after 21 years of service.  She and her husband were avid outdoors people. 
Survivors:
Husband of 66 years, J.L. "Sonny" Farner, Jr. of Athens, Tn. 
1 daughter and son-in-law, Mitzi and Lynn Barker of  Ooltewah, Tn. 
Two Grandaughters and Husbands:  Koren and Jack Sapp of Apison, Tenn. Jennifer and Jay Merriman of Mt. Pleasant, S. C.  Two Grandchildren: Jen Merriman  and Koren Sapp Four Great Grandchildren: Dylan Sapp, Eli Sapp, Stellla Merriman, and Colston Merriman, Two Sisters: Brenda Mason of Madisonville, Tenn., and Lucy Sargeant of Athens, Tenn. several nieces and nephews. 
Graveside services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday in McMinn Memory Gardens with Rev. David Reynolds of Hospice of Chattanooga.  The body will lie-in-state at the funeral home from 12:00-5:00 P.M.  Wednesday. Active pallbearers will be Jay Merriman, Chad Lingerfelt, Anthony Dennis, Casey Hudson, Kevin Hudson, and Tom Mullins. COVID guidelines will be followed and masks will be required. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers. Condolences may be sent to www.laycock-hobbs.com/notices/Helen-Farner LaycockHobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tn. in charge of arrangements.