Willene "Nannie" Mason

Avis Willene "Nannie" Mason age 89 of Niota passed away, Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Terra Bella Assisted Living.

She was a native of Franklin, North Carolina and a resident of Niota. A daughter of the late William Howard and Ruby Jacqueline Stewart Hedden and was preceded in death by her husband Max E. Mason, and brother Jack Hedden and sister-in-law Sarah Hedden.

She graduated from Oak Ridge High School and was a former employee of Atomic Energy Commission in Oak Ridge until she moved to Athens in 1969.

She was a member of East Athens Baptist Church. She was involved in the Browning Circle Women Club, McMinn County Republican Party, McMinn County Republican Women and the Home Demonstration Club.She was also active in the Ingleside School PTA, McMinn County High School Band Boosters and the Classic Ford Car Club.

She was a secretary at Niota Elementary School from 1982-1999.

Nannie's biggest blessings were all her MLDS dancers and their families. She never missed a dance recital, performance, competition or workshop with Lisa and Kanden. She took her 2nd trip to Disney with Kanden and Lisa when Kanden was 3 and they continued their yearly trip until 2014. She was a blessing and inspiration to everyone she met. She loved her Terra Bella Athens family. Dean McKeehan was her best friend and they did all of the activities together.

Survivors:

1 daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Tim Sharp of Niota;

1 granddaughter and spouse, Kanden and Wyatt Barnett;

1 great-grandson, Macrae Barnett;

2 brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Sue Hedden, Wendell Hedden and Sarah Hedden

Nieces and Nephews whom she loved so big.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the nurses and staff of Terra Bella and Hospice of Chattanooga for their care of Nannie.

Funeral services will be 7:00 PM Wednesday, March 4, 2026 in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeff Wright officiating. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Thursday, March 5, 2026 at McMinn Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Jared Wright, Aaron Bryant, Aaron Lee, Chad McNabb, Daniel McNabb and Jordan Curtis.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/Avis-Mason. Memorial contributions may be made in Nannie's memory to East Athens Baptist Church.

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of the arrangements.