Hersel Hannah Widener

Hersel Hannah Hickman Widener, age 99, passed away on July 13, 2026 at her home, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and beauty that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She was born in Jefferson County, Tennessee, on her family's century farm, Hickman Hollow Farm, Hersel was the daughter of Alonzo and Ethel Hickman. The Christian values of hard work, generosity, and compassion that she learned growing up remained the foundation of her life.

Hersel graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and, demonstrating her lifelong commitment to learning, returned to Knoxville to earn her Master of Science degree. She was a lifetime Volunteers fan and attended football games until the last few years.

In 1948, she married James H. "Jim" Widener. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, and service, raising three children and creating a lifetime of cherished memories.

Hersel dedicated 25 years to teaching Home Economics at Science Hill High School, where she inspired generations of students in her specialty, childcare before retiring in 1988.

A gifted gardener, Hersel was especially known for her beautiful and fragrant hybrid tea roses. Through countless hours of loving care, she produced beautiful blooms that she enjoyed sharing with others. Friends, family, church members, and countless community events were brightened by bouquets from her garden.

Her many talents extended to sewing, quilting, crocheting, and cooking. A degree in Home Economics reflected the gifts she so graciously shared throughout her life, creating not only beautiful handmade quilts and treasures but also a warm and welcoming home full of unconditional love for her family.

As a faithful member of Central Baptist Church, Hersel served in numerous ministries and leadership roles over many years, quietly touching countless lives through her dedication and servant's heart.

She was also active in her community as a member of the Altrusa Club, the Watauga Rose Society, University of Tennessee Alumni Assoc, Washington County Republican Women, the Future Homemakers of America, and the Vocational Education Association, reflecting her lifelong commitment to education, service, and fellowship.

She is survived by her children, Steve Widener and wife, Sharon; David Widener (Myoka, deceased); and Cindy Widener Winn and husband, Sterling; her grandchildren, James Widener (Tomomi), Alan Widener (Faye), Nathan Widener, Elizabeth Winn, and Michael Winn (Taylor); and her beloved great-grandchildren, Emily Widener, Juliette Widener, Amy Widener, Ava Widener, and Lillian Luther.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James H. "Jim" Widener; her sister, Douglas Mitchell; her brother, Ross Hickman; her daughter-in-law, Myoka Widener; and her grandson, Jonathan Widener.

Hersel will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her generous heart, her devotion to family, and the beauty she cultivated in her gardens, her home, her classroom, and the lives of everyone she touched. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly and in the many students, friends, and neighbors whose lives were enriched by her kindness.

The family wishes to thank Sheila Sigmon and the family of caregivers at Modern Caregivers for their excellent care of Hersel throughout the last eight years.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Central Baptist Church Endowment Fund, continuing Hersel's lifelong commitment to her church and the ministries she faithfully supported.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 2:00pm in Monte Vista Memorial Park with Dr. Ron Murray officiating. All attending are asked to meet at the cemetery no later than 1:50pm.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the family of Hersel Widener. (423) 282-1521