Patty Smithdeal Fulton

Patty Smithdeal Fulton, age 96, passed away on August 10, 2026, in Johnson City, TN.

She was the daughter of the late Hackett T. and Hazel Braswell Smithdeal and was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Lyman A. Fulton, M.D.

She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she was named the Most Outstanding Graduate in the Radio Department. She later received her Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University.

Her career in communications and broadcasting began as a copywriter and Director of Women's Programs for WETB and WJHL radio, where she hosted daily programs broadcast throughout Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. She later returned to Stephens College as a staff member in the Communications Department.

She returned to Johnson City to become Production Manager for WJHL-TV when the station first signed on the air. She later hosted a cooking show for the station before accepting the role of Program Coordinator and Director of Public Relations for the Alabama Educational Television Commission in Birmingham, AL.

A gifted writer and published author, she began writing a weekly column for the Jonesborough Herald and Tribune in 1986, continuing for twenty years while also contributing to other regional newspapers. She served as contributing author and editor of the Junior Service League's Smoky Mountain Magic Cookbook and authored a personal cookbook ...and garnish with Memories and a book, Let the Record Show.

She was involved in her community and served as past president of the Johnson City Junior Monday Club, the Junior Service League, and the Washington, Carter, and Unicoi Medical Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children, Lyman A. Fulton III (Rose), Hazel Fulton Robinson, and Kerwin H. Fulton; her brother, Charles D. Smithdeal, M.D. (Debbie) of Aiken, South Carolina; granddaughter, Millie Robinson Tyree (Blake); grandson, Fulton A. Robinson, M.D. (Danielle) of Nashville; great-granddaughters, Mabel and Braswell Tyree, and great-grandson, Rutledge Tyree.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Johnson City.

In honor of her request, there will be a private family service.

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 Patty Fulton. (423) 282-1521