Willa "Kese" Dohoney, 93, of Knoxville, TN, a native of Russell County, KY, died Thursday, October 7, 2021. She was born on August 6, 1928 in Russell County, KY to Desoto and Olga Popplewell.
As the third child and oldest daughter of 10 children, Kese served as a big sister/surrogate mother to her younger siblings while both of her parents worked. She graduated from Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, KY becoming a teacher. On December 26, 1949 she married David Allen Dohoney. The two were married for 52 years until his death in 2002. After marrying, they lived 16 years in Richland, Washington. Kese had her first three children in Richland and was very active in her community, particularly the Richland Homemakers' Society, being honored as Homemaker of the Year. The Dohoney family then relocated to Knoxville, TN in the Karns Community. Kese had her fourth child and became very active in various community activities and worked for 13 years at Karns High School. She was a spirited member of Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church and a proud member of the church's Sarah Circle where she served as the Bereavement Chair for many years. Kese could always be counted on for her delicious chocolate and butterscotch pies whenever there was a need of any kind in the community. Kese loved and cared for her family and was much loved by all who knew her entertaining and joyful personality. Many lives were richly blessed by the joy, laughter, and love that she shared with all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David, and son, Michael.
SURVIVORS:
1 son: Bob Dohoney
2 daughters: Paula Dohoney and Kathy {Ted) Kuerschen
5 grandchildren: Paige {Stephen) Brewster, Cameron, Chase, Connor, and Cassie Kuerschen
3 great-grandchildren: Watts, Lucy and Jake Brewster
3 sisters: Leda (Carlie) Bowmer, LaDonna (Dale) Thomas, and Jerrie {Frank) Gladwell
Many special nieces & nephews
Funeral Service: Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 6:00pmET
Visitation: After 4:00pmET on Sunday
Interment: Monday, October 11 at 12:00pmCT at Union Cemetery, 174 Milltown Church Road, Columbia, KY
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church or to Alzheimer's of East Tennessee.
Condolences are welcome at weaverfuneralservices.com.
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in Columbia, KY is in charge of local arrangements.
