Margaret Nichols Jackson Battle Neth, 94, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2015, in Elizabethton, Tenn. She was born in Asheville, N.C., on July 6, 1920 to Nanny and Lee Roy Jackson. She was preceded in death by husbands, Willard Battle, in 1962, and John W. Neth Jr., in 2006. Other family members who have passed are her three brothers, Lee, John and Walter Jackson, and sisters, Mary Roberson and Faye Lewis.
Mrs. Neth is survived by her sister, Betty Minter, Fletcher, N.C., and brother, Bill Jackson (Freda); Franklin, N.C. (they are twins, whom Margaret helped raise); a son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Frankie Jean Battle, Asheville, N.C., and their children, Thomas G. Battle (Erica) and Lisa Brittian (TG), as well as six great-grandchildren, Christopher and Michael Brittian, Kimberly Evans, Christina Hall, Thomas Battle and William Claybrook, and two great-great-grandchildren, Noah Evans and Sam Hall. Nieces and nephews, Eric, Brenda, Jimmy, Dale, Mack Jr., Doug, Lynn and CeCe, also survive Margaret.
Stepchildren include Suellen Neth Collins (Jim), of California, John W. Neth III (Linda), Milligan College, Bonita Neth Hardy (Patrick), Elizabethton, Dixie Neth, Milligan College, Valerie Neth Brown (Billy), Jonesborough, and Sam Neth, of Colorado; eight step-grandchildren, Shawn Jeffries (Chris), Tami Newsham (Michael), Christy Neth Elliott (Mike), John “J” W. Neth IV (Anna), Charles Nathan Hagy, Sierra Brown Street (Adam), Frank Hardy and Evelyn Esther Hardy; six step-great-grandchildren, Jennifer Favalora, Dylan Newsham, Savannah Jeffries, Isabella and Olivia Elliott and Liliana Hardy, and three step-great-great-grandchildren.
Margaret taught elementary school in Washington County and the Johnson City School Systems. She enjoyed flower gardening, crossword puzzles, reading and accompanying her husband, John, in his ministries, traveling and to East TN Antique Engine Association activities. She was a member of First Christian Church in Johnson City and their “Mr. and Mrs. Sunday School Class” (thanks for the cards!) She also attended Galilee Christian Church in Jonesville, Va., and Hopwood Christian Church at Milligan College.
For their devoted attention and friendship to Margaret and her family, we wish to thank caregivers, Menissa Fields (Courtyards Senior Living in Johnson City), and the entire staff at Hillview Health Center in Elizabethton (18 months of exceptional care).
A private family service is planned with interment in Asheville, N.C. Online condolences may be sent to the family and viewed by visiting our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the Neth family. Office (423) 543-5544.