Anna Rhea Henderson Bateman

Anna Rhea Henderson Bateman, 88, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, at TerraBella Assisted Living surrounded by her family. She was known as Rhea, Mama, Mamaw, and Mrs. Bateman. She was married to the love of her life, Brady Bateman, who died in 2022. She was preceded in death by their son, Anthony Steven, who died at birth; parents, Jasper and Lillie Mills Henderson; sister, Allie Ruth Case; niece, Janie Case Berry; and nephew, Eddie Case. Her family includes daughter, Teresa, and husband, John Ayers; granddaughter, Elizabeth Rhea Ayers Neill, and husband, Robb Neill; great-grandson, Jackson Brady Neill and Hadden Lee; niece, Jeannine Pruitt; and nephews, Jimmy Case and Danny Bateman. She was a traditional matriarch, but at the same time a non-traditional woman. She was always the person in charge. She loved to cook, sew, quilt, craft, grow beautiful flowers, read, study, journal, and never threw anything away because it might be needed someday. She was an elementary school teacher for 30 years, having taught at Swannsylvania, Edgemont, and Dandridge Elementary, but spent most of her years at Chestnut Hill Elementary. She earned her teaching degrees at Tusculum and Carson-Newman. A United Methodist, she grew up in Hills Union UMC, and taught Sunday School, Bible School, played piano, served in various roles there, and at Bridges Chapel. After retirement, she held her own services at home. Although she never officially joined, she considered Morristown First UMC her church for the past two years. She believed a woman could teach, minister, and spread the Good News, and she did. Her favorite scripture was Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Married to a truck driver who was gone most of the time, she was in charge of the home fires. Brady, who was a Teamster and retired from Roadway, also drove for Tennessee Handbags, Heywood-Wakefield, and other companies during his career of more than 45 years. They built a wonderful life together in Grapevine Hollow, which they referred to as a suburb of Chestnut Hill in Jefferson County. The family appreciates the staff and residents of TerraBella, who took wonderful care of her, the staff of Caris Hospice, who kept her comfortable during her last weeks, and the staff of Heritage Center, where she did several stints of rehab. Also, we thank all the friends, family, and neighbors who have loved and helped us through. She will be cremated and a family service will be held at a later date. For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to Food on Foot, 1 Berkline Dr., Morristown, TN 37813, or the FUMC H Street project, 101 E. 1st North, Morristown, TN 37813. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manesfuenralhome.com. Arrangements with Manes Funeral Home.

Anna Rhea Henderson Bateman

February 22, 1936 - November 19, 2024