Marion Lanette Gallahar Hammontree
September 13, 1935 – February 14, 2026

Marion Hammontree of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at the age of 90. Marion's greatest passion and joy in life was her family. Though small in physical stature, she possessed a great and steady spirit. She was a gentle strength to many, a nurturer, encourager, and quiet anchor whose presence made others feel safe, loved, and at home.

Marion devoted much of her life to caring for children, working for many years with Kindercare and other childcare programs. This calling reflected who she was at heart: attentive, patient, and deeply invested in helping others grow. Whether in her professional life or her home, Marion held high expectations wrapped in kindness, believing in people and encouraging them to become their best.

She loved the Lord and lived her faith daily through acts of service and care. Marion was an active member of First Baptist Church of Maryville and served faithfully through jail ministry and hospital volunteering, offering compassion and calm to those who needed it most. To her family and countless others, she was a "soft place to land," peaceful, giving, and steady, yet always gently guiding with wisdom and love.

Marion found joy in life's simple and beautiful things, especially when shared with her family. She loved wildflowers and bunnies, classical music and old harp singing. She delighted in storytelling and had a wonderful sense of humor that brought smiles and laughter to those around her. Her home was a place of warmth: special meals, sweet candies, turned‑down beds, bedtime stories, children's songs, and thoughtful little treats that made everyone feel cherished.

Above all, Marion was a caregiver in every sense, caring, nurturing, giving, and peaceful. Her love for her family shaped her life and left a lasting legacy that will continue through generations. She had a way of loving people that stayed with them long after they left her presence.

Marion is survived by her loving children, Karen Hammontree Wheeler (Steve) and Billy Gregory Hammontree (Donna), both a testament to her character and devotion. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Mitchell Wheeler, Melissa Hammontree Lane (Chris), April Wheeler, Gregory Hammontree (Nicole Brancato), and Katie Wheeler Powers (Spencer). Bringing her special joy and delight, Nana is also survived by her great‑grandchildren: William, Wade, Jack, John Philip, Jay, and Lottie.

She is also survived by her sister‑in‑law, Wanda Gallahar, and her many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved very much.

Marion was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy J. Hammontree; her parents, Robert and Maybelle Gallahar; her sisters, Marie Smith Haddox, Anna Coulter, Thelma Haddox, Evelyn Prater, Maxine Davis, and Helen Kirby; and her brothers, Robert and Ronald Gallahar.

Marion's life was one of quiet faith, steadfast love, and selfless devotion to her family and others. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the First Baptist Church of Maryville's Homeless Mission Fund. The family will be receiving friends and family on February 18,2026 at Miller Funeral Home in the Magnolia Chapel from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM with funeral service at 1:00 PM with Tony Owens officiating interment will follow at 2:30 PM at Centenary Cemetery. Arrangements made by Miller Funeral Home 915 W. Broadway Maryville, TN 37801.