Tommy Sue Lepper

January 4, 1944 — May 15, 2024

Knoxville

Tommy Sue Lepper of Knoxville, TN and Indianapolis, IN passed Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Tommy Sue was born January 4, 1944, to Mavity George (Bud) Janke Sr and Mary Thomas (Hook), the youngest of four children.

Tommy Sue was an accomplished self-taught artist winning several awards which include the Dogwood Arts Festival Association’s 1st place and an award-winning member of the Hoosier Salon of Indiana, hosted annually by the Indiana State Museum. Her professional memberships and board appointments included Knoxville Museum of Art, TN Artist Association, Fountain City Watercolor Guild, Oak Ridge Museum of Fine Arts, Tennessee Watercolor Society, and Indiana Artist Associations. Her volunteering and charitable giving through her art was extended to several organizations including her companion prints titled Gifts of Affection, with proceeds of sales going to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. She was also a commissioned artist for many individuals and organizations, among which included her print Knoxville Charm, depicting the historical district in downtown Knoxville. Tommy Sue also loved gardening and as a member of the Knoxville Garden Association, volunteered her time with area students by presenting art and garden lessons in elementary schools. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially cherishing large family gatherings centered around her excellent cooking.

Tommy Sue’s spirit will live in the memories shared and the hearts of her children, as well as many nieces and nephews, her childhood friends from Indianapolis, neighbor friends from Keswick, friends in Minnesota where she resided after the passing of her husband, and her loving friends and care givers at Morning Pointe of Powell, University of Tennessee Hospice and Sacred Ground Hospice House.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelley Stiegelmeyer Al-Khatib (Jamal); sons, Jeff Lepper (Carolyn), Doug Lepper (Laura), and Lance Lepper; grandchildren; Ryan, Dominique, Malik, Jordan, Zak, Chandler, Herbert III, Hunter, Landon and Hailey; great-grandchildren; Jaxon, Westyn, Gabrielle and Parker.

Tommy Sue was preceded in death by her loving husband of 52 years, Herbert Wayne Lepper Jr; parents and siblings Charles (Chuck)Janke, Gerald (Jerry) Janke, and Mavity George (Buddy) Janke Jr.

The family will hold a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, May 25th at Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she was a member, located at 7225 Old Clinton Pike Knoxville, TN, 37921. Receiving of friends and family is 9:30am. to 11:00am., service is at 11am., with a reception following at the church.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Pat Summitt Alzheimer's Foundation (Patsummitt.org), in Tommy Sue’s name.

Please leave online condolences at www.mynattfh.com

To send flowers to the family in memory of Tommy Sue Lepper, please visit our flower store.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Celebration of Life

Saturday, May 25, 2024

9:30 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church

7225 Old Clinton Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921

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