Nancy Case Jonakin
Nancy Case Jonakin, 101 years old of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully January 1, 2023.
She was born to Charline and Dennis Case, April 26, 1921 in Birmingham, AL but spent her life in Chattanooga, TN. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years Seisel Newton Jonakin, Jr., her sister Martha Case Barger and brothers and sisters-in-laws.
She is survived by her son Seisel N. Jonakin, III, PhD. (Julia) of Cookeville, TN and her daughter Jerrie Jonakin Raines, DDS (Bill) of Chattanooga, TN and her grandchildren: Richard J. Howard (Jennifer) of Chattanooga, Will J. Raines of Helsinki, Finland, and Emma Rollins, JD, of Pittsburg, PA and many loved nieces and nephews.
Nancy and Seisel were members of the greatest generation and their lives were a testament to that era. Nancy was a gracious lady with a quick wit, infectious laugh and lovely sense of humor. She was known for her detailed memory of days past which she loved to recount and her ability to listen and empathize. She was the ultimate optimist and could always find the positive side of any situation. This and her happy marriage to Seisel definitely contributed to her long and well lived life which she always described as “wonderful and blessed!”
She and Seisel were involved in all their children’s activities from kindergarten through college. She adored her three grandchildren and was an active participant in her grandsons’ up bringing. She could always be found at Boy Scout events, swim meets, track meets and other school activities.
Nancy loved the beach and traveling. She played bridge into her nineties with longtime friends several of whom were high school classmates. Nancy was an excellent seamstress and also knew her way around the kitchen where she specialized in baked goodies, apricot pie in particular. She always had a book at the ready and never turned down a chance to go on a hike or a walk. Until the last month of her life, she was always up for that walk.
Before her marriage, she was a dental assistant to Dr. Ed Braly. Years later, she assisted her daughter when she was starting her private dental practice.
She was a member of St Marks UMC for over 65 years. She would often pick up friends to drive them to church. She made lifelong friendships and participated in the Women’s Circle, Church Committees and Sunday School.
For the last four years, Nancy lived at Dominion Senior Living of Hixson. She loved the many staff members and residents. She in turn was well loved by them. Her family expresses their gratitude to the kind people of Dominion and Hearth Hospice for their loving care of Nancy.
A Celebration of Life will be held in late April 2023 and details will be announced later.
If desired, please make contributions to the American Heart Association, 519 E. Fourth St., Chattanooga, TN 37403.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.