Lou Ella Gencay

- Dr. Lou Ella Miller Gencay, optometrist age 97 of Powell, TN, passed into the arms of her savior Jesus Christ on March 19, 2024. She was born on January 15, 1927. She was a 1947 graduate of Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN. She practiced optometry in Knoxville until her retirement in 1990. She was married to “Phil” Feridun F. Gencay, an electrical engineer student at University of Tennessee, from Turkey, on December 22, 1951, at a double wedding ceremony with her sister Barbara to William Sterling. The wedding took place at 5th Avenue Baptist Church in Knoxville. Lou is survived by her four children, Denise Edmonds of Powell, (Steve), Jeffry of Powell, David (Kathy) of Powell and Lloyd (Elizabeth) of Michigan and 13 grandchildren and 9 greatchildren. A special mention of close friends Frank and Mary Burns.

She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Ella Miller, sisters Eleanor Howard and Barbara Sterling and husband of 69 years Feridun Gencay.

Lou was loving, selfless, supportive and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Her gentle spirit and nurturing heart made the world and those close to her a better place to live in. You will never leave us even though you are gone. Proverbs 31:31 “Honor your mother for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

A Celebration of Life for Phil and Lou will be held at a later date.

We would like to give a special thanks to NHC Knoxville and Caris Hospice for the special attention and care they gave to our mother.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee 5801 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN. 37919