Knoxville, TN – Louella Settles Fitzgerald, 72, formerly of New York, NY passed away, Thursday, December 27, 2018, in Knoxville, TN.
Louella was born in New York, NY to Howard Settles and Mary Paschal Settles, January 12, 1946. She was the Valedictorian of the Austin High class of 1964. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Knoxville College as well as her Master’s degree in mathematics from the University of TN, Knoxville. Louella married Melvin H Fitzgerald October 14, 1967, and to that union was born Tanisha Loumel Fitzgerald. She was a long-time educator who retired from over 30 years of service in Knox County Schools. Louella was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc for 53 years being an active member of the Alpha Phi Omega chapter. She was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church for over 60 years. Louella received many honors, awards and achievements.
Louella is preceded in death by parents, Howard Settles and Mary Paschal Settles Johnson; stepfather, Willie Johnson; ex-husband, Melvin H. Fitzgerald and other relatives.
To cherish her memory, Louella leaves a devoted family; daughter, Tanisha (Darritt) Baker; sister, Katherine (Ernest, Sr.) McDuffey; grandson, Tylan; niece, Lakeisha McDuffey-Smith; nephews, Drs. Daymond, Sr. (Tara) McDuffey; Ernest, Jr. (Alyshia) McDuffey; great-nieces, Jazmine, Alexis, and Brooklyn; great-nephews, Christopher, Jr. (Taylor), Darius, Sr. and Daymond, Jr.; great-great-nephews, Jassiah and Darius, Jr.; many cousins and extended family to include the McDuffey family, Theresa Moran, Shirley McKinney, Laura Goss, LaRoyce Beatty, Sherone Richie, Betty Beal, Wanda Widener and many that knew Louella as “Momma Lou.”
The family of Louella Fitzgerald wishes to extend our sincere thanks to her great-niece, Jazmine Smith who took especially good care of her, UT Home Health Care and Hospice Services.
Family will receive friends, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, funeral services, 6:30 p.m., Pastor Christopher Battle, Officiant. Family will assemble at 2112 McCalla Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915. Arrangements by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY; www.jarnigansmortuary.com