Lois Elaine Kunselman

Lois Elaine Kunselman, age 91, of Clinton, went home to her Lord on Sunday, March 17, 12 days after celebrating her 69th wedding anniversary with her loving husband, Maurice Kunselman, who was by her side until she peacefully crossed over.

Born Nov. 10, 1921, in Shreveport, La., Lois was salutatorian of her Wynne, AK, graduating class of 1939. After a fulfilling, ambitious period working as a telephone operator, Lois met and married Maurice in Memphis in 1944. Much later, in her 50s, Lois received a combined degree in English and religious studies from the University of Tennessee.

She is preceded in death by her parents Joe and Mabel Miller, a son Philip Maurice Kunselman, two brothers Rev. James Miller and Eugene Flickner, and a sister Josephine Kitterman.

She is survived by her husband Maurice H. Kunselman, a son Frank Bret Kunselman of Knoxville, two daughters Caroljo Papac of California and Dr. Adrienne K. Mulligan of Arizona, their respective spouses, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

She was a member of Heritage Fellowship, and prior to that an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served in various other capacities. Lois was an active member of the Clinton chapter of AARP, serving as treasurer and then president for several years.

Her outgoing personality and cheerful, sincere smile were infectious.

She was an avid reader, enjoyed word games and puzzles of all types, dancing, gardening, and bird watching. Devoted mother, loving and faithful wife, she loved nothing more than to be with her family, involved fully in their activities and teaching them love and honor. She will be sorrowfully missed by her devoted husband, theirs was truly “love at first sight.”

It is with mingled sorrow and celebration that those she leaves behind wish her “Bon Voyage,” as she sheds this earthly body and travels to the waiting arms of her Lord, Jesus Christ, where she will receive a new body free of suffering and pain. Her one wish was that her friends would join us in celebration, knowing that she was ready to be free.

A funeral service will be held Friday, March 22, 2013 2 p.m. in the chapel of Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Metler officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.