Frank Jarrett Obituary

Frank Martin Jarrett

June 10, 1929 -

February 14, 2025

Frank Martin Jarrett, 95, passed away peacefully after a brief illness. He was born on June 10, 1929 to the late Robert Sherman and Rosa Lee Whittemore Jarrett. He grew up in Carter County working alongside his Dad and brothers as a carpenter and bricklayer, building his first chimney at age 11. He later served in the US Army. It was on his furlough in December 1950 that he married Ina Howser in a double wedding ceremony with dear friends, the Pearman's, before returning to his service camp in Germany. After his discharge, he began a life-long career as a building contractor starting with the house in which he continued to reside. He later joined J.I. Cornett Construction Company in Elizabethton building many commercial and educational buildings in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. He retired as Vice President and Estimator in 1995.

After retirement Frank continued to use his building skills and experience. He served as a foreman on several Habitat for Humanity homes in Johnson City. He also devoted his time and labor to various projects at Appalachian Christian Service Camp, First Christian Church and Milligan University. Frank received the Legacy Award at First Christian Church, the Leader in Christian Service Award and the Spirit of Milligan Award at Milligan University. In his spare time, he gardened and continued his woodworking skills – from manger scenes, pens, cake stands, bracelets, and much more to building large furniture for family and friends. His diminished vision and eventual blindness in his later life became his most courageous battle and prevented him from doing the things he loved.

Frank and his wife, Ina, were members of First Christian Church and the Mr. & Mrs. Class for over 65 years. Frank's faith continued to grow after his Emmaus Walk in Spring 2000, and weekly Emmaus Reunion/Prayer group meetings for over 24 years. Special thanks to Phil Torbett, Carroll Murphy, Sonny Abernathy, and Griff Adams for their love and camaraderie.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his step-mother, Frances Sparks Lewis Jarrett, his son R. Dale Jarrett, his grandson Jacob Jarrett; his sisters, Florence Whitehead, Frances Helen Pate, Edna Crumley, and step-sister Thelma Holt; his brothers, Fred Jarrett, Foy Jarrett, Farrell Jarrett, Bud Jarrett, and step-brothers, Carl Lewis and Dusty Lewis.

He leaves behind his loving wife of seventy-four years, Ina Howser Jarrett, his daughter, Sheila Lundy (Mark) of Johnson City; daughter-in-law, Sharon Jarrett Humphrey (Donnie) of Johnson City; and one sister Sarah Edwards (Garry) of Johnson City. Their grandchildren are Jessica Jarrett Taylor (Chris) of Mt. Juliet, TN; Ryan Reynolds (Caitlin) of Port Saint Lucie, FL; Lara Lundy of Knoxville, TN; and two great granddaughters, Lola Grace Taylor, and Mayleigh Pierce Reynolds.

Loving thanks to Cheryl Pitts, their "other daughter," for weekly sweet visits and Friday evening meals. Special appreciation to Mr. Jarrett's long-term caregiver, Jan Miller, and many other loving caregivers who have enabled them to enjoy the home they cherish.

Funeral services for Frank Martin Jarrett will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First Christian Church, with Dr. Nikki Hunt, Dr. Eugene Wigginton, and Ethan Magness, Ministers, officiating. Immediately following the service, the family will greet friends at the church. The graveside committal service will then follow in Fairview Cemetery (Fairview United Methodist Church), 1033 Leesburg Rd, Jonesborough, TN 37659.

Memorial gifts may be made to First Christian Church, 200 East Mountcastle, JC, TN 37604; The United Emmaus Community, P.O. Box 4543 CRS, JC, TN 37602-4543; or Appalachian Christian Service Camp, 512 Cross Cir, Unicoi, TN 37692.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Johnson city, is honored to serve the Jarrett family. (423) 928-6111