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Lela Besse Hale
1933 - 2026
BORN
1933
DIED
2026
FUNERAL HOME
800 E Watauga Ave
Johnson City, Tennessee
Lela Hale Obituary
July 25, 1933 -
March 19, 2026
BRISTOL, TN - Lela Besse Ford Hale, a cherished 92-year-old, peacefully passed away on March 19, 2026, at Spring Arbor Dominion Assisted Living in Bristol, TN.
Born on July 25, 1933, in Washington County, TN, she was the daughter of the dearly departed Vernon Clay and Anna Lou Birdwell Ford.
Lela embraced her Lord Jesus as her Savior and was baptized at the Boones Creek Baptist Church at the tender age of 12. She married Arnold Deforrest Hale on March 4, 1951, and joined his church, New Bethel Presbyterian Church, in Piney Flats, TN. Lela dedicated 63 wonderful years to New Bethel before transferring her membership to Piney Flats First Baptist Church.
Lela was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Arnold D. Hale, in 2011, and a daughter, Carolyn Hale King in 1996, four brothers, Robert Clay Ford, Frank Glen Ford, James Richard (JR) Ford, Edgar Ray Ford, three sisters, Margaret Louise Ford Conner, Hazel Francis Ford Matherly Durham, and Betty Ford Jarrett Cavanah.
Survivors include daughters, Connie Marie Hale Caronna and her husband Steve Caronna of Raleigh, NC, and Vickie Hale Carver-Parker and her husband Lee Parker of Piney Flats, TN. Son-in-law, Kenneth and Suzy King of Bristol, TN, Hazel Ford of Bristol, TN (Edgar Ray Ford's wife), She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Micah Caronna (Melissa), Terah Caronna Clark (Neal), Joshua Caronna (Melanie), Tabitha Caronna Suo (Joe), Tracey King Daly (James), Chanci King (Esteban), Chelsea Carver, and Haley Carver. There are also 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and many special nieces and nephews. She is also remembered by special friends Kay Moorhouse, Janie and Eddie Sams, Tom Anderson, and Betty and Marvin Johnson.
The Family would like to give an extra thank you and recognition to the superior care received from the staff at Spring Arbor Senior Living (formally Dominion) and Amedisys (Nikki, RN) in her final days. Mom and our family are extremely grateful for all your support and love.
The family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 1-2pm at Piney Flats First Baptist Church with formal service to follow at 2:15pm with Pastor Micah Caronna officiating. Burial will follow service at New Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Steve Caronna, Lee Parker, Joshua Caronna, Josiah Caronna, James Daly, and Marvin Johnson. Honorary Pall Bearers are Richard "Dickie" Torbett and Dean Torbett.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Piney Flats First Baptist Church, 100 Cherry Street, Piney Flats, TN 37686 or New Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery Fund, 592 New Bethel Rd, Piney Flats, TN. 37686.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.
Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Johnson City, is honored to serve the Hale family. (423-928-6111)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Johnson City800 E Watauga Ave PO Box 2265, Johnson City, TN 37605
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