In Memory of

Faculty
Sep 30, 1919 - Jul 16, 2016

Louise Hall Zirkle, 96, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 16, 2016. Born in Logan, West Virginia on September 30, 1919, to Andrew McGuffey and Lena Hall, she had two sisters, an identical twin, Nell, & older sister, Charligne. She graduated from Longwood College, Farmville, Virginia, with a BA degree, and became a teacher in English and Social Studies at William Byrd High School in Roanoke, Virginia. When the school needed a girls’ basketball coach, Louise proudly volunteered, although she did not know the sport very well. Displaying her determined spirit, she held the rule book in one hand and whistle in the other. Louise married George A. Zirkle, Jr, MD in 1942, and moved to Knoxville in 1950, where Dr. Zirkle practiced Pediatrics. Volunteerism became a way of life for Louise. Her career as a community volunteer is “like a kaleidoscope” of many pieces that have circled together for a fulfilling life. To friends & family, the jewels of the kaleidoscope- those sparkling accomplishments- were touched by her love and eager interest in people. Zirkle’s volunteer endeavors included politics, health care education, community and in serving her church. Through her actions she emerged at the top and led the way. This spirited Southern lady with twinkling green eyes, ladylike demeanor & soft Virginia accent are mere foils for the proverbial “Steel Magnolias” personality. Louise, a Sequoyah Hills “Maverick” and consummate Republican, was always loyal to her party. She believed in good government as well as being honest and forthright with elected officials. In her 25 years serving as Sequoyah Precinct chair, she worked the election polls most of her life, often driving many volunteers to the Election School. Her leadership roles included President Knox County Republican Club, President of the Knox County Women’s Republican Club, First Woman delegate (Alternate) from Knoxville to the 1968 Republican National Convention in Miami. Louise strongly loved America and proudly remembered a time during a Republican Club meeting, in which she wore a hand knit American flag sweater. As no other flag happened to be present, Louise stood up & the sweater was saluted during the pledge of allegiance. In March, 2015, Louise was recognized by the Knox County Republican Party when Mayor Tim Burchett presented a proclamation for her many years of service. Carrying an elephant handbag, she held it; and her head high, as she entered the room. In 1994, Louise was named First Lady of Knoxville, by Beta Sigma Phi. Louise’s other volunteer activities included Health Related organizations. She was President of the Knoxville Academy of Medicine Auxiliary. In 1975, she was State President, Auxiliary Tennessee Medical Association, her platform was spreading awareness of good health and women’s safety. She wore a whistle for safety education for women and they became her trademark symbol, handing them out at every local chapter she visited. Louise was Charter member and Assistant Historian, East TN Baptist Hospital and East TN Children’s’ Hospital Auxiliaries. She was a campaign volunteer for American Red Cross, Cancer Society, Heart Fund, Muscular Dystrophy, and March of Dimes Telerama. She served on the following boards: Dogwood Arts Festival Trail Chairman, YMCA, Cherokee Garden Club, Teen Board of Knoxville, Channel 20 Community TV, and Chi Omega Fraternity Mothers’ Club & Girl Scouts. She served the community of Knoxville as 1956 President, Akima Club, PTA President of Sequoyah Elementary, Tyson Jr. High School & West High Schools, and President of the Knoxville Symphony Guild. Mrs. Zirkle was a devoted lifelong member of Church Street United Methodist Church, serving on the Administrative Board, United Methodist Woman Circle, Chairman & Murphy Builders Sunday School Class. She is survived by her son Andy Zirkle & wife, Nancy, daughter Joyce Zirkle Tapscott & husband, Jack, 4 grandchildren who lovingly called her “Moo Moo”: Dr. Ashley Tapscott, Charlotte, NC, Cary Tapscott, Columbia, SC, Patrick & Lindsay Panella, 1 great grandchild, Riner Panella, Nashville, TN, nieces & nephews: Gardiner, Cummings, & Chapman families. Preceded in death by husband of 68 years, George A. Zirkle, Jr, MD, daughter Marilyn Zirkle Mize, sisters Nell & (Harvey) Wilbourne, & Charligne & (Marion) Chapman. Our deepest thanks to loving and compassionate caregivers Melody Blair, Brittany Cooper, Kimberly Cooper, Sharon Evans, Amy Franklin & Sarah Lowe. She shared her Tuesday mornings with David Giles who so lovingly tended to her yard and surprised her with fresh flowers every week. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, July 22 at 3:00 pm in the nave at Church Street United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Jan Buxton Wade officiating. Members of The Murphy Builders Sunday School Class will serve as Honorary Pall Bearers. Family will receive friends immediately following the service. Private interment at Highland Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Church Street United Methodist Church P.O. Box 1303, Knoxville, TN 37901. Arrangements: Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com