KINGSPORT - Alethea "Mamaw Lea" Lawhead, 70, passed away Thursday (Dec. 4, 2003) at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a brief illness.

"Lea" was originally from Pittsford, Vt., and served in the U. S. Army in Japan where she played basketball. She moved to Kingsport in 1969 and retired from the Sullivan County School System where she served as a secretary at Long Island Elementary School and Lynn View High School.

"Lea" was a very active member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church and enjoyed her mission trips to Mexico to build homes for the needy.

She was an avid basketball fan especially for the Lady VOLS and the Duke Blue Devils.

Preceding her in death were her husband, William G. Lawhead; a daughter, Karen A. Lawhead; and niece, Kathy Gagnon.

Surviving are two sons, David Lawhead and wife, Nancy, Kingsport, Bill Lawhead and wife, Debbie, Knoxville; three daughters, Cynthia "Sis" Harmon and husband, Bobby, Laura Gibson and husband, Karl, Kathy Hodges and husband, Scott, all of Kingsport; 12 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one brother, Joe Gagnon, Pittsford, Vt.; one niece and two nephews.

Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport or anytime at the home.

Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with Rev. John Toney officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday at East Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Mexico Mission Team or the Youth Group at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, 3200 Glen Alpine Road, Kingsport, Tenn. 37660.