Kingsport Centennial – “Women of Impact”

As a part of the Kingsport Centennial, The Junior League of Kingsport accepted nominations and compiled a list of 133 women who have made a significant impact during the first 100 years of Kingsport’s history.  These 133 women represent many other women who have through dedication and hard work helped make Kingsport a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The “Women of Impact” list includes individuals, both living and deceased, from a broad range of organizations that have influenced Kingsport with contributions encompassing community service, professional, religious, educational and healthcare arenas.

Individuals from the “Women of Impact” listing that we know played a part in local Red Cross history in Kingsport include two staff members and twenty-four volunteers.

Lula Lee Dobyns, an early Kingsport resident, was vice chair of the Board of Directors in 1917 and signed the original charter for the local chapter. Ella Dixon was the Executive Director of the chapter from 1942 – 1957. Genevieve Shivell and Vivien Parker were in the first class of Nurses Aides trained at Holston Valley Hospital to assist the nursing staff during and after World War II. 

Christine Triebe served on the board of directors and as a Red Cross nurse receiving the National Nursing Service Award presented at the National Red Cross Convention in 1959.  Emily Childress, Elizabeth Ann Hay, and Deb Shurger volunteered as Water Safety Instructors. Barbara Gipe, Jane Harris, Rosalee Sites, and Charlotte Hoover were Registered Nurses volunteering for the Red Cross Chapter.

Charlotte Hoover also served on the Board of Directors and became the first female chapter board chairman and a member of the Nursing Committee of the National Organization. Jane Harris became Executive Director in 1981 and served in this role until 2008.

Susan Pond, Peggy Smith, Peggy Turner, and Emily Childress volunteered in Red Cross school clinics.  Doris Bush, Linda Calvert, Emily Childress, Martha Lawson, Carolyn Pierson Cook, Peggy Turner, Brenda White Wright, Leigh Ann Hoover, Diana Meredith, Jane Crawford, Elise Bourne, and Nancy Ledford and Mary Margaret Denton, all served on the Board of Directors or in another leadership role.