Ruth Lavender Vessels, 93, of Clinton died Monday, April 1, in NHC Health Care Center of Oak Ridge after a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Vessels worked as an X-ray technician for the first Oak Ridge Dental Health Center, 100 Tennyson Road, at one time. Prior to that she worked for Magnet Mills, Clinton, for many years.

The daughter of Mary Farmer and William Lavender, she was born May 27, 1902. She grew up in Farmer's Hollow between Oak Ridge and Clinton. Her great-great-grandfather, Abner Farmer, homesteaded that area of Anderson County in the early 1800s.

Mrs. Vessels was on of the oldest members of New Salem Baptist Church, where she was active in Golden Agers Club and other church activities until her health declined.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Challis Vessels.

Survivors are a sister, Woodie Carter of Oak Ridge; brother and daughter-in-law, Kimble and Mary Farmer, Clinton; niece, Faye Bennett Morris of Clinton; two great-nieces, Laura Morris-Bankhead of Houston, Texas, and Joanna Underwood of Lincolntown, NC; several cousins' two great-great nephews and one great-great niece.

Family received friends Tuesday, April 2, in Martin Funeral Home, Oak Ridge, with the Rev. Vernon Sansom Jr. officiating.

Funeral service was 8 pm Tuesday, April 2, in the funeral home chapel.

Graveside service was 10:30 am Wednesday, April 3, in Anderson Memorial Gardens.

Family requests any memorial be made as donations to American Heart Association, Anderson County unit, P.O. Box 6014, Oak Ridge, Tenn. 37831-6014.

Source:
Clinton Courier News
3 April 1996