Margaret Frances Dent

February 20, 1936 - November 2, 2020

Margaret Frances Dent, age 84 of Maryville, went home to be with the Lord on November 2, 2020. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Margaret attended Maryville College, where she met William Dent, the love of her life, and husband of 61 years. Margaret had three sons and an extended family whom she loved, cherished, and adored. Her passion was for education and taught kindergarten for over 30 years, 25 years of which were in the Maryville City School System. She had a kind and gentle spirit that loved and nurtured her students. In addition to her love of her family and teaching, she was an accomplished pianist and violinist who loved to listen to and play classical music. Among her favorite hobbies were gardening and watching birds from their back porch. She loved the Lord and spent her life serving and caring for others. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Murl and Margaret Jones. She is survived by her husband William Dent of Maryville; sisters Judy Herr of Richmond, Virginia and Mary Lou MacCall of Southern Pines, North Carolina; sons William Dent III (Jane), Richard (Sheri), and John (Kelly); grandchildren, Nicole Schmitt (Matthew), David Hughes (Kristen), Megan, and Ryan; great granddaughter Eva; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of dear, close friends. Regrettably, due to COVID-19 concerns, the immediate family will gather for a private service in honor of Margaret. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making donations in Margaret's name to Blount Memorial Foundation, Cancer Center Patient Resource Fund, 907 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tennessee 37804 or online at blountmemorial.org/donate designated for the Cancer Center. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.