Betty Jo “Begie” Miller Hauk went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 5, 2026 at the age of 78. She was born Betty Jo Miller on October 12, 1947 to Harvey and Margaret Miller at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, NC. She graduated from Enka High School in 1965.

Begie was an incredibly accomplished nurse and educator. She graduated in 1968 from the University of Tennessee School of Nursing in Knoxville. In 1974 she received a Bachelors in Education and graduated with honors. She was an instructor for Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Trauma Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Begie spent almost her entire career at UT Hospital. She worked as a nurse in many different areas of the hospital including the Cardiac Cath Lab, the Intensive Care Unit, the Emergency Department, and the Gastroenterology Lab. She also worked for a short while in the surgery department at Children’s Hospital.

Besides being an excellent nurse and educator, she was also a leader. She was charge nurse, nursing supervisor, and participated in nursing grand rounds multiple times.

Anyone that knew Begie would know that the highlight of her career was working for Lifestar. In 1981, before Dr. Robert Lash founded Lifestar, Begie worked with him as a fixed wing flight nurse. In 1982 she was a flight nurse for the World’s Fair. She was a flight nurse at Lifestar since the inception of the program in 1984, and she worked with many excellent people that became lifelong friends.

Begie met the love of her life, Steve, in Memphis, TN. They started dating when she was working at the heart lab at UT and Steve was fresh out of pharmacy school working in the pharmacy across the hall. They were married on June 7, 1975 in Knoxville, TN and honeymooned for 5 weeks, travelling in a VW camper van through Yellowstone and western Canada, U.S., and Mexico.

Begie was a devoted and caring mother who raised 3 children. She grew her own garden, made every holiday special, and showed her love through her excellent cooking. Her home was a loving and cozy place, always filled with the smell of delicious food on the stove. She had an excellent sense of humor and a grand sense of adventure. She travelled extensively, including with her church doing mission work to Alaska, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. She also made sure her children had plenty of opportunities to see the world. She was incredibly creative, and loved to sew, smock, quilt, and embroider. Everyone was always amazed by the clothing she made for her children.

She was a loyal and invested friend, and nurtured many deep and sustained friendships during her lifetime. She was beloved by all that knew her. She loved and adored her five grandchildren with all her heart.

Begie is survived by her husband, Steve, son Christopher Hauk (Eliza), daughters Cara Goins (Andrew) and Chelsea Haddad (Roger), five grandchildren, two nieces, three nephews, sisters Margo Dunaway (John) and Gail Hall, and brother-in-law Fred (Nadine) Hauk and sister-in-law Elaine Hauk. She was preceded in death by her parents, four half brothers, and one niece.

Many thanks to the various health care workers who took care of Begie, including Dr. Amy Barnett, Dr. Kayleigh Litton, Dr. Shadi Barbu, Dr. Scott Stevens, NHC Staff, as well as UT ER, Critical Care, and Palliative Care. We are indebted to all the physicians, staff, and workers who cared for her. Special thanks to Jill Timpkins from Harmony at Home.

A receiving of friends will be held at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service on Saturday, Oct. 10th, 2:00pm-3:30pm, with a memorial service to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to Remote Area Medical in honor of Begie Hauk. Gifts can be made at www.ramusa.org.

Although Parkinson's took a toll on her body, she allowed the Lord’s love to shine through her and glorified him until the very end. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, or at www.smithfuneralandcremation.com