Elizabeth Ann McDaniel Irwin
Born on December 13, 1935
in
Lee County, Virginia
She left us on March 19, 2008
Once called the “First Lady of Southern Appalachia” by the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Elizabeth played a vital role in establishing and running the Museum of Appalachia and the Tennessee Fall Homecoming. In addition to her executive duties, she entertained dignitaries and celebrities from throughout the world.
She enjoyed singing and playing the spoons in the Museum of Appalachia Band from its inception, and she faithfully performed over the years for hundreds of groups at the Museum and for numerous other engagements including a video for the Disney theme parks. She also appeared in the television series “Christy” and “Young Dan’l Boone,” and locally on Channel 10’s award-winning Heartland Series.
She was a devoted member of the Andersonville United Methodist Church and a 45-year member of the choir. In her younger years she was a Girl Scout leader and Red Cross swimming instructor. She was involved in numerous business and civic organizations. A cancer survivor, she was active in the local American Cancer Society chapter as a “Reach to Recovery” volunteer.
Elizabeth was a most patient and supportive wife to John Rice Irwin, Museum founder. She was a loving mother to Karen Erickson (who preceded her in death) and to Elaine Meyer, Museum executive director; a doting and encouraging grandmother to Lindsey, John, and Will Meyer; and a devoted friend to many.
The Museum plans a special garden on Museum grounds, filled with the flowers Elizabeth loved, as a lasting and living tribute to this warm, generous, and caring lady.