As a former director of surgical services, Fayetta Clawson is familiar with the trials of terminal illnesses. She knew the signs and symptoms of many diseases, so when she developed a chronic cough combined with a low grade fever, she knew trouble was ahead. Her regular physician referred her to Dr. Gaines, who confirmed her suspicion of lung cancer.

Being an active wife, mother, grandmother, Sunday school teacher and full-time nurse, cancer obviously hindered Fayetta’s ability to tackle all of her responsibilities and joys at once. She had to stop teaching Sunday school for Forks Grove Baptist Church’s five to seven year olds and take some time off work. Her family, coworkers and church—in fact, the entire Lafollette community—were very supportive and gave her strength. A very precious joy was that every Sunday after church, her Sunday school kids would drop by and sing her a song they had learned or bring her some crafts they had made.

Today, Fayetta continues to enjoy an active lifestyle. She loves to travel and go fishing with her grandson, Dylan. She and her husband have a special travel group of friends that remain close. Every other year, these eight couples get together and do something—this year they went on a cruise to Belize and Cozymel. And, again, the Sunday school children play an important part. She went back to teaching those five to seven year olds and now also enjoys singing with the church choir.

This experience has not dampened Fayetta’s view of the world but rather the opposite. In ways that a survivor knows best, she appreciates her family and friends all the more as well as the simplicity of enjoying a beautiful sunshine day. Fayetta believes she is one of the most blessed people in East Tennessee.