Carson-Newman family mourns the passing of former First Lady, Brona Maddox

The Carson-Newman family mourns the passing of former First Lady, Mrs. Brona Maddox. She was the wife of the University’s 20th President Dr. J. Cordell Maddox.

(March 10, 2018) – Brona Faye Maddox, 84, of Jefferson City, TN, died peacefully March 7th, 2018 at the Life Care Center of Jefferson City. Mrs. Maddox was born in Rural Hall, NC, October 18th, 1933 to parents, Edgar and Etta Mae Moorefield.

After graduating from Rural Hall High School in 1951, she attended Furman University on a music scholarship. While at Furman, Brona was a member of the Furman Singers, performed in a number of theater productions, and was selected as Furman’s May Queen and Homecoming Queen. In her sophomore year, she met her future husband of 62 years, Jesse Cordell Maddox, who later became President of Carson-Newman University. Mrs. Maddox graduated in 1956 with a degree in music and theater. Brona and Cordell married the following year on March 30th, 1957. While serving as First Lady of Carson-Newman, Mrs. Maddox taught music for many years at Jefferson City and Talbott Elementary schools. A gifted musician and singer, Brona was a long-time member of the Jefferson City First Baptist Church choir.

Together Brona and Cordell had four children, Jesse Cordell Maddox, Jr. (Donna), Michael Gary Maddox (Julie), William Brian Maddox (Erika), and Brona Gayle Beaudet (Bob). Brona was grandmother to twelve grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren (Ian, Jess, Whit, Chris, Brett, Caitlyn, Matt, Hunter, Will, Garland, Alec, Molly, Jackson and Henry).

A service honoring Brona Faye will be held Sunday, March 18th at First Baptist Church of Jefferson City. The family will hold a visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow. She will be sorely missed by her family and her many friends. May she rest in peace. Farrar Funeral Home, Jefferson City, is in charge of arrangements.

^{– courtesy of The Standard Banner}