Nylice Esther Harrill

Nylice Esther (Williamson) Harrill, age 76, died after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and back issues. She was the wife of Roy L. Harrill, Jr. for 53½ years. They were graduates of EHS class of 1964.

She was preceded in death by parents James Elmer Williamson, Sr. and Anna Rue (Rolen) Williamson, father- and mother-in-law Roy L. Harrill, Sr. and Mildred Harrill, and brother-in-law Donald Ray Harrill.

Nylice was a 1968 graduate of UT majoring in Home Economics Interior Design. Her career led her into the mortgage business starting as a loan processor, working up to branch manager and then to an underwriter. She was highly regarded as one of the best in the mortgage business in Huntsville, AL and Ft. Walton Beach, FL.

Nylice grew up in the Chilhowee View community of Maryville, lived in Bristol, TN, Huntsville, AL, and Niceville, FL. She and Roy moved back to Maryville to be close to their loving families after both retired.

Nylice loved working in the church music ministry including singing in the choir, and playing the piano, hand bells, and organ. A Baptist by faith, she was a member of Piney Grove Baptist (her home church), Antioch Baptist in Huntsville, AL, and First Baptist Church of Niceville, FL. At FBCN, she led and directed Highest Call, a women’s ensemble for nearly 26 years singing at church, assisted living homes, special events, and even a mission trip to Martinique. She also sang with the Transformers, a women’s ensemble in Maryville. She attended Pleasant Grove Baptist when she was physically able. She loved gospel music, the mountains, and Cades Cove but also loved the beach and spent many hours on the beach in Destin. She vacationed in the Caribbean where she learned to snorkel which became her favorite pastime. She also tolerated her husband’s love of sailing.

She leaves behind her husband Roy, brother David Williamson (Jean), sister Sylvia Garland (Arvil), brother Jimmy Williamson, special niece Sandy (Donnie) Scott, sister-in-law Laverne Harrill, brother-in-law Doug Harrill (Robin), many nieces and nephews, and other loving family members and friends.

Nylice loved flowers but in lieu of flowers you may send a contribution to our local Parkinson’s Disease support group at www.pjparkinsons.org or to any church music ministry of your choice.

A Celebration of Life Memorial reception and receiving of friends will be held at Smith Life Event Center, 1404 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville on Saturday, April 8 from 1-3pm. A service will be held at 3pm with Pastor Greg Long officiating.