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Elfriede Niessner Pryor, 86

Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 11:56 am

Elfriede Niessner Pryor, 86, of Jasper, passed away peacefully at her home on January 18 surrounded by her family. She was a Christian who held strong to her catholic faith. Her faith in God never wavered.

Elfriede, “Elfi” to many, was born May 12, 1938, to parents, Erwin and Aldolfine Neissner in Czechoslovakia. She was the middle child having an older brother, Josef and younger sister, Gertrude. When she was a young child, her family was forced to flee to Germany by train in the middle of the night to avoid the communist takeover.

Her story is hardship, perseverance and family as they built their new life in Germany. A book could be written about her life with all she and her family endured in these years. This included the loss of their mother when Elfi was only 12. Her father eventually remarried. In Germany, she met a young American army soldier, Joe Donald Pryor, Sr. While neither spoke the other’s language, they fell in love and were married December 12, 1963, in Germany.

Daughter, Patricia, was welcomed into the world on January 2, 1964. Eventually, after much paperwork, Elfi was able to join Joe in the United States, they settled in Fitchburg, MA. On August 10, 1965, they welcomed son, Joe Donald, Jr. While waiting for her husband to return from his Vietnam deployment, Elfriede took care of children in her home. A friend who lived in the upper apartment taught her English. When Joe returned, they eventually bought a home in Leominster, MA. In 1973, Elfriede gained her citizenship, something she was very proud of. She worked for Dupont Corporation for a number of years.

In the late 70’s, the family relocated to Jasper, TN, where her husband was from. Some of her jobs include Scottish Inn, The Jasper Middle School cafeteria, and Sather’s Candy Co. She was also a caregiver, taking care of her mother-in-law and sister-in-law in her home. Elfi was a hardworking bundle of energy. She loved to talk. One of her sayings was “I put no leaf in front of my mouth”, which meant, you were going to hear the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not.

Elfi enjoyed her beloved pets over the years, gardening (both vegetables and flowers), cruises, and traveling. She loved her family deeply. One of her favorite joys was her granddaughter, Samantha. When her great grandson, Willem was born, her joy was intensified. Elfriede was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 6362, for over 40 years, always enjoying the many activities and friendships that were forged.

Elfriede was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Francisca Neissner; husband, Joe D. Pryor; brother, Josef Neissner; and infant granddaughter, Amanda Pryor.

Elfriede is survived by her son, Joe D. (Christine) Pryor, Jr.; daughter, Patricia Pryor; sister, Gertrude Macon; granddaughter, Samantha Nash; great grandson, Willem Nash; several nieces and nephews including those in Germany. She also leaves behind some very special friends, and Ruby, her beloved dog.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Chattanooga, especially Donna Nelson (RN) for their compassion and help. Elfi was able to remain in her home, as was her wish.

The family will hold visitation on Friday, January 24, from 10 a.m. to Noon at Tate Funeral Home in Jasper. Funeral services will be on Friday, January 24, Noon in the Chapel of Tate Funeral Home with Jimmy Holtzclaw officiating.

Elfriede will be laid to rest on Friday, January 24, at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens in Jasper immediately following the funeral service.

Pallbearers are Neal Pryor, Kokie Pryor, Ray Pryor, Ed Cobb, Gerald Wayne Teague, and Jason Aker.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Tate Funeral Home, LLC, 950 Mel Dixon Lane, Jasper, Tennessee (423) 942-9500. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.tatefh.com.

The Marion Tribune – January 30, 2025