Joan Patricia Moore Freels-Saul (“Pat”), age 94, of Knoxville, Tennessee (formerly of Morristown), passed away peacefully on February 17, surrounded by her loving family, hymns, and the reading of Scripture.

Born on January 16, 1932, in Stuart, Florida, Pat attended Miami High School and later graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Home Economics. After marrying James C. (Jim) Freels, Jr. in December 1953 in Miami, the couple moved to Morristown, Tennessee. Following the birth of her fourth child, she returned to school later in life and earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her education prepared her for a career devoted to teaching and to the promotion of the arts in her community.

Pat was instrumental in the development of Rose Center into the vibrant cultural institution it is today. She taught numerous painting and printmaking classes there and participated in many exhibits as an artist, judge, and supporter. She was a founding member of the Morristown Art Association and served for many years as an art teacher at Morristown-Hamblen High School East, where she shared her deep knowledge of art history and her passion for creative expression. She believed art was an essential part of a well-rounded education and worked throughout her life to promote appreciation for the arts in Morristown. A longtime member of the Knoxville Watercolor Society, she was known as a talented local artist whose work and encouragement inspired many.

Beyond the classroom and studio, Pat’s creativity flourished at home. She was an artist in the garden as much as on canvas, delighting in flowers, thoughtful landscaping, and the quiet beauty of nature. She was an active and devoted member of the Garden Club, Women’s Club, several Bridge Clubs, and her cherished Book Club—where she was one of the original founding members, a distinction she held dear. In addition, she was also a founding board member of ALPS, whom her beloved husband, Jim, was a first participating client. These friendships and shared pursuits brought her great joy and reflected her lifelong love of learning, fellowship, and beauty in all its forms.

Pat was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Morristown. She loved teaching Bible School and Sunday School to generations of children. She generously shared her creative gifts, weaving her artistic talents together with her deep knowledge and expressive understanding of Scripture in service to her church whenever she could.

She was also the matriarch of the Freels family, whose family-owned Freels Drugstore faithfully served the Morristown community for nearly 100 years. She took great pride in her family’s deep roots and longstanding tradition of service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack Moore and Anne Gordon Moore; her mother, Virginia Walker; her brothers, William T. Moore and Richard Fordyce; her sister, Arva Moore Parks McCabe; her first husband, Dr. James C. Freels, Jr. of Morristown; her second husband, Dr. Dudley Saul of Washington State; and her daughter-in-law, Vicki Freels.

She is survived by her sister Jeanel Coullias, her children: Dr. James D. Freels and wife Elizabeth (Libby) of Clinton; David M. Freels and wife Sara of Tucker, Georgia; Dr. Douglas B.-

Freels of Chattanooga; and Martha Freels Pack and husband Jason of Knoxville; along with 10 grandchildren: Matthew Freels (Jessica) of LaGrange, KY, Michael Freels (Sarah) of Clinton, Rachael Freels Salazar (Jon) of Summerville, SC, Jimmy Freels of Atlanta, GA, Parker Freels (Georgia) of Chattanooga, TN, Graham Freels (Stephanie) of Ferndale, WA, Bradley Freels (Eliza) of Boone, NC, Sarah Pack Norris (Hayes) of Ridgeland, MS, Noah Pack of Knoxville, TN, and Rebecca Pack of Knoxville, TN. She was also the proud Great Grandmother to Marley, Laney, Adah, Ingrid, Walter, Adelyn, Eliana, Linnea, Fisher, Harper, Margaret, and Robin. She was affectionately known as “Granny Pat” to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also adored by multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Rooted in her faith in Christ, Pat walked faithfully with the Lord throughout her life, seeking to honor Him in word and deed. Through her love of Christ, devotion to family, and faithful stewardship of her artistic gifts, she leaves a legacy that will bless generations to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 18 at First Presbyterian Church in Morristown.

Additional details will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Rose Center, or ALPS in her memory.