In Memory of Margie Ison
Margaret Jewel Ison “Margie” 84, of Knoxville, TN passed away peacefully surrounded by family Sunday, February 16, 2025 after a short battle with cancer. Margie was born in Brotherton, Tennessee on July 7, 1940 to Rev. Samuel Ernest (S.E.) Wood and Daisy Jewel Jernigan Wood. She was a remarkable woman who will not only be remembered for her genuine kindness towards others, care and devotion to family, but also her deep love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Margie attended Church Street United Methodist Church and was a member of the Parables class.
Margie was voted “Most Talented” for three consecutive years at Central Cookeville High School. Margie loved singing. She was the soloist for the High School Orchestra and sang for numerous church events and community organizations. While in high school, Margie produced her own radio show with WHUB in Cookeville, TN. She met the love of her life, husband Jim, while singing with the High School Orchestra at a church event, and they were married in Ringgold, Georgia on December 28, 1957.
Margie’s early television career began in Chattanooga, TN in the 1960’s including singing on the Roy Morris Variety Show on WRCB and working as the entertainment support during a special program celebrating Chattanooga’s 150 year anniversary. In 1965, Jim’s work with TVA moved the family to East Tennessee (Claxton community) where Margie began working in the role of Executive Secretary for the Dogwood Arts Festival with the Greater Knoxville Chamber of Commerce.
During Margie’s 33 year news career, she worked for both WBIR TV_10 and WATE Channel 6. In addition to working as weather forecaster at WATE, she hosted the variety show “Ladies Day with Margie.” Margie’s “wink and smile” at the end of each weathercast made her a beloved favorite in East Tennessee, and the catchphrase, “Margie Said It Would” became a certainty more than a saying. Margie’s career transitioned from weather forecasting to entertainment reporting with “Margie on Location.” These segments covered music and art from the local Knoxville area, throughout the East Tennessee region including Dollywood to Nashville’s Grand Ole’ Opry, Opryland, CMA Awards, Fan Fair and an invitation to Kumamoto, Japan in 1990 for the annual “Cowboy Gold International Bluegrass Music Festival.”
In other career achievements, Margie created the Area Weather Spotter Network (still in effect today), and she utilized the Ham Radio Operators and the National Weather Service to gather accurate weather information and forecasts.
Some of Margie’s fondest career highlights include speaking at local schools, churches, and community events, singing at Market Square’s Dogwood Arts Festival, flying with the Blue Angels, and hosting weather segments on the nationally syndicated Good Morning America show. She was very active in the Knoxville and East Tennessee area as a keynote speaker and vocal entertainment for various organizations. She received the Sertoma Service to Mankind School Bell Award for her work with Special Education students and was honored for her work with Goodwill Industries Annual Vintage fashion show, the Teen Board of Knoxville and received the “Southern Diva Award” from the Senior Citizens Home Assistant Services Organization.
Margie served on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries of Knoxville for more than 20 years and also served on the advisory board of the Caswell Boys and Girls Club, the Interfaith Health Clinic board and took part in fundraising telethons for the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital March of Dimes, Jerry Lewis M & A telethon, and PBS Channel 2 telethon. Margie sang with the Museum of Appalachia’s Band to celebrate their yearly homecoming for 27 years.
Margie enjoyed traveling with her husband throughout the years, seeing friends and spending quality time with her family. She will be deeply missed by all and forever be in the hearts of those who loved her dearly.
Margie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, James Ira Ison “Jim”; her parents, Rev. S.E. and Daisy Wood; siblings, Judy Wood and Samuel E. Wood. She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Jeff) Williams and Jill (David) McMillan; grandchildren, Alex Stidham, Josh (Kalie) Stidham, Brigitte (Caleb) Stair and Brittany (Taylor) Benziger; great grandchildren, Eli, Ezra, Jude Stidham (twin girls due in June), Eliana, Josiah, Michaela and Isaiah Bond, Judy and Gene Benziger; brother, Dr. Albert Wood, and special godson, Larry (Lori) Cannon and family, Brent Cannon and Alexa Kaye (Derek) Lusby, Ellie Britt and Rowen Lusby; several nieces and nephews.
There will be a Call of Convenience open to the public Thursday, February 20th from 11am-7pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home. Family will receive friends Friday, February 21st from 4-8pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home. Funeral Service will take place Saturday, February 22nd at 1pm at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home with graveside service to follow at Lynnhurst Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Sertoma of Knoxville here
Thank you
