A Heart for Helping

In honor of Black History Month, we spoke to Loretta, a true Knoxville original. Born and raised in Old City Knoxville, it’s the only place she’s ever called home. An only child with a natural gift for connecting with people, Loretta graduated from Austin High School and earned a scholarship to Spelman College in Atlanta, where her passion for service began to take shape. One professor recognized her empathy and leadership skills and encouraged Loretta to continue her education at the University of Tennessee, where she earned her master’s degree in clinical social work.

During her studies, Loretta returned home to care for her ailing mother. It turned out to be a moment of clarity that confirmed her calling. She went on to work for the city of Knoxville, supervising multiple community action centers, traveling from neighborhood to neighborhood to support those most in need. Looking back on her life, Loretta realized she’s always been a caregiver. Even at a very young age, she had three aunts she used to take care of, in addition to her mother. Her professional life was becoming an extension of her own personality.

Loretta’s social work took her into the homes of low-income people in the same neighborhoods where she grew up. She was always working and helping others, to the point where her friends would try and sit her down to tell her that she had to take a rest.

“I was taking care of everyone else and I forgot to take care of myself,” Loretta said. “I was never one to sit still. There was too much work to be done.”

Her dedication extended beyond her family and the city limits of Old Knoxville to her deep involvement with the Presbyterian Church, which she joined when she was twelve years old. Through Presbyterian Women, Loretta helped underserved women in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and beyond. Her work took her to Cambodia during the dangerous reign of Pol Pot, a time later portrayed in the Oscar-nominated film, “The Killing Fields.” Though frightened, and having seen things most people haven’t, Loretta pressed on because helping others defined her life. She also helped served the homeless on the tough streets of American cities, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco.

“God never told us we were angels,” Loretta said with a laugh. “But we were angels to the people we helped. I’d think sometimes that God determines what He wants you to do and you find yourself doing it, you know? I just always enjoyed helping others.”

Today, at 91, Loretta is enjoying a well-earned, maintenance-free lifestyle at American House West Knoxville.