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21st Annual Duncan Awards Honor Senior Advocates

The Duncan Award for Senior Advocacy, named in memory of John J. Duncan, Sr., pays tribute to people in our community who uphold the same kind of steadfast support and advocacy of seniors and programs that serve older adults as were exhibited by the late congressman. This year marks the 21st anniversary of this signature event that also serves as a fundraiser for Senior Information & Referral (SIR). SIR aims to be the primary source for quality, dependable information and referral services for Knox County seniors and their caregivers.

All too often, seniors and their caregivers become confused and/or discouraged by the complexities of the social service system and give up before they ever find out about services that could assist them. Senior Information & Referral strives to empower seniors by providing information that leads to better service delivery, and by advocating with service providers on behalf of those seniors that need additional help. These same qualities are exhibited in our Duncan Award Recipients as they tirelessly advocate for the needs of seniors in our community. Help us honor and celebrate these two amazing individuals for all the work they have done, and continue to do in service to our seniors.

For more information, call Senior Information & Referral at 865-546-6262.

Meet our Honorees:

Teresa Lawson - Professional Recipient

Born in Alabama and raised in Knoxville, Teresa graduated from Maryville College with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Art, with a special interest in American Sign Language. She worked with adults and children with mental illness at Lakeshore Mental Health Institute. After that, she worked in group home settings. She has served as the Supportive Services Coordinator at The Manor (formerly Bridgeview) since 1998 and was instrumental in moving all of the residents and programs to The Manor at Northgate in 1999.

Teresa is no stranger to the senior services community. She has worn many hats and has served in various capacities throughout her career. Her heart for older adults led her to serve as a site supervisor for the Senior Companion Program, a member of the Senior Information and Referral Advisory Board, a dedicated volunteer for many fundraising efforts such as the Bill Williams Bass Fishing Tournament, raising funds for child advocacy agencies, and many other charitable organizations. She has traveled to Nashville with Leading Age to be a voice on the hill for the needs of older adults. Teresa is a member of the 2011 graduating class of CAC’s Community Leadership program.

While she has retired from her position at The Manor at Northgate, there is no doubt Teresa will continue to advocate, as she always has, for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Bob Newman - Community Recipient

Bob was born in South Knoxville in 1931. He began his first career in 1949 as a lineman for Bell Telephone Company. In 1952, he enlisted in the Army. He served in Korea and was awarded the Bronze Star for perfecting a communication system for his Company. He returned to Southern Bell in Knoxville after his discharge while also attending the University of Tennessee.

During his time at Southern Bell and BellSouth, he held many positions including Operations Manager and Human Resources Staffing Manager. The Telephone Pioneers organization was important to him and he served as an active member, environmental chairperson, Vice President, and President. He retired after 42 years in 1991.

He was very active in the Episcopal Church. Among other things, he served on the Bishop and Council, was Assistant Treasurer of the Diocese of East Tennessee, and served as Lector, Lay Person, Chalice Bearer, and Vestry for many years. He is a 32^nd degree Mason, a member of the Kerbela Shrine temple. One of his most fulfilling activities as a Shriner has been to transport children to Lexington and Cincinnati hospitals for treatments. After his retirement from BellSouth, he worked with Long Term Care Insurance, the Better Business Bureau, Williamsburg Senior Living, and Homewatch Caregivers. During this time, he was very active in the senior community and was instrumental in the start-up of the Knoxville Senior Networking Group.

John J. Duncan Sr. Award for Senior Advocacy 2023

21st Annual Awards for Senior Advocacy