Our Founder

Mrs. J.C. Moncier

Mrs. J.C. Moncier, founder of the Teen Board of Knoxville, was a native Knoxvillian, daugther of the late Mr. and Mrs. Herbert C. Sanford.

Known as Francis Marie during her college days, after her debut she had a brief business career. In 1931, she and J.C. Moncier were married. Mr. Moncier died in 1975. The couple had three sons and six grandchildren.

Her enthusiasm and love of life made her active in welfare, civic, and club work. Her first work was to benefit the children at the John Tarleton Home. She supported her own children’s intereses in Boy and Girl Scouts and with youth in First Christian Chruch.

She was a life member and former president of P.T.A. She was a charter member of James White D.A.R. , on the board and 40-year member of Ossoli Circle. She was on the board and a member of the Knoxville Junior League. These were only a few of her many activities.

The past four Mayors selected Mrs. Moncier to receive a key to the City of Knoxville in honor of her representation of the city in many areas of the country. She was one of the few women who received this citation. In addition, the Sertoma Club selected her for their “Service to Mankind” award. and the Exchange Club honored her by placing her name in the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds. She was honored in 1984 with the Religious Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

The inspiration for The Teen Board of Knoxville came after the 1957 loss of the Moncier’s 17 year-old-daughter, Mary, in an automobile accident. The memory of her teenage daughter dindled a love in Mrs. Moncier’s heart for all teenagers, and she developed a genuine interest and understanding of high school age boys and girls that endeared her to many of the area’s teenagers thought the years.

Mrs. Moncier died on April 8, 1985. The Teen Board of Knoxville is dedicated to her memory and is thankful for her twenty five years of devoted service to the organization.