(MARYVILLE)  Former Tennessee First Lady "Honey" Alexander passed away Saturday with family at her home in Maryville, Tennessee. The 77-year-old is the wife of former Governor and U. S. Senator Lamar Alexander.

She was born in Los Angeles in 1945. Her family moved to Victoria, Texas when she was two. She grew-up in the Lone Star State and graduated with a degree in American Studies from Smith College in 1967.

Lamar and "Honey" met at a baseball tournament in Washington, DC and it was "love at first sight". In fact, they were married 18-months later. She was working for Texas Senator John Tower and Lamar was on the staff of Tennessee Senator Howard Baker, Jr. The staff from the two senatorial offices were competing in the tournament. 

Tennessee's First Lady  

She and her husband, along with their 11-month old son Drew, moved to Nashville in 1970. 

"Honey" was First Lady from 1979-1987. That's when her passion for children's health came into focus. She led Tennessee's Healthy Children Initiative and served on the Southern Regional Task Force on Infant Mortality in 1985-1986. In addition, "Honey" Alexander added to the success of the Governor's Task Force on Child Care as well as issues dealing with youth alcohol and drug abuse. 

Obituary

Leslee Kathryn Buhler "Honey" Alexander is survided by Lamar, her husband of 53-years, along with 9 grandchildren, 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Her son Drew passed away on December 31, 2021.

The Alexander family will have a private graveside service at their family cemetery in Walland, TN. 

There will later be a public memorial service at Christ Church Cathedral in Nashville.