Wilma Maples
Mrs. Wilma Maples was a local legend who welcomed generations of visitors to the Smoky Mountains and was one of Sevier County's greatest philanthropists. Mrs. Maples and her husband Rellie owned and operated the historic Gatlinburg Inn which hosted stars such as Liberace, former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, Dinah Shore, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and J.C. Penney. The Inn was also where Felice and Boudleaux Bryant wrote the song "Rocky Top" in 1967.
Mrs. Maples was also a leader and major donor in the development of the Walters State Community College Sevier County Campus. The first building on the Sevier County Campus was named in honor of the Mapleses and another contributor. Also, the college's culinary institute was named after her late husband Rellie, and a dining room on campus is named in her honor.
Because Mrs. Maples was such a stong supporter of education, she earmarked funds from her estate to be used to establish three separate scholarships to support students who attend the Sevier County Campus.
Scholarships associated with Wilma Maples