Obituaries

Joseph Reginald Clark, Sr. - 47, departed this life on Friday, July 10, 2026. Joe was a member of the Austin East Class of 1996 and was a premier athlete for Austin East High School. He was a 2x State Champion in the 400-meter yard dash. He was preceded in death by his mother Regina (McKinney) Woods; father, Joseph C. Clark; grandfather Buford McKinney Sr., grandmother, Jeanette McKinney; and aunts, Terri (McKinney) Littlejohn and Shelia McKinney. He leaves to cherish his

July 13, 1934 – November 23, 2025 Today, we honor the life and legacy of a remarkable woman whose love continues to live in our hearts. Although this is the first birthday we celebrate without your physical presence, we rejoice in knowing that you are celebrating in the presence of our Lord and Savior. On this heavenly birthday, we celebrate not only the years you lived among us but the eternal life you now enjoy. Though we cannot give you flowers, cards, or birthday hugs, we

In Loving Memory of Clara Robinson Clara Robinson, age 85, of Knoxville, Tennessee, peacefully entered eternal rest on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at her home, surrounded by the love of her daughter, granddaughter, sister, and dear friends. Clara was born on August 18, 1940, in Stringtown, Mississippi, to the late Ruth Ann and Eddie Manuel. Following the passing of her mother, her devoted father lovingly relocated Clara and her sister, Mary Manuel, to Greenville, Mississippi, w

On June 28, 2026, Dr. Larrissa D. Henderson peacefully transitioned at her home from labor to reward, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. While our hearts are saddened by this earthly farewell, we find comfort in reflecting on a life filled with love, faith, purpose, and cherished memories. Larrissa Diana Henderson was born on September 28, 1951, in Knoxville, TN to Harry Sr., and Clara Mae Harris. From an early age

Vickie Lynn Paris, age 72, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026. She was born in Knoxville on December 17, 1953, and remained a lifelong resident of the city she loved. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Parris; son, Robert Parris Jr.; parents, Rozzie Bell Elder and Roy Hubbard; and siblings, Jackie Elder, David Elder, and Johnny Elder. She is survived by her daughters, Sonya Parris (Curtis) and Rozzie Tate (Cletus); brothers, Roy Eld

Mitchell Bubbie Drew, a father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on June 12, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on February 19, 1956, in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mitchell was warm and showed kindness, he was known for his unwavering dedication to family and community. Mitchell was the beloved son of Marie Wallace, who preceded him in death, along with his dear sisters Betty Drew and Neice Drew. Despite the loss of his mother and sisters, Mitchell's spirit r

Diane Marie Jones was born on August 3, 1969, to the union of Franklin L. Jones Sr. and Cynthia Fay Jones. She peacefully entered eternal rest on June 3, 2026, at the Beverly Park Place Nursing Facility. She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Franklin L. Jones Sr.; her mother, Cynthia Fay Jones; her nephew, Germar Montae Smith; and her cherished dog, Shiloe Jones. Diane leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughters, Deneshia Wallace (Joe Battle) and Jasmine Wa

Michael DeWayne Green born December 12, 1972 passed away at the University of Tennessee Hospital on June 8, 2026. He was a faithful member of Open Arms Church, and also gave his time for community service. He enjoyed being the neighborhood DJ, fishing, watching wrestling, and Kung Fu movies. Preceded in death by: father, Claxton Green; sisters, Themesa Green and Sonya Green Michael leaves to cherish his memories wife, Taffany Holloway-Green; children, La’Deja, Christopher, K

Maurice ”Reese” Essie, Sr. of Knoxville, TN, age 63, departed this earthly place for a permanent home in God’s Heaven on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Reese was a graduate of Austin East High School; class of 81. Shortly after, he began a 20 plus year career of trucking. He later transitioned to an entrepreneur of many ventures, most notably known for his hats. In recent years, Reese dedicated his time and service to assisting Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. Known for his lively spirit an

Diane Marie Jones was born on August 3, 1969, to the union of Franklin L. Jones Sr. and Cynthia Fay Jones. She peacefully entered eternal rest on June 3, 2026, at the Beverly Park Place Nursing Facility. She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Franklin L. Jones Sr.; her mother, Cynthia Fay Jones; her nephew, Germar Montae Smith; and her cherished dog, Shiloe Jones. Diane leaves to cherish her precious memory her daughters, Deneshia Wallace (Joe Battle) and Jasmine Wa

Steven E. Allen, born December 2, 1957 to the late Clara Faye Olden, passed away on May 10, 2026. He was of Baptist faith and worked as a cook at Harold’s and later on at Meal on Wheels. He leaves to cherish his memories: children, Kenya (Isham Grady) Cox, Jazzlynn Cox, Steven Cox, Jonitsa Brown Allen, and Brandon Brown; brother, Gregory (Marina) Allen, 9 grandchildren, long time companion, Mary Lee Womble; extended family, Carigiouse (James) Crippen, Iesha (Larry) Sawyers,

DeLois Gordon of Knoxville, TN departed this life May 27, 2026 at her home. DeLois was born February 4, 1952 to the late Dorothy Mae Gordon. She graduated from Rule Highschool. Lois, as she was affectionately known, was a woman that enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved spending time with her family. To Lois, there was no better place to be than having a good laugh with family and friends. Lois was the life of all family gatherings. Whether it was telling a joke or a s

Mrs. Wilma Jean Cowan Steele went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Park West Medical Center surrounded by her love ones. She was born February 2, 1940, to the union of Will and Blanche Cowan. Wilma attended Knoxville City Schools, a graduate of Austin High School Class of 1958 and majored in cosmetology. After graduation, she attended Knoxville Business College where she received an associate's degree in office management. Wilma was united in holy mat

Jymme Sue Walton Armstrong, age 87, of Powell Tennessee, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Jymme Sue Walton Armstrong was born on January 23rd, 1939 in Knoxville, Tennessee to John Henry Walton and Margaret L Walton. Jymme graduated from Austin High School and later went to Knoxville College where she graduated and met her future husband, Earl Armstrong, Jr. Jymme holds the honorable and notable historical distinction of being the first black woman to be hi

Maggie Lenora Baker Williams transitioned to her heavenly home on May 25, 2026, while residing at Island Home Park Health and Rehab in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was born in Florida on June 27, 1944, attended Charles M. Hall High School in Alcoa, Tennessee, and worked for several years in production in Rockford, Tennessee. Maggie was a loving, caring, sincere, and giving woman who was deeply dedicated to serving God, often placing the needs of others before her own. She was an

Vernon Alonzo Anderson, Jr., entered eternal life on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was born on January 20, 1967, to Belinda Ann Myers and Vernon Alonzo Anderson, Sr., in Knoxville, Tennessee. Vernon grew up in the local area and went to Knoxville City Schools. He graduated from Holston High School with the Class of 1985. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Carson-Newman College. Vernon was a godly man and a firm believer in th

Sunrise: October 29, 1946 Sunset: May 23, 2026 Walter Lamar Spears was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, skilled craftsman, and faithful follower of Christ whose life was marked by dedication, humility, and love for his family and community. On May 23, 2026, at the age of 79, he peacefully transitioned leaving behind a legacy that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Walter shared a beautiful love story with his beloved wif

Willie Eleazer born to the late Lucy June and Willie Lewis Boomer passed away May 19, 2026 at Fort Sanders Regional Hospital. Preceded in death by: parents; wife, Shirley Eleazer; son, Willie Lewis Eleazer; sister Robin Boomer; brother, Leon “Tuffy” Boomer He leaves to carry on his legacy: daughter, Joanisha Marie Eleazer; grandchildren, Leandre Eleazer, Jasmine Eleazer, Imani Eleazer, Farrah Eleazer, Amaury Moore, and Jaylen Jones; sisters, Gwendolyn “Shepherd” McClease, Nas

A'Majesty Denise Espy was born on February 26, 2026 at Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital. Preceded in death by: brother, Taman Stapleton, grandparents, Qiana Bennett, Tommy Whitehead, Matthew Brown, Dock Stewart Jr.; great grandmothers Christine Elder and Unica Whitehead; uncle, Tommie Bennett, several aunts, uncles, and cousins She leaves to cherish her memory: parents, Alexus Bennett and Marvin Espy, and a loving friend that was like a father to her Robert Charles Lundy; s

Alice Cornelia Pettus (neé Johnson) departed this life April 29, 2026, at the age of 100. Born January 29, 1926, in Holden, West Virginia, she was the eldest child of Ella E. Allen and David A. “Jack” Johnson. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Pettus was preceded in death by her husband, Albert E. Pettus, Jr.; stepfather Claude W. Allen; grandparents Ben H. and Jessie A. McDowell; son Henry R. Eldridge; granddaughter Teresa D. Allen; grandsons Eric M. Wright and Cornelius S.