Obituaries

Teresa Earline Barnett, the daughter of longtime Austin East High School math teacher, Earl Barnett and Knoxville College and Pellissippi State Librarian, Copplen Laster Barnett, was born June 25, 1958 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Teresa attended Nelson Merry Elementary School in Jefferson City, Tennessee and Fair Garden Elementary in Knoxville. A very bright and articulate child, Teresa excelled academically. She was recognized for her achievement at Austin East. In her sophomor

Tracy Yvette Woodard was born September 25, 1962 to Grace Woodard and Herbert L Ware and passed away on January 1, 2026. Tracy attended and graduated from Rule High School in the class of 1980. Tracy was a cheerleader. Her rooting for the best carried over into her adult life. She was always the caring and jovial friend. Tracy answered the call from her Heavenly Father at her home on Lula Powell Drive January 1, 2026. She is preceded in death by her father, maternal grandpar

Barry Eugene Evans, Sr. transitioned from this life on January 1, 2026. He was a man of undeniable strength—often misunderstood, yet deeply rooted in loyalty, protection, and love for his family. He was affectionately known as “Big Gorilla,” not out of fear, but out of respect for the strength he carried and the burdens he bared. Born in Knoxville, TN the twelfth child to Ruby Mae Evans November 17, 1965. Barry was a member of St.Paul Missionary Baptist Church where he was ba

Elease Lashea Suber of Knoxville, TN passed away on January 2, 2026 at UT hospital surrounded by her family who loved her. She was proceeded in death by her father Curtis Chaney, adopted mother Gwendolyn Suber and sister Nicole Suber. She leaves to cherish her memories her mother Nancy Suber. children: Rondell Suber, Artisha Suber and Andre Emory, sister Ericka (Greg) Evans, Uncle Marshall Suber, father figure Leon Keys, nieces Shondia Suber, Dradaisha Suber, nephew Jadarius

Julia McCoy Templin transitioned from God's earthly garden surrounded by family at Lyonsview Rehabilitation Center. Family will receive friends and family Saturday, January 10, 2026 5:30pm until 6:00pm with a services to immediately follow at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 1933 Texas Avenue Knoxville Tennessee 37921

Mark Anthony “Tony” Whiteside, age 68, of Knoxville, entered eternal life, December 24, 2025. He was born September 18, 1957, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Leo Willis and Dorothy Mae Steele Whiteside, Sr. Tony was educated in the Knox County School system. He graduated from Austin-East High School Class of 1975 where he excelled in playing baseball. Tony attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Tony is preceded in death by parents, Leo and Dorothy

Laretha Renee McKnight Smith departed this world December 23, 2025 to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Laretha was born in Chicago, IL but would later make Knoxville, TN her home. She worked many years at Walgreens, Austin East High School and Holston middle school before retiring. Laretha loved spending time with family. She enjoyed telling stories and laughing with them any time that they would get together. She mostly loved spending time with her grand and great

Carl Edward Bourne was the second child born to the late Theodore and Ruth Bourne in Pulaski, VA on March 4, 1949. He grew up there and attended the local schools. At an early age he accepted Christ at Randolph United Methodist Church. Carl was a history enthusiast and an avid reader. He lived and worked in New Jersey for a few years. He then moved to Knoxville in the mid 1980’s to assist his brothers Beal and Michael at Jarnigan and Sons Mortuary. He enjoyed assisting fami

Robbie Battle affectionately known as Nino, age 71 passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at her home. She was born on August 25, 1954 in Knoxville TN. She loved dancing , music and sitting on her porch. She also loved sports and was a big fan of the Tennessee Vols and the Pittsburgh Steelers. She was preceded in death by her parents Robinson Love and Sara Chandler. Brothers Charles, Robinson, Darryl, David, James. She leaves to cherish her memory her daugh

Samuel (Sam) Lawrence Brown Jr., 62, of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025. He was born on October 6, 1963, and was a proud Fulton High School alumnus, where he played football and basketball. Sam was a man of faith and attended New Hope Missionary Baptist Church as his health allowed. He was preceded in death by his father, Samuel L. Brown Sr.; wife, Denise Brown; maternal grandparents, Rev. George and Emma Walker; paternal grandparents, Lewis and Martha

Jurnee Mikayla Roper was born on November 25, 2000. She definitely was the “life of the party,” so much so that she was actually born in her Grandparents’ house on the floor, and her Papa David nicknamed her “Crash.” Jurnee was a go-getter from a very young age, Always aspiring to be the BEST that she could be. Always very outgoing, Always willing to help anyone that she could. She made a Positive Impact upon anyone that she came into contact with; whether it was at the Boys/

Iyah Groce (Iyah G.), age 11, passed away leaving behind a legacy far greater than her years. She went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 14, 2025. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, LaToshia Groce, and her grandfather, Gregory Williamson, along with other beloved family members who all held special places in her life. Iyah leaves to cherish her memory her mother, LaTrice Williamson; bonus father, Carlos Gray; and father, Trezell Groce; grandmother, Donna

TANYA CARLETTA ARNOLD age 69 passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 14, 1956 in Knoxville TN. She loved sports. She was a big fan of Tennessee Vols football and basketball. She was preceded in death by her parents Emma and Willie Arnold Sr and her brother Willie Arnold Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her niece Monique Arnold and her devoted cousins Patricia Cox and Devery (Gail)Cox, both of Knoxville and her Caregiver Che

Mrs. Cora L. Spencer passed away on December 13, 2025 at Fort Sanders Hospital. She will truly be missed by many. She leaves to cherish, sister; Lou Holman of Jackson, Florida. Her cousin; Rev. Jean Delaney. Sons; Rudolph Spencer and Randolph Spencer. Grandchildren; Laquanta Arnold, Yemeghushale Spencer, Julius Spencer Edden Spencer and Rudolph Spencer Jr. Additional family and friends include: Seyoum & Ayelech Geyale, Abebaw Bogale, Teddy Geyale, Enka Geyale, Marmar Geyale,

It is with a heavy heart, we sadly announce the passing of our mother, Elizabeth Pinckney. She went to be with the Lord December 8, 2025. Homegoing services will be held Friday, December 19, 2025, with viewing from 9:00am to 11am at Greater Bibleway Temple, 255 Sharon Avenue Sharonville, PA 19079. Funeral services to follow at 11am. Interment at Eden Cemetery, 1434 Springfield Rd, Collingdale, PA 19023. Final Arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.

Brenda Parker of Knoxville Tenn, born to parents Theretha Caldwell and James Robinson. Children Harriett Charlene (Spencer), David Patrick, Victor Dewayne, Izetta Renee, and Trudy Ann. She was preceded in death by sister, Michelle Robinson Benn fondly known as Michael, Shirley Robinson King fondly known as Nearl. brothers Paul Lawrence Robinson (her twin), James Robinson (Buddy) and John Allen Morrison (Humphrey) stepfather John Allen Morrison (Johnnie) Daughter Trudy and Gr

Bobbie J. Shelton, born on November 1, 1959, in Memphis, TN. to Cora and Roy Lee Shelton. She departed this life to be with her heavenly Father on November 26, 2025 at her home in Knoxville, TN. Bobbie was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She was also an active member at the O'Connor Senior Center; where she enjoyed teaching sewing class, when she felt up to it. Sewing was one of many talents she possessed, she could draw

Kevin Jones Sr. of Knoxville, TN departed this life on November 25, 2025. Kevin was born in Germany. He was raised with the strong Christian faith. He leaves to cherish his memory son, Kevin Jones Jr.; parents, Bishop Rod and Jaqueline Jones; and a host of other family and friends. Family will receive friends Thursday December 4, 2025 from 4:30 to 5, at Jarnigan & Son Mortuary, 2823 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Knoxville, TN 37914, with celebration of life services to follow

Roberta Martin Departed this life Sunday November 23, 2025. Roberta was a leader and served Austin High Class of 1952 proudly as their president. She had a pleasing personality and healthy sense of humor which drew others to her circle of acquaintance and friendship. She worked for the City of Knoxville at Knoxville Coliseum. She retired from the Knox County Health Department and Knox County Schools in the nursing field. She also served as a Lady Attendant with Jarnigan & Son