Obituaries

Paul Carter, age 66, passed away surrounded by love at U.T. Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, family, and joy. He was born, April 21, 1959, in Knoxville, TN, in the community of Burlington. He was a proud graduate of Austin-East High School and later attended Middle Tennessee State University, where he continued to build the foundation that shaped his strong work ethic and love for athletics. Paul was a hardworking and loyal employee who dedicated over 30 years

At the age of 88, Josephine Lucy Chunn went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was born, April 15, 1937, in Knoxville, TN, in the community of Mechanicsville, where she grew up in a loving, tight-knit family. Josephine had a resolute faith in the Lord, and through the years she shared her love of Christ with her family, helping shape several generations of Christians in the Smith/Chunn/Moore families. Josephine was a loving wife, warmhearted mother, doting

Jerzese Nashay O’Neal, age 29, of Knoxville, Tennessee, transitioned from this life on January 12, 2026, in Knoxville, TN. She was born on November 1, 1996, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Jerzese was a loving, caring soul who would truly give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Her heart for others, generosity of spirit, and quiet strength touched all who knew her. She lived her life with compassion, loyalty, and love, always plac

Da’Qasia (Quay) Jemiya Middleton, was born January 21, 2004, to Deadrick McAfee Sir and Jemeki Middleton. Da’Qasia transitioned this life on January 1, 2026. Da’Qasia was a loving mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and friend. She gave her life to Christ on January 5, 2020 at Open Door Church. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Douglas Moore; great-grandmother, Helen Ruth; great-uncle, Waymond McAfee; cousin, Wilquisha Bennett. Left to cherish her memor

Camilla A. (Humphrey), Rodgers born on March 8, 1951, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to J.W. and Geraldine (Harris) Humphrey, passed away on January 12, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. A proud graduate of Austin East High School, class of 1969, Camilla pursued her passion for helping others through a career in nursing. She graduated from Walter State Community College and dedicated her life to caring for those in need. Camilla was a devoted member of Peace and Go

Estelle Johnson, age 94, departed this life on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. She was a devoted member, deaconess, and first lady at Clinton Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. She worked and loved her job as a “granny” at Fair Garden Elementary School. She also worked as a caregiver for many years. Estelle is preceded in death by a host of relatives including her parents, John and Thula Macon; husband, Rev. C.E. Johnson; children, Tommy Johnson, Randolph Johnson, and Venissa Garner; gr

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