Willie Tory

Willie Jean Tory was born on June 14, 1951, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and peacefully transitioned on April 2, 2026. She was the beloved daughter of Willie and Bronetta Murphy. Jean was an amazing mother, sister, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who touched countless lives with her love, strength, and kindness.

Jean dedicated over 50 years of her life to nursing. She was employed by the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Lakeshore Mental Health Institute, and Brakebill Nursing Home, where she faithfully served until her retirement. She found joy in dancing, cooking, watching basketball, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and fellowshipping with her classmates from the Austin-East High School Class of 1969. She also enjoyed shopping at Ross Dress for Less and playing cards.

Jean was preceded in death by her grandparents William and Annie Blair, and Otie Bell Wright; her parents Willie and Bronetta Murphy; her sister Mongele D. Reynolds; her daughter Jovetta M. Brown; her granddaughter Michelle Tory; and her great-grandchildren Jah’Lia Tory and Johnkelian Mathis.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children John (Felecia) Tory, Javonne ("Didi") Tory, and Jahmal (Shawanna) Tory; her brother Adrian "Tonya" Johnson. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, including Jajuana (Roy) Browner, Kemisha Boatwright, Jaron Tory, John Tory III, Eli Taylor, Jeremey Brown, Otis (Shantel) Littlejohn IV, Kiana Donaldson-Tory, Kennisa Tory, Zyshawn Robinson, Jahmesha Tory, Reigny Tory, TyShawn Tory, Kinsley Tory, and Sophia Riffey; along with 24 living great-grandchildren.

She also leaves behind her aunt Carrie ("Bonnie") Solomon; her niece Stephanie Nail; a host of cousins and extended family too numerous to name; and her devoted friend John Tory Sr.

Jean was affectionately known by many names, including Granny, Gram, Gi-Gi, Weenie Bean, and “Black Granny.” She will be deeply loved and dearly missed by all who knew her.

Family will receive friends Saturday April 18, 2026 from 1 to 2pm, at New Salem Baptist Church, 2041 Bethel Avenue Knoxville, TN 37915, with funeral services to follow. Rev. Samford Miller officiating. Pastor Anthony Cannon Eulogist. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a repass at 2513 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Knoxville, TN 37914.

Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. www.jarniganandson.com