All Obituaries

Patricia (Patty) Sue Smith Johnson, age 83 of Oneida, TN passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida TN. She was born in Oneida, TN on March 02, 1941, to the late Henry Clay Smith and Eulis Williams Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Owen (Bob) Johnson, her grandparents Henry Clay Smith Sr. and Lucinda Terry Smith, Gertie Ipock Williams and G.B. Williams. Patty was a graduate of the 1959 Class...

Roger Lee Cotton, age 75, of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the University of TN Medical Center in Knoxville, with his loving family by his side.  Born July 5, 1948, in Jellico, TN, he was the son of the late Arvil Cotton and Nancy Buttram Cotton of Oneida, TN.  He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, TN, and a member of the choir until his health declined.  Roger was employed by Fort Sanders Presbyterian Hospital and...

Joseph Ray Roysdon, age 48 of Huntsville, TN passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. He was born on May 28, 1975, in Jamestown, TN to Raymond Roysdon and the late Sheila Shannon. Joseph was a member of New River Baptist Church. In addition to his mother, Joseph was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dewey and Delta Roysdon and Chester and June Tompkins. He is survived by his four beautiful daughters, Sarah Roysdon of...

Sue Etta ‘Susie’ Craig Smith, age 80, of Oneida, TN, passed away on Friday, April. 12, 2024, at her home with her family around her.  She was born in Oneida, TN on February 13, 1944, to the late Zilphia West Craig.  Sue was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Oneida, where she taught Sunday School for many years and loved singing in the choir. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years:  Philip M. Smith; mother:  Zilphia Craig;...

Reba York Lewallen, age 97 of the Robbins community, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the Oneida Nursing and Rehab Center. Born in Scott County, TN on October 17, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Sylvester and Ella Mae Sanders York. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Alvis Carlie Lewallen; infant son, Robert Lewallen; three brothers, Lonnie York, Elmer York, and Raymond York; two sisters, Velma Brewster and Ruby Frogge. Reba is survived...

Charlene Myrtle Stephens Martin, age 57 of the Gumfork Community Baptist Church of Winfield TN, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Tennova Turkey Creek Medical Center. Born December 15, 1966, she was the daughter of Maynard Stephens and Josephine Chambers (Stephens). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers. Charlene is survived by her son:  Travis Martin; daughter:  Judy Martin; 2 granddaughters:  Sarah Martin and Hatalie Pike;...

Baby Micah Gage Duncan was called suddenly to be with Jesus on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Born on January 22, 2024, to Emily Morrell and Caden Duncan, Micah was a light to everyone who knew him. He brought joy and happiness to our hearts. He was so loved by so many. He was gone too soon and was too perfect for this world, we find comfort in knowing he is in the arms of Jesus. This is not good-bye, but see you again in Heaven. He was preceded in death and joined in Heaven by his Mamaws;...

Isaiah 40:31:  Having fought the good fight and finished the race, Dwayne Cyril Collins, age 76 of Huntsville, TN went to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ, on April 2, 2024.  He dedicated his life to witnessing for Jesus and was known by many as the ‘tract man’.  He was a member of the Morning Star Baptist Church and served his Lord for 66 years. He was preceded in death by his parents:  Bill and Blanche Collins; and brothers:  Beverly Collins and Drexyl...

Odis Marvyn Owens, age 83 of Huntsville, TN, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Born November 27, 1940, in Smokey Junction, TN, he was the son of the late Dilmon and Talitha Lowe Owens of Smokey Junction.  He was a member and Deacon of the Fairview Baptist Church.  Odis was a United States Army Veteran, having served 20 years (1958-1978). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife:  Janis Mason Owens;...

Eve Zdanio departed this life on April 1, 2024, at her home -Oneida Nursing and Rehab Center with her family by her side. Eve, and her late husband Tom, surrendered their lives to Jesus over 40 years ago, and spent their lives following Him, and leading others to Him - both adults and teens.  She often spent weeks cooking for youth groups at summer camps and mission trips dating back to the 1980’s.  She was always the first one to chaperone overnight youth trips volunteering...

Fadia Jean Harness Lowe, age 86 of Oliver Springs, TN passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024, at NHC Healthcare Fort Sanders in Knoxville, TN. She was born in Norma, TN on February 13, 1938. Jean was a dedicated born-again Christian who loved to play guitar and sing for her Lord and Savior. She had a green thumb, having a passion for flowers and gardening. She loved watching and feeding birds, especially hummingbirds. Jean truly enjoyed spending time with her family, living life to the...

Patsy "Pat" J. (Laxton) Beets age 86 of Oneida, TN passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida, TN. She was born in Duff, TN on May 4, 1937. She was the daughter of the late Delmas and Estelle Floyd Laxton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Sherry Ann; sons, Micheal Beets and Charles Beets; and her sister, Phyllis Ann Flatt. She is survived by her daughter, Darlene (Charles) King; her...

Samuel Martin ‘Marty’ Ellis, age 49, of Robbins, TN, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida, TN.  Born February 18, 1975, in Oneida, TN, he was the son of Samuel Huling Ellis and the late Karen Sue Ellis. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his sister:  Jennifer Lee Ellis. In addition to his father, he is survived by his sisters:  Peggy Lynn Washam, and Jacqueline Hope Ellis; nephews:  Tyler...

Milford Jones, age 61, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The family chose cremation. West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of Milford Jones.

Having fought the good fight and finished his race, Loyd Cecil Strunk, 81, went to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ, on March 22, 2024. Everyone who knew Cecil knew how much he cared about others and worked to provide for their wellbeing. He gave decades of his life in service to our community, committed to helping those most in need. This was demonstrated through a variety of careers, but his work as a paramedic was closest to his heart. In this, we saw him fulfill God’s two greatest...

Gary Dean Botts, age 66, of Helenwood, TN, departed this life suddenly on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at The Waters of Clinton Rehab Center in Clinton, TN. Born June 15, 1957, in Scott County, TN, he was the son of the late Bernard and Ruth (Presley) Botts. Gary was a proud United States Army Veteran who served his country with pride. He was also a wonderful musician, singer, and writer of Gospel music.  He loved God, his country, and his family immensely.  In addition to his...

On Sunday, March 17, 2024, John T. Botts, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at age 86.  He was born on March 4, 1938, in Clinchmore, TN to John W. and Viola Duncan Botts.   On March 4, 1961, he married his sweetheart Frankie Kaye Owens Botts. They raised two kids, Tracy and John.  John attended New Salem United Baptist Church and was employed at Ford Motor Company for 30 years. John was drafted and served in The United States Army from...

Joeldean Piercy Taubert, age 81 of Robbins, TN went home to the Lord peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, March 17, 2024. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and spent her life as a loving stay-at-home wife and mother. This verse was specifically marked by Joeldean, and I believe it sums up Joeldean’s journey home beautifully, Job 23:10-12 (KJV): 10But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 11My foot hath held his steps, His way have I...

Deanna Russell Foster, age 71, departed her life on Friday, March 15, 2024, at her home.  She was born on September 10, 1952, in Scott County, TN, to the late Everett and Tina Davis Russell. We won’t say goodbye to you because none of us would like to.  Although we cannot see you anymore, you’ll always still be at our side.  You left us memories that will last through eternity.  Your character and loving heart will forever be unmatched.  Your given...

Cora Lee Miller, age 78, departed this life on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 18th, 1945, to her loving mother, Ollie Mae Miller. Cora spent her life as a nurse and loved the Lord. She loved spending quality time with her family & friends. Her heart was full and overflowed onto those who knew her. She was a wonderful and loving daughter, sister, mother, granny, & friend to everyone. She will be missed by all. In addition to her...

Bill Wayne Reynolds, age 68 of Oneida, TN, passed away on March 11, 2024, at the Oneida Nursing and Rehab Center in Oneida.  Born September 29, 1955, in Oneida, he was the son of the late Rev. J. C. and Velma Clark Reynolds.  Bill was the founder and operator of BKR Service Company, INC, and Rey Oil & Gas, INC; and was of the Baptist Faith.  Bill was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother:  Kent...

Bobby Delmar (B.D.) Boyatt, age 91, departed this life on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Huntsville Manor in Huntsville, Tennessee surrounded by his family. Born July 4, 1932, he was the son of the late Willie and Lucy Marcum Boyatt. He was a faithful member and deacon of Foster Crossroads Baptist Church and owner of B & B Logging Company until his retirement. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Foster Boyatt; brothers, baby Willie, Carl and wife...

Lonnie Lloyd Slaven, age 75 of Oneida, TN went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Born in Oneida, TN on November 27, 1948, he was the son of the late Andrew Slaven and Lola Boyatt Slaven. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Jean Slaven; sisters, Katherine Collins, Veda Watson, Jo Ward of Nashville; brother, Cledius Slaven of Pine Knot, KY; sons-in-law, Barlon Perdue and Mitchell Sexton; special friend, Glenn Pete Boyatt. Lonnie is...

  Shirley Alene (Draughn) Reed, 85 years of age of Monroe, NC passed away peacefully Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Atrium Health Union Hospital in Monroe, NC where she resided in recent years near family. The majority of her life was spent in Scott County, TN. Born and raised in the Honey Creek Community in Fentress County, TN, to Alvin Draughn Sr. and Ollie Draughn. She then began working in her teen years in Scott County, married Marvin C. Reed and they raised their family there....

Wilma Jean Newport, age 80 of Helenwood, TN passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at the Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida, TN. Born in Scott County, TN on October 9, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Edna (Neely) Griffith. Jean was loved by so many. She was a hard-working woman and loved her family more than anything. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Anderson Odell Newport; brothers,...

Zelma Garrett Phillips was born November 6, 1937, in the Honey Creek Community of Fentress County, TN.  She and her husband Russell, working together, outfitted many homes in the area with their expert sewing skills.  Zelma will be remembered by many for the delicious food (especially chicken and dumplings) provided for various occasions as well as to minister to the sick.  Her last act of love was to sew and distribute (always free) face masks for anyone needing them. ...

Ricky Trammell, age 60 of Winfield, TN passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at the Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida, TN. Born in Revelo, KY on March 9, 1963, he was the son of the late Marshall and Nola Trammell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Josephine Chambers; brothers-in-law, James Stephens, Glen Stephens, and Shane Stephens. Ricky is survived by his wife, Shonda Stephens Trammell; two daughters, Nola Raines (Austin) and Latasha...

Richard Dennis Ellis, age 80 of Huntsville, Alabama, formerly of Scott County, TN, passed away on March 1, 2024, at his residence.  Born on June 17, 1943, in Scott County, TN, he was the son of the late Richard and Amner Lawhorn Ellis.  He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and retired in 2005 after many years of service with the U.S. Government. Richard was an avid hunter and loved NASCAR and exploring the great outdoors while camping across North America with his...

Lounova Swaney Sexton, age 84, departed this life on Friday, March 1, 2024, at his home in Huntsville TN surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He was the son of the late Edward Shine Swaney and Arthona Louise Coffey. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church; and was the owner and CEO of the family's business, Sexton's Electric Heating and Refrigeration for 44 years, from 1974 to 2016 alongside his wife Louise and son Shane. In addition to his...

Bill Terry, age 70 of Helenwood, TN passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024, at home with his family by his side. He was born in Oneida, TN on July 9, 1953. He was preceded in death by his father, Claude Terry and mother, Thelma Duvall-Terry; father-in-law, Fred Strunk; mother-in-law, Jerri Strunk; brother-in-law, Mike Strunk; sisters-in-law, Linda Terry of Allardt and Phyllis Terry of Capitol Hill; nephews, Jamie and Jeff Terry of Capitol Hill; and Tonya Shelp of Indianapolis, Indiana. Bill...

Celia Ragland Billingsley, born April 1, 1928, in Jackson County, TN, to the late William Charlie Ragland and Celia Eliza Apple Ragland, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Celia was preceded in death by her husband:  Ernest L. Billinsley; grandson:  Kyle Daniel Billingsley; brothers:  Tom C. and James Ragland; sisters:  Sallie Brown, Lyda Taylor, Ruth McBroom, Clella Phillips, and Opal Dezbor. Celia is survived by her loving children:  Daniel (Pat)...

Ronda Lynn Webb Watson, age 58 of Oneida, TN, entered into eternal life on February 26, 2024.  She was born in Michigan on February 25, 1966, to the late Buford Webb, Sr. and Helen Sue Silcox Webb.  Ronda loved God with all her heart, and was raised in Emanuel Baptist Church in Pioneer, TN. She was preceded in death by her parents:  Buford Webb, Sr. and Helen Sue Silcox Webb; and daughter:  Tiffany Louann Stanley. Ronda is survived by her husband:  Marshall Wayne...

Sheila Ann Tompkins Shannon, age 67 of Oneida, TN, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida.  Born February 9, 1957, in Scott County, TN, she was the daughter of the late Chester and June Shelley Tompkins.   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband:  Maurice Shannon. Sheila is survived by her sons:  Joseph, Adam and partner Russell, and Jamey Roysdon; sisters:  Susan Pope and husband...

Linda Ella Crowley, 80, of Gloucester, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, February 23, 2024. Linda was born on March 25, 1943, in Oneida, Tennessee, to George and Nancy Duncan. Linda was one of nine children and the eldest of four girls. She grew up in Oneida and graduated from Oneida High School. Linda married Willis G. Crowley on October 7, 1964, and together they raised three children. She was a loving, devoted spouse, mother, grandmother, sister,...

Mary Ruth Robbins Brawner passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 22, 2024, in Huntsville, Tennessee. She was born in Caryville, Tennessee on January 31, 1942.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, George Brawner; parents, Hurstle and Verda Marlowe Robbins; brothers, Paul Webb, Bob Robbins, and Jess Robbins and wife Lavelle; sisters, Ida Vinsant and husband, "Red," Vauda Faulkner and husband Johnny; niece, Cindy Robbins; and granddaughter, Callie...

Butch Taylor, age 51 of Rockwood, TN passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at his home. Born in Fentress County, TN on April 24, 1972, he was the son of Daniel and Haley Taylor. He was a member of the Soul Filling Station Revival Center. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Taylor; grandparents, Barney Taylor and Doris Tootsie Taylor and Turney Lowe and Myrtle Lowe; half-sister, Lois Russell; and cousins, Harvey Day and Hannah Taylor Dayton. Butch is survived by his...

  Breeanna (Bree) Jeffers, age 33 of Oneida, TN, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at her home. She was born February 24, 1990 in Oneida, the first of five children. Bree is the daughter of Karen Welch Jeffers and the late Charles Derek Jeffers. She is the granddaughter of Alice Stanley Welch and the late Gary Welch, and Sandra Coffey Jeffers and the late Charles Price Jeffers. Bree was a devoted daughter, granddaughter, aunt, and niece. She loved her family fiercely....

Rosemary Schenck, 77, departed this life on Sunday, (February 18, 2024). She was born May 28, 1946, as one of 6 children to Frank and Sadie Calia who have preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by four siblings: Bill, Frank, Gloria, and Pat.  She was also preceded in death by her husband Russell and her granddaughter Harper Pemberton. She is survived by one sibling: Darlene Johnson. She leaves behind a loving family of eleven children: James and Sara Schenck, Jerry...

Charlotte Lee (Ollie) Chambers, age 80 of Helenwood, TN, left this world on Friday, February 9, 2024. She was born on May 21, 1943, to the late Ewell Crabtree and Minerva Byrd Crabtree. Ollie loved her family along with cooking, canning, and her flowers. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Toney Chambers; sisters, Ruth Bolton (Dennis), Margaret Honeycutt (Walter), Edith Love (Grover), Opal Whisnant, Mabel Phillips (Bill), Ethel Crabtree; brother,...

Sheila Stringfield, age 71 of Huntsville, TN passed away peacefully at home with her loving husband by her side on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Born in Oneida, TN on June 7, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Henry Jackson Guffey and Pauline Guffey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Lee and Jimmy Guffey. Sheila is survived by her husband, Robert “Sam” Stringfield; daughter, Angelia Clark; her triplet siblings, Sharon Clark and...

Lawrence Hill, age 75 of Helenwood, TN, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, TN.  Born April 8, 1948, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Mary Magdalene Byrd Hill. Lawrence was a veteran of the United States Air Force and had a strong love for his country, and was pastor of Big Ridge Missionary Baptist Church for over 32 years where he loved sharing the gospel of Christ with others. He worked as a postal clerk for many years before...

Rosita Pennington Posey, age 76 of Oneida, TN passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at her home. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 10, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Hughie and Juanita Buttram Pennington. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Greg Pike; stepson, Dustin Posey; and sister, Orangie Keeton. Rosita is survived by her husband, Witmer Posey; one son, Troy Pike; two daughters, Tresa Pike Woods and husband Greg and Sherrie Pike Ellis and...

Joan (Joann) Webb, age 70 of Oneida, TN passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. Born in Scott County, TN on August 1, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Mary Taylor. She was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Lee Webb; son, Marty Lee Webb; sisters, Ora Jean Butler, Maxine Blevins, Florene Gibson; brothers, Bubby Taylor, Robert Taylor, James Taylor, and Lewis...

Berneatha Mae Phillips Musgrove, age 95 of Oneida, TN passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Signature Healthcare of Fentress County. Born in Scott County, TN on July 18, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Clyde and Ardelia Phillips. She was a member of First Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Roosevelt Musgrove; brother, Chester Phillips; sister, Lillian Hamilton and her husband Bill Hamilton. Berneatha is survived by her...

Reta Jane Erwin Seiber, age 77 of Oliver Springs, Tennessee passed away on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, TN. She was born in Scott County on March 26, 1946. Reta was a fun loving, always positive person, helpful when she saw someone in need. She was a great Mamaw who spoiled her children and grandchildren. She was a dedicated caretaker for her son Ramey Seiber. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Seiber; mother, Delphia (Shoemaker) Erwin...

Roger L. Harness, age 73 of Oneida, TN passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the Huntsville Manor nursing home. Born in Scott County, TN on August 13, 1950, he was the son of the late Hurstle and Eva Harness. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Chelsie, Ella Ruth, Charlsey, and Ida; brothers, Reymond and Lawrence; and nephews. Roger is survived by other family members and friends. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 12...

Gillis Wiley (G.W.) Hicks, age 90 of the Pine Hill community, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida, TN. He was the son of the late Flaura Byrd and Thomas Hicks.  G.W. was a retired employee of Lays Furniture Company with over 50 years of dedication that he enjoyed. He also enjoyed lawnmowing and spending time with his kids and grandkids. He was 85 years old when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. How thankful and blessed...

Edith Payne Foster of Oneida, TN, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the age of 92.  Born June 15, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Miller Payne and Daisy Nona Anderson Payne. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Arthur Foster; son Gary Foster; sisters Opal Acres and Geneva Strunk; brothers Estel, Kenneth, John, Ralpherd and Lewis Payne.   Survivors include children Larry and wife Nancy Foster, John and wife...

Roger Darrell Bowling, age 65 of Helenwood, TN passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the Big South Fork Medical Center in Oneida, TN. Born in Scott County, TN on July 12, 1958, he was the son of the late Emit and Retha May Sexton Bowling. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, William King and Gale Bowling. He is survived by his children, Callie Bowling, Chloe Bowling, Shane Bowling, Jena Morgan Letner, Ju-Keisha Sexton; siblings, Joe and Jean Bowling;...

Gregory Paul ‘Greg’ Babb, age 52, of Winfield TN, husband to Misty Duncan Babb, went to be with the Lord after a long battle with cancer on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, TN. Born November 15, 1971, in Scott County, TN, he was the son of Kenneth and Charity Hill Babb. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ben and Wilda Hill, and Bill and Essie Babb; uncles: Bill Hill, Leroy Brewer, Robert Watson; aunts: Orangie and husband Bill...