2024

Shirley Ann “Sam” Mitchell, age 71 of Knoxville, TN passed away peacefully at home on Monday, December 25, 2023. Known to most as “Sam”, She was born on April 23, 1952, the youngest of 5, to Joe and Jean Newman. She was a Knoxville native and graduate of Fulton High School. Professionally, she dedicated her younger years to Chapman Drug Company before she transitioned over to working with children. She spent many years in The Knoxville School System before making her way to Boys and Girls Pediatrics. She would later go on to spend 10+ years at Sam’s Club East, where she enjoyed meeting countless people and making more friends than she could count before retiring. She was well known for her creative and artistic talent and abilities. She was her happiest when she was in her element and drawing, painting, or creating. Over the years she had painted a number of murals and paintings for people to enjoy. To know her was to love her. She spent most of her days giving everything she had to others in one way or another. She was one of the most caring and giving souls that most have ever known, and she will be greatly missed by so many.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Mitchell; Parents Joe and Jean Newman; siblings: Don Newman, Tommy Newman, and Jack Newman.

Sam is survived by her daughter, Heather White (Jarett); brother, Herby Newman (Jane); grandson, James Webb; great granddaughter, Brynlee Webb; sister in-law, Kathy Franklin; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends who she loved so much.

The family wishes to express gratitude for all of the thoughts, prayers, and support they have and continue to receive. Sam requested that there be no services, and the family will honor her wishes.

Rebecca Sue Simpson (Stolberg)

On January 10, 2024, at UT Trauma Center, the resilient, witty, and compassionate Rebecca Sue Simpson (Stolberg), Becky, 73 of Knoxville, TN, went to be with Jesus for her 26th move. Becky would like to let you know that her work here is done. This 26th move comes with a reunion alongside family and friends she has not seen in a long time. She will be dancing, singing, collecting rocks, crocheting, and gardening to her heart’s content. Music, laughter and love are guaranteed. The seven layer Italian Cream cake is delicious and she’ll never gain an ounce or have to worry about her A1C again.

With Becky when she passed was the love of her life for 55 years, Robert Simpson, her daughters; Susan and Kim, her granddaughter; Becca, son-in-law, Jacob Short and dear friend, Jason Smith. None of her other grandchildren were allowed to be with her due to the nature of the situation. However, they were all present in their hearts.

Becky was born on February 21, 1950 to Edith May (Keithley) and Carl Stolberg. She had two brothers, Jim and Dave. Her childhood was filled with amazing cousins (those wild Keithley kids), love and laughter, westerns, archery, rock collecting, playing outside barefoot in chicken poop on a farm and spending time with family and friends. She graduated from Floyd Central High School with the desire to become a flight attendant.

Despite her dream to fly away, God sent her into a different direction. A blind date in 1968 changed the course of her life. Robert fell in love with her long legs and red hair first, but quickly learned her heart was made of gold. In less than two weeks after they met, Robert gave her an engagement ring at the Georgetown Drive-In. Robert was in the Air Force, and went on to serve in Vietnam, while Becky awaited his return. When he returned from Vietnam in January, Becky was ready to marry the love of her life. After they married in April of 1970, they moved to Dauphin Island, Alabama where he finished out his time in the Air Force.

They moved back to Georgetown, Indiana where they had two (crazy) daughters. These two girls required a buffet of compassion, dedication, caregiving and love. She never fell short of any of those requirements. Making and creating everything from cute afterschool snacks with fancy toothpicks to sewing halloween costumes. She spent hours at doctors offices, hospitals and clinics. Those girls pushed her to limits she had no idea she could outrun. She was a classy lady, despite having two ornery girls and an ornery husband. Keeping us in check was like trying to train chickens to line up.

She always dressed her best. She loved bling and sparkling was one of her hobbies. The same woman who loved dressing fancy and sparkling, had a childlike delight when she would find an interesting rock. Her love of rocks was unmatched by anyone. Robert hauled her rock collection with them on all 25 moves. She also loved flowers; Lily of the Valley, everything in Grandpa Keithley’s garden, and violets.

Becky and Bobby’s life was an adventure. Not the kind of adventure that just any person could endure, only two strong and dedicated people could survive what they went through. They had a great deal of fun, but many trials. Their children had no idea how hard life was, because they made it look easy. Becky showed her daughters that trials were best met on your knees talking to Jesus. They moved 25 times in their 55 years together. They never stopped loving each other or their family and friends. She loved fiercely. Her heart was beautifully constructed of compassion, empathy, loyalty with a sprinkling of stubbornness and sass. If she got lost while driving (pre-GPS) she would never admit it, she would say we were on an adventure. We feel lost now without her, and she would definitely tell us, “you are not lost, you are on an adventure.”

Becky was predeceased by her mom, Edith Keithley Stolberg, her dad, Carl Stolberg, many family members as well as her lifetime friend, Pauletta. Becky left behind the love of her life, Bobby (Robert), her children, Susan Brown and Kimberly Beatty (Steve), her grandchildren; Becca (Jacob), Christopher and Nicholas Beatty and her great-granddaughter, Amelia Short. She is also survived by her brothers, James Stolberg (Grace), David Stolberg (Mary) and their children. There are many more grieving her death, just as one would grieve the sun if it stopped shining.

Her grandchildren, Becca, Christopher, Nicholas and great granddaughter, Amelia will never be the same without her presence in their life. They knew her as Mimi. If they loved something, Mimi loved it too. If it was sci-fi movies or Thomas the Train, she loved it with them and Mimi would watch the same thing over and over, her smile never fading. She had nicknames for them, knew their favorite snacks, food, drinks and always had them in her kitchen. They had an incredible bond with their Mimi.

Becky and her granddaughter, Becca were as thick as thieves. Becky and Becca were not only grandmother and granddaughter, but best friends. She was as much a mother to Becca as she was to Susan and Kim (20 years later and without the spanking, so unfair!) She was mother, Mimi and friend to Becca and will remain as those in her memory. Susan and Kim knew who the favorite “daughter” was, it was no contest. They were pretty impressed by Becca too, so it all worked out. Mimi always knew what Becca was up to, who her friends were and what she was into throughout her life. She was always proud of Becca and they had a special bond. A bond that death cannot break.

Our neighbors that are our family: Jessica Cook, Jeremy Smith and Jason Smith came to be with us in her last days here on earth. We are eternally grateful for their support and compassion. We thank their spouses, Jackie, Josh, and Heather, and their children for allowing them to travel from home to be with their forever neighbors. We will always be overwhelmed by their love. We could not have survived those days without their compassion. Simply saying thank you to all of them does not seem like enough. Thank you to all who texted, called, and reached out to us in any way during this time. Your messages have helped us more than you can imagine.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 20, at St. Bernard Catholic Community Gym from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. All are welcome, come when you can during that time frame, we want to celebrate the life she lived and keep the memory of her alive forever. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breast Cancer Research Foundation, St. Jude or any local homeless shelter.

Thelma Rowena Massengill Hileman, age 79, of Oliver Springs, TN, passed away at home on January 23, 2024.

Thelma is survived by her husband, Joe Hileman, and her daughters, Sandy Giamportone and Sally Stratton. She is also survived by three sisters, six grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Thelma was preceded in death by her father, Lum Massengill, her mother, Florence Massengill, four brothers, and two sisters.

Thelma was a baptized follower of Christ since 1957. She worshipped and served alongside the other members of the First Baptist Church of Oliver Springs. She was a long-time employee of Methodist Medical Center and Covenant Health.

No memorial service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude or East Tennessee Children’s Hospital to help support the important work they do.

Jerald (Jerry) M. Cox, age 77, of Knoxville, Tn went peacefully to his Heavenly home on Feb. 9, 2024. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He was employed by an amazing family at the YMCA of East TN.

Jerry was proceeded in death by Mother Doris Crystal Cox and Father Donald Cox.

He is survived by Sister Connie McGuire (Dan), Brother Bob Cox (Karen), 3 daughters, 3 nieces, 1 nephew and several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren of New York. As well as his wonderful Wife Martha Cox, stepdaughters Ame and Stacy. He was blessed with 8 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren and a village of prayer warriors. Special friend Eddie Chasteen.

Services will be held at East TN State Veteran Cemetery on Feb. 26, 2024, at 10:00 am officiated by Pastor Eddie Chasteen.

The family wishes that donations be made to the YMCA of East TN in lieu of flowers.

Jerry L. Teffeteller passed away on February 14th, 2024, in his beloved home.

He was preceded in death by his father, Noah Teffeteller, and his mother, Francis Teffeteller, as well as his wife Barbabra Tefteller.

Jerry was a Vietnam war veteran and a retired volunteer at Parks and Recreation. Jerry enjoyed keeping scores at the local ballfields, working at concessions and interacting with the community.

At Jerry’s request, no service will be held. In lieu of donations towards a service, Jerry would like them to be put towards any children’s sporting leagues that may need them instead this spring.

Shirley Ann McMahan Martin, 83 of Maryville TN, went to her heavenly home early February 19, 2024. She was of the Baptist faith. Born to Archie (A.W.) McMahan and Helen Lucille McMahan of south Knoxville, Shirley attended Young High School, making good grades until leaving early in December to marry James L. Martin Jr. on December 20, 1956.

She left behind two sons Daniel, age 65 of Madisonville, his wife Tammie Melton Martin and James Michael (Mike), 62 of Maryville. Shirley had Five siblings, Norma McMahan of Knoxville (deceased) James Wesley McMahan of Holly Lake Ranch Texas, his wife Kay McMahan, Linda Faye McMahan Routh and Clarence Brown of Jacksonville Florida, David McMahan of Maryville, and family and Alan McMahan (deceased) of Knoxville. She had four grandchildren Daniel Lewis Martin of Tazewell, his wife Amanda, Marie Buckalew of Knoxville. Autumn Coffman of Knoxville and Allen Coffman of Missouri. She had three great grandchildren, Olivia Martin, of Tazewell, Maggie Coffman of Knoxville and Liam Long of Knoxville. Shirley loved her nephews and nieces. Tony McMahan (deceased) Dale McMahan of Knoxville, Wesley McMahan of Texas, Lisa Young of Knoxville Wendy McMahan of Texas, Cindy McMahan of Texas, Paula Bradford of Knoxville, Pamela Bailey of Knoxville and Selena Routh of Florida. She had many other kin in the area, nieces, nephews, and beyond. She often went through the various family photos remembering and honoring each, thinking of reunions, picnics and special times. Proud of all, loved all.

Services will be held on Monday March 4th at 2pm at Mt. Olive Cemetery 2400 Berry Rd, Knoxville TN Graveside services only. Please come and remember this amazing lady. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to help with burial costs and can also be made The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Julie Miller was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the youngest child of Georgia Mae Jones Green, a schoolteacher, and James Frederick Green, a postman. She grew up as the baby sister of Sarah and Betty, mostly in Clinton, Tennessee. Julie studied German at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where she earned a bachelor’s degree and completed many graduate courses in German as well. She lived in the Knoxville area for nearly all her life.

Julie worked for over 37 years for the UT libraries, starting out shelving books at Hoskins and eventually becoming a night shift supervisor in Hodges, the main library. She was deeply appreciated by her colleagues and the many student assistants that she hired, trained and mentored over the years, for her dependability, smarts, quiet wit, and encyclopedic knowledge. Julie was an extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and generous human, and had a small circle of close friends who loved her dearly. Her long-time primary care doctor called her the sweetest patient he’d ever cared for.

Once she retired from the UT library system Julie became, in the words of one of her best friends, “a model of a minimal lifestyle”. She took great pleasure in giving away things (clothing, electronics, furniture, appliances…) to people or causes that could use them, especially to organizations who support the needs of recent immigrants to the Knoxville area.

Julie was active for many years in social justice causes and participated in various protests associated with those causes, such as protests over gun violence and over government shutdowns. She loved supporting causes that provided immediate help to those in need regardless of their citizenship, ethnic, gender, or religious status. Just after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Julie participated in a televised protest against gun violence; one of the hands tossing rose petals into the Holston River is hers. Her support of such causes was inspiring to others; here is a paraphrase of something one of her dear friends wrote. “My memorial to honor Julie is to pick up my sword and continue helping anybody that needs help. Julie knows that’s who I am and that’s who I was with her. Currently, I am helping a single mother with young children through a crisis complicated by an abusive father on the side. I will help her through this crisis and then I will help the next person that comes along. I do this in Julie’s honor. She’s helping me fight on because she’s with me and that’s what she would want me to do.”

She loved the outdoors, joining her library night shift colleagues on many hiking trips. Although she was a self-acknowledged introvert, she got interested in folk dancing and participated in dancing events over the years. She was a meticulously organized person who kept detailed records of finances, on-line accounts, and purchase obligations.

Julie was predeceased by her parents and sister Sarah Williams of North Carolina. She is survived by her sister Betty Gardner-Tuzzolino of Arizona, her niece Renee Carruthers, and nephews Kevin Gardner, Loren Williams, Steve Williams, and David Williams.

An informal gathering of family and friends is planned for April 20. If you are moved to make a gift in her honor, consider the Community Chest of Knoxville or a social justice cause that is meaningful to you. If you choose to give to the Community Chest, please send a check to: Community Chest of Knoxville 1508 N. Central St. Knoxville, TN 37917.

Reagan Smith was born October 30, 1952, to the late Ralph and Christine Reagan Smith in Knoxville, Tennessee. He passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 28, 2024. He was preceded in death by parents, older brother, Ralph Smith, Jr., and son, Justin Heath Smith. He was educated in Knoxville City Schools, graduating from West High School in 1970. Reagan was a graduate of the 1974 Knoxville Police Academy. He was a born-again believer and loved sharing Jesus with others. He also enjoyed playing the drums and listening to hymns.

Reagan is survived by 4 daughters: Savanna, Reagan, Sarah, and Randi; 2 sons: Christopher and Jordan; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; Sister: Sherburne (James); 3 nieces: Kenyatta, Binta Naima, and Kieruka; and 2 nephews: John and James.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Grace Baptist Church-Chapel, 7171 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville, TN 37931. Visitation 5 – 7 p.m. Services at 7 p.m.

Sherman “Tank” “Papaw” William Neff, born in Townsend, TN by Little River, on those banks he spent most of his childhood, passed away peacefully at home of a short illness on March 4,2024. He was a graduate of Townsend High School and served proudly in the Navy. He was a musician on Broadway in Nashville, TN and a tour bus driver all over the country. He grew up in Townsend Church of God and as a result is the epitome of Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Sherman W. Neff and Ruth Stinnett Neff Phillips: stepfather Fred Phillips: and son Shannon Neff.

Sherman is survived by loving wife, Enola Kay Neff; sons Wesley Neff, Cale Neff: Daughter-in-law Sarah Neff: Grandsons Isaac, James and Jeremiah Neff: Sister: Carolyn Bach, and several nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Friends and family are welcome to join us from 2-4, on Saturday March 16, 2024, at his home 202 Mountain Avenue, Townsend. If you have memories t share or a song to sing, please join the family for a Celebration of His Life.

Raymond Lee Wright

Born March 12, 1939, Raymond went to his heavenly home on March 26, 2024. He served in the U.S. Army and worked as a welder after service.

He is preceded in death by his Parents: John Moses and Temperance Ruth Wright, Brothers: Kenneth Ray, James Edward, and John Moses Wright Jr., Son: Milton Leon Wright.

He is survived by Sisters: Mary Chamber, Martha Cox, Phyllis (Ron) Johnson, Children: Aubrey (Linda) Wright, David (Beverly) Wright, Jerry Wright and Sharon (Dean) Couch, Grandchildren: 9 and Great-Grandchildren: 14

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, at 5:30pm Karns Community Center, 6618 Beaver Ridge Road, Knoxville, TN 37931.

Forever in our hearts you’ll stay, loved and missed every day.

James B. “Jim” Russell age 66, went home to be with his Heavenly Father, Wednesday March 20, 2024. He was proceeded in death by parents James B. and Verda L. Russell; brothers Bobby, Danny and Tommy Russel; brother in law David Clabough; sister Kathy Clabough, and nephew Danny Russell Jr. 

He is survived by his eldest sister Linda “Nancy” Lundy (Nick), sister Cheryl Lundy (Charles); brothers John Russell and Tim Russell (Carolyn); and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, March 28th, 2024 at Freedom to Worship Church in Maryville, TN from 6-7:30pm.