2024

Wayne Eugene Yardley (Bimbo) born on February 9th 1954

Wayne passed away on march 12th at University of Tennessee Medical Center after a short illness. “I Did It My way”, best describes our brother Wayne, certainly not always the best but it was his way. Wayne traveled light never accumulating a lot of material things, but would give you what he had and never ask for anything in return. He loved a simple life, a good dog, a good fishing spot, the beach, and the occasional Krystal.

Later in life he met his soul mate Madelyn Carol Monday Yardley and her wonderful daughters Kristi Haris (Rick)and Westlyn Brewer. They gave him unconditional love and support. More importantly Wayne found and accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and for these things we are truly grateful.

Wayne was proceeded in death by his Mother Betty Yardley. Survivors include Children: Jason Yardley and Natalie Parrott. His chosen children were Shane Waymen and Whitney Rutherford. His sisters Faye Foster (John) Peggy Widner (Fred) Sue Layne (Randy) Janice Loveday (Steve). Many grandchildren and nieces and nephews that he dearly loved.

A special thank you to the nurses and doctors at University of Tennessee Medical Center for the wonderful care, respect, dignity, and compassion shown to our family during our time of need.

The family will host a celebration of life on March 21st at 5:00pm at the New Harvest Parks and Recreation Center located at 4775 New Harvest Lane Knoxville TN. Pastors Becky Milligan and Mike Lee will be doing the service at 5:00pm and the family will be there until 8:00pm and we would love to see you.

William (Bill) Young passed away on March 26, 2024, at the age of 76. Bill is the son of Sherman Lee Young and Susie Marie Melton and was born in Leslie County, KY. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and served as a U. S. Navy Seabee. He spoke often about his buddies he served with, who held a very special place in his heart. After many years of working, Bill retired from the steel mill in Lebanon, Tennessee and later made his home in Knoxville, TN. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, raising and training guard dogs and playing pool. He was a hard worker with a good heart and a dependable friend to many.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Audrey Causey, Ronald ‘Abe’ Wayne Young and Sherman Lee Young. Also by very special nieces, Billy Sue Richards and Staci Ann Melton. Bill recently lost a big piece of his heart, Apache, his very loyal pet French Bouvier.

Survivors include siblings: Melody (Al) Albert of Columbus, GA, Nancy (Dan) Melton of Columbus, GA, Judi (Danny) Grantham of P C Beach, FL, and James Young of Knoxville, TN. He is also survived by his nephew and best friend, Greg (Kathy) Evans.

‘Uncle’ Bill leaves behind many other loving nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. There are many more who Bill considered family even though they were not blood. He will surely be missed by many.

Godspeed Bill. We love you!!

Knoxville native, Allison Elizabeth Williams passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in her prime at the age of 35. She was undoubtedly met with open and loving arms by both our Lord Jesus Christ and her mother, Lydia.

Born April Fool’s Day in 1989, Allison was anything but a fool. She was brilliant, vibrant, hilarious, beautiful, and intrinsically captivating – owning the room as she entered. She won arguments, either by logic or sheer persistence (when she knew she wasn’t exactly in the right) with her disarming wit, quick mind, and expansive vocabulary. That girl could make anyone acquiesce to her point and like it -whether a foe or innocent bystander, everyone would be laughing at the end.

Allison loved her niece Aubrye, animals, Mexican food, overcoming stereotypes, Diet Coke, her friends, and regaling people with her humor. Her two true loves in life were her Daddy (she was his spitting image) and Chemistry, but she also cherished her tattered life-long keepsake, Blankie, until it was just a knot of threads. With unrelenting determination, she started her undergrad studies at UT-Chattanooga before earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Tennessee Tech, winning awards along the way. Allison’s brilliance was matched only by her passion for learning. She’d also want it said that she looked amazing in a lab coat (because she did). And did we mention she was funny?

Despite her diminutive stature, “Tiny Allison” stood out in every room because her mindset, energy, and drive were unique. She felt differently, loved differently, and thought differently. That was her superpower – bestowing the authentic version of herself on everyone she encountered, which is the painful void we’ll never fill.

Preceded in death by her mother, Lydia Elizabeth Benitez Williams.

She will be sorely missed by her sister and niece Joey and Aubrye Williams, sister-from-a-different-mister Abby Bowman Smasal, and father, Joe Williams.

Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, April 24 from 5:00-7:30pm at The Doubletree Hotel in Oak Ridge, TN. Since Allison glowed brightly with pride in donning the lab coat symbolic of her profession, her family invites those attending her service to wear a lab coat or bright colors as an homage.

Della Ray Mowery 79 year old passed away at home on April 16th 2024.

Born in Georgia; she was the Daughter of Seabert and Nannie Bell Means. She attended East Hardin High School and got her GED.

She was a member of Youngers Creek Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

She enjoyed mostly being with her family, dog’s, and friend’s. She enjoyed reading, sewing, crafting, knitting, and gardening. She will be remembered for her love of her family, animals’, and friends’. She will also be remembered for her funny personality.

She is survived by daughter’s Melissa Henderson (Leon) of Texas; Shelia Kitts (Timothy) of Tennessee; and Kachina Mowery (Chris) of Kentucky. Son’s Robert Burks, Jr. of Tennessee and Franklin Burks (Norma) of Tennessee. Their are a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Her 3 pet’s. Long time friend’s Cindy Coleman McCuller of Tennessee and Billy Joe Mowery of Tennessee. Sister’s Georgie and Denise Alstott of Indiana; Margie Means Brown of Kentucky; Mary and Marshall Miller of Kentucky; Connie Boblitt of Kentucky; Patricia Means of Kentucky; and Anna Michelle and Gordon West of Indiana. Brother Jack and Darlene Means of Kentucky.

She was proceeded in death by Daughter Mary Estelle Burks; Father Seabert Means; Mother Nannie Bell Means; Sister’s Audrey Faye Means and Bessie Haycraft. Brother Shirley Means; ex-husband Robert Burks, Sr.

It was our mother’s wishes to not have any kind of services.

Kasey Brandenburgh “33′ was taken from us to soon on April 18, 2024. She enjoyed life to the fullest with her friends and family. Kasey was a Disney child with so much energy for fun. Kasey was a giver and always thought of everyone first, for those who truly experienced her kindness there will be a void left in all of our hearts. She is survived by her son Jaxson, mother Martina, Father Terry, Brother Luke, Sister Molly, and Oma. She will be missed by many friends and extended family.

Sarah Anne “Sally” Johnson (née Rodgers), age 72, of Maryville, Tennessee, was called to her eternal rest on April 19, 2024. Born on January 31, 1952, in Pontiac, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Elmer Eugene Rodgers and Mary Margaret Rodgers (nee Moore). Sarah, affectionately known as Sally by her loved ones, was raised in Waterford Township, Michigan, where she completed her education at Waterford Township High School in 1970.

Sally was a devoted spouse, a nurturing mother, a doting grandmother, a proud great-grandmother, and a loving sister. Her memory will be forever cherished by her husband Terry Johnson; her children Christopher Jarrett and wife Elizabeth, Jennifer Morgan and husband Charles, and Paul Jarrett and wife Jennifer; her stepchildren Corey Johnson and Shayla Johnson; her adored grandchildren Krystal Walters, Christopher Jarrett, Daniel Zengel, Kale Zengel, Meagan Burnham, Paul Michael Jarrett, Rosie Jarrett, and Salem Johnson; as well as her treasured great-grandchildren Zander Humphrey, Emilee Zengel, and Aurora Burnham. Sally’s siblings Mary Roemer with spouse Glen, Carol Arthur, and David Rodgers and lifelong friend Roxanne Charter also survive her. She joins in the realm of the Lord her sister Helen Thrower and grandson, Brian Christopher Jarrett who predeceased her.

Sally’s hobbies included gardening, the creation of exquisite needlework, and the art of crocheting. In 1970, she married Danny Jarrett, and together they nurtured a loving family in Lehigh Acres, Florida. In 1999 she married Terry Johnson. In 2006, Sally made her home in Maryville, Tennessee, where she continued to share her love and kindness.

A celebration of Sally’s life will be held in due course, with details to be provided by the family at a later time. They convey their heartfelt gratitude for the many gestures of condolence and fellowship received during this period of grief. Sally’s presence will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit remains an everlasting beacon of love and grace in the hearts of those she touched.

Laurie Jeanne Eldridge (1956-2024)

Knoxville (Farragut), TN – Laurie Jeanne Eldridge, 67, passed away on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on September 30th, 1956, in Red Bank, NJ, Laurie was the daughter of Frederick A. and Gladys Jeanne Hagan Eldridge. She grew up in Middletown, NJ, graduating from Middletown High School in 1974. Laurie’s life was a beautiful journey, taking her from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Wyoming and then finally settling in East Tennessee, a place she cherished and planned to call home forever.

For over 40 years, Laurie pursued her passion for travel and handcrafted treasures as part of the Renaissance/Celtic circuit. Her “Vardo” was a familiar sight, filled with unique jewelry and wonders. Laurie loved this business and the connections she made with people throughout her travels.

Devoted to her family, Laurie will be deeply missed by her mother, Gladys Eldridge; sister, Tara Fallon (John); son, Lt. Col David Celeste, USAF (Larisa); daughter, Jennifer Celeste; grandchildren, Andrew Celeste, Xavier Celeste, Matthew Celeste, and Remington Smith. She also leaves behind cherished childhood friends, Patty Lee and Cheryl Stanley, and her beloved canine companion and work buddy, Baily.

Laurie was predeceased by her father, Frederick A. Eldridge; ex-husband, Steven Homer Potts, with whom she remained close; and her grandparents, John and Theresa Hagan, whom she held dear as her “Nana & Pop-Pop” and known as their “Little Princess”.

Laurie’s life overflowed with joy and adventure, and recently found a love of cruising. She faced challenges with a positive spirit, always finding the good in every situation. She was incredibly proud of her son’s service to his country and always went out of her way to express her gratitude to veterans whenever she met them. Her four grandsons were her pride and joy, and she cherished being their “Nana.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15th, at 2:00 pm at the Middletown Reformed Church, located at 121 Kings Hwy, Middletown, NJ 07748. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather back at Laurie’s childhood home in Middletown to share memories and laughter. In a beautiful tribute to Laurie’s free spirit, butterflies will be released to symbolize her love and the joy she brought to the world.

Interment will be at Fair View Cemetery, Middletown NJ

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Laurie’s honor to a local animal rescue/shelter or charity of your choice.

Arthur William Creswell Jr., 63, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by family on May 18th, 2024. Born on September 26th,1960, to Margaret Jean and Arthur Creswell Sr., he graduated from Fulton and went on to get a degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

Arthur loved spending time at the lake, whether it be camping or fishing. He had a deep love of music, and was a rare, but excellent, cook. Having a green thumb,he could plant the best garden you’ve ever seen. He will be remembered for the good times.

He loved his family and now joins his son Jakob, brother Jeffrey, and parents Margaret and Arthur in heaven. He leaves behind two daughters Darby and Nora, brother Randy (Sylvia), sister Susan (Gary), granddaughter Desiree, nieces and nephews Matt, Stewart, Emma, Ashley, Chad, and girlfriend Brittany. His absence will be felt by many relatives and friends.

Lena Faye Smith (Mama Faye), 79 of Clinton, TN passed away on June 1, 2024. Faye was born January 18, 1945, and grew up in Hardin Valley where she attended school at Fairview and Karns. She was a seamstress by trade having owned her own business in the Claxton community. She enjoyed creating and altering fabric masterpieces for friends, family and clients. 

Faye is preceded in death by husband Kenneth J. Smith, parents Raymond and Daisy Hackworth, brother Albert Hackworth, sisters Betty Williams and Fran Shelton, nieces Alisa McGhee and Francene Weaver and Stepson Kelvin Smith.

Faye is survived by daughter Tammy Moore and her husband Evan, son in law Kyle Wright and his wife Charlotte, sisters Linda Smith and Doris Jean Teffetteller, granddaughter Ella Moore, in laws Jeff and Donna Moore, special loved one Kenneth Malveaux and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on June 11, 2024, at Claxton Community Center at 5:00 pm. The graveside service will be announced at a later date.

Mike Everett passed away on Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, at the age of 60 years old. He was surrounded by family. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by fathers Jack Everett and Rol Swafford, brother Clyde Hobart Swafford and son-in-law, David “Tubz” Watkins.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christie Everett, mom, Charlotte Swafford, siblings Jackie Everett, April Hunt, Rollie Swafford, Buffy Swafford, Juanita Roberts, and Vickie Norton, son Chris, and his wife, Telia Everett, Chase, and his wife, Riley Everett, Alleesha Smiley, Jennifer Watkins, son Allen, and his wife, Chelsea Murrell, daughter Lauren, and her husband, Brent Russell. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren DJ, Sadie, Abby, Makayla, Macy, Maurianna, Maleah, Bryson, Chloe, Raelee, Lainey and Emma.

The family will receive friends on Thursday June 20th, 2024, at Riverview Baptist Church in Rockford from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Graveside service will be held on Friday June 21st, 2024, at 10:00am.