2024

Nancy L. (Swartz) Marks, age 85, passed away Monday, August 26, 2024 at her home at South High Senior Living in Knoxville, Tennessee. She passed peacefully with family by her side and joined her husband in heaven on his birthday. 

Nancy was born in Johnson City, Tennessee on August 11, 1939. Her early years were spent living with her grandparents, then living on her own and working while completing high school. She graduated from Science Hill High School in 1957 with honors. She worked in Johnson City in the X-ray Department at Memorial Hospital and for the Draft Board during the Vietnam Conflict as an Administrative Assistant. She had a short first marriage, divorced, and was an incredible single mother until 1966, when she married James “Jimmy” Marks. During her second marriage, Nancy became a homemaker, a title she earned in the truest sense of the word as she truly made a home for her family. She also held titles of homeroom mother, team mother, scorekeeper, and various PTA/committee/volunteer titles as she was actively involved in every aspect of her children’s lives. After the passing of her husband, she moved to Mauldin, South Carolina, where she lived for eight years before moving to Knoxville in 2022. Nancy was a longtime member of North Johnson City Baptist Church then Mauldin First Baptist Church.

Nancy was well known for her ability to fight through adversity and keep a smile on her face, which she demonstrated early in life as she struggled through circumstances, then later in life as she struggled with illness. She was a great bowler, bowling many games above 200 in league matches, and once bowled a 278. Nancy was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and had a very impressive collection of Elvis memorabilia, which was once featured on the local news. She was an avid reader, enjoying mostly mysteries and romance novels. Her favorite television shows were detective shows and game shows. She was a sales representative for Sarah Coventry jewelry, Tupperware, and Avon. She enjoyed playing games, especially Yahtzee and bingo. Nancy loved her family’s pets and was especially close to their cat, Sandy. She enjoyed time with her friends eating meal together and going to garage sales. Nancy was rarely seen without wearing her Revlon Coffee-Bean-colored lipstick. She was well known among family and friends for her delicious chicken and dumplings and her chicken spaghetti. She loved going to Cracker Barrel and some of her favorite foods and drinks included fried okra, pinto beans, cornbread, Dairy Queen Dilly Bars, grilled cheese sandwiches, Kit Kat bars, blueberries, red grapes, cappuccino, and Diet Coke.

Nancy loved her family dearly, which was very evident in the way she lived her life. If you had a picture in your mind of the perfect, always-in-your-corner Mom, she was it. Her greatest joys included anything and everything involving her family. She especially loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports and she attended all of their school and church events. She loved reliving family memories through pictures and had shelves full of photo albums and walls full of framed family photos. Nancy told stories about her children and grandchildren to anyone who would listen. She taught her family what unconditional love looks like through her words and through her actions. Conversations with her children and grandchildren usually ended with, “I love you dearly. Call me if you need me.” Her love for her family was truly inspirational.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Jimmy Marks; brother, Bill Swartz; son-in-law, Troy Tittle; and baby granddaughter, Kaitlyn Marks. She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Tittle of Cumming, Georgia; son, Todd Marks (wife Lori) of Mauldin, South Carolina; daughter, Micki Morris (husband Matt) of Knoxville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Renee Fritts, Jeremy Marks, Brandon Marks, Chelsea Marks, and Ashlyn Swaggerty; great-grandchildren, Logan Fritts (wife Taylor) and McKinley Fritts; great-great-grandchildren, Everleigh Love and Kaden Love; sister, Brenda Jenkins; brother, Garry Swartz; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Nancy also leaves behind many family friends who called her Mom and Mamaw because she had a way of making everyone feel like family.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at South High Senior Living, who provided excellent care and love to Nancy during her final months of life.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the outdoor pavilion at North Johnson City Baptist Church, 305 Ferndale Road in Johnson City. Guests are invited to dress casually and come anytime between 12:00 – 3:00 pm, with a service starting at 1:00 pm. The family requests that in-lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which was Nancy’s favorite charity, or The Alzheimer’s Association.

Carolyn B. Reed, 88, of Maryville, TN and formerly White Stone, VA, Keene, NH, and cities in MA and CT, passed peacefully on August 31, 2024. She was born October 4, 1935, to the late Winston and Geraldine (Olive) Blake of Andover, MA, and was the adored wife of the late Burton D. Reed, Jr. for more than 63 years. She is survived by her brother, Winston Andrew (Celeste) Blake, and her children, Robert (Sue) Reed, Charles (Deb) Reed, Maggie (Paul) Silfee, Larry (Pamela) Reed, and Doug (Abby) Reed. She is lovingly remembered as “Ernie” by her eleven grandchildren – Melanie (Paul) Todd, Jacqueline (David) Gerber, Natalie (Rudy) Barrera, Brad (Erin) Reed, Jonathan (Kristie) Reed, Valerie (James) Jack, Michelle (Wilmer Cano) Cano-Reed, Alex Reed, Andrew Reed, Austin (Andrea) Reed, and Tiffany Reed – and eleven great grandchildren – Xavier, Aurora, Ruben, Gavino, Anna, Tyler, Austin, Elijah, Nathan, Grayson, and Madeline. She also leaves behind nieces Jennifer Kenny and Jessica Delano, nephews David and Matthew Blake, June Blake, Jorge Aguilar, and many other cherished friends.

After a childhood in Andover, Carolyn met Burt at Boston University, and he spoke of how captivating she was and was still verklempt about how he felt back then over 60 years later. After they wed, they moved around the country – GA, TX, TN – while Burt was a pilot in the US Air Force. Carolyn steadfastly made a loving home, often enrobed with beautiful gardens and flowers, wherever their next adventure took them as they welcomed their five children and eventually moved closer to family in the northeast. Burt’s career in insurance then took them to White Stone, VA, where they enjoyed the Northern Neck of the Chesapeake (loved the seafood, did not care for the hurricanes) for many years.

Carolyn was proud of the wide-ranging roles she took on over the years, including over a decade as a postal carrier for a rural route in Holden, MA, (delivering mail but also biscuits for the dogs) and teaching exercise classes for senior citizens in Kilmarnock, VA. She was known for her love for animals, her everlasting energy, and how she cherished her family and friends near and far. Over the years she nurtured and loved countless dogs and cats, even once rescuing a stray kitten that fell off their docked boat into the water, and she and Burt developed a fondness for Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Whether for her home or when she volunteered for charities, she always tackled a new project with zeal, organizing (often via scribbled lists on legal pads), learning new skills, and recruiting others to help as well. Carolyn had a special knack for making those around her feel celebrated and welcomed, and her grandchildren knew calls from Burt and Ernie would be full of love and joy. She was a natural social butterfly, and getting to know those in her community was a personal mission. She revered friendships she managed to hang on to for decades despite her many moves. An invitation to a meal at Burt and Carolyn’s house was always welcomed by recipients as she was a fantastic host and cook, serving specially acquired foods to dazzle guests. Carolyn and Burt enjoyed traveling together in their later years, meeting new friends and sharing new experiences. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and playing bridge.

Carolyn’s family is forever grateful to those that took care of her as her health declined, took time to visit her despite their busy days, and adopted her pets when she could no longer care for them. The family will have a celebration memorial for her October 4, 2024, near her gravesite in Hartford, CT, where she will rest alongside Burt. Donations can be made in Carolyn’s honor to the Young-Williams Animal Center in Knoxville, TN at https://www.young-williams.org/support/one-time.

Ricky R. Mendenhall, 64, of Knoxville, TN, passed away on September 4, 2024. Born on November 29, 1959, Ricky was known for his selfless, kind, and understanding nature.

Ricky graduated from Fulton High School and spent much of his life in Knoxville, where he was deeply involved in his community and cherished by many. His presence was a comforting fixture in the lives of those around him, always ready to offer support or a listening ear.

He is survived by his daughter, Keefer Mendenhall-Cooper; grandchildren, Draxxon and Keyairah Cooper; father-in-law, Jack Burnette Sr.; brother, Tim Mendenhall; and his companion, Diane Wood. Ricky was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lisa Burnette-Mendenhall, and his parents, Jim and Judy Mendenhall.

A receiving of friends will be held September 22 from 2 to 4 PM at New Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Corryton, followed by graveside services at Rocky Dale Cemetery. Ricky’s life and legacy will be honored as friends and family gather to share memories and say their goodbyes. His gentle spirit and compassionate demeanor will be missed by all who knew him.

Peggy Jo Morris, 79, of Allen Drive of Knoxville, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 31.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved Jesus and was a believer and follower all her life. 

She loved her beautiful flowers and the birds that flocked to them. She loved a good joke and a good laugh. She enjoyed game shows, books, puzzle books and word finds. She loved a chocolate donut!

She retired from Charles D. Owen Manufactuing Plant where she was a supervisor.

She is survived by her love; her husband of 61 years Stanley Morris, daughter Rebecca Schrader (Mark) son Kenneth Morris (Tammy) grandchildren Shaunacie McCallum (Ian) Matthew Bowman, Tristan Cornette, Brookelynn Haun (Randy) Stephee Haun. Great-grandchildren Madison, Caden, Paisley, Gracie, and Courtney.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father George Bascombe and Devona Chandler, daughter Trudy Gardner, brothers George, Jerry, James Chandler, sisters Ida Pressley, Allie Bogan.

She is also survived by brother Glenn Chandler (Jurdy) And sister Betty Grant of N.C

We want to thank everyone with U.T. Hospice., nurses and aides at the Sacred Ground Hospice House. It’s such a wonderful place and everyone that took care of Peggy did so with God’s love and kindness.

The family will be having a memorial at a future date and time. In leau of flowers we ask that any donations would go to Sacred Ground Hospice House.

“He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds” Psalm 147:3

On Friday, September13th 2024, Christy Nicole Daugherty was called to heaven. She was born on September 11th, 1976, in Knoxville, Tennessee to her late father Glenn “Buddy” Daugherty and her mother Debra Daughtery. Christy welcomed her one and only daughter Mackenzie Lamb, to the world on her 25th birthday.

Christy will be remembered by her mother, Debra, her daughter Mackenzie, and friends & family. She was the most supportive, trusting, and kindhearted person, whether serving as a mother, daughter, partner, or friend. Christy lived by the Serenity Prayer, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, and the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”, and tried to better herself each day. She always brought sunshine and rainbows. Christy will be forever missed.

A small, private gathering amongst family will be held in the following weeks for Christy’s Celebration of Life.

Clifton Paul Campbell was born July 5, 1938, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He passed away on September 21, 2024, in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he had lived longest.

Cliff is survived by his loving wife Linda of almost 54 years, two sons – Scott (Dana) and Douglas, two grandchildren — Aiden and Mikayla Campbell, one sister — Barbara (David) Kesler, two nieces and several grand-nieces and -nephews, and devoted friends.

Cliff completed his doctorate in Industrial Education at the University of Maryland in 1971 and then taught at universities in Maryland, Delaware, and Tennessee until 2000. He joined the US Navy in 1955 as a Seaman Recruit and advanced to the rank of Commander before retiring in 1993.

Cliff was a 33rd degree Master Mason, Scottish Rite member, and Shriner for more than 50 years. He was an active member of National Sojourners, The Military Order of the World Wars, and several other veterans’ organizations.

He loved to travel, especially internationally, which he did at every opportunity. Over his lifetime, he visited more than 50 countries. He and Linda lived in Taiwan for a year and in Saudi Arabia for almost 8 years. They both felt a special love for vacationing in the Isle of Man and, in later years, in Germany, especially the city of Bad Kissingen where they traveled often just to enjoy the orchestra there and the orchestra friends made over the years. There were only a handful of towns in Germany that he never had a chance to visit.

Cliff has been cremated and his cremains will be interred at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville. He was a private man, and specifically requested no funeral service.

Gordon Wilson Alley age 85 was born April 5, 1939, and passed quietly in his sleep on Saturday October 5th. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his wife Nadine and watching his grandkids play in the swimming pool he had installed just for them. He leaves with us many beautiful and fun filled memories. He served in the US Army as an M.P., stationed in France as a young man, then worked for the U.S. Post Office for 35 years before retiring. He was member of the VFW Post 1733 in Knoxville.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hayes Wilson Alley and Mary Cruz Alley; his sister Jean Ward; and his twin brother Kenneth Alley. He is survived by his wife Nadine Alley, his son Jason Alley (Robin) and his grandchildren Luna, Lucas and Logan Alley. He will be missed.

At Gordon’s request, a small, private gathering among family members will be held within the days to come.

Michelle Lynn Pratt-Pass

In loving memory of Michelle Pratt-Pass, age 68 of Knoxville, TN has passed from this world to be with her heavenly father on Oct.11, 2024.

Michelle was a loving and caring sister, aunt and friend. Michelle was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Rose Pratt, and older brother Kenneth Pratt. Michelle was married previously to Robert Pass, who was waiting to welcome her home.

Michelle loved her family, friends and horses. She loved sharing her riding skills with others, and often took her nieces and nephews out to give them a chance to ride.

Michelle will be greatly missed by her surviving siblings Kimberly and Brian Rickerson, Alfred (Kevin) and Leah Pratt, Micheal Pratt and Scott Pratt. Michelle had several nieces and nephews Alexandria and David Peacock, Micah and Emily Rickerson, Quinn and Kayla Rickerson, and Vivian Rickerson who will always remember many fond events they shared. Michelle had great- nieces and nephews who made her life more enjoyable.

Michelle will be greatly missed and remembered by all those who loved her.

William (Bill) Sprano, Sr passed away peacefully October 11, 2024, at Life Care Center of Blount County, Louisville, TN.

He was born in Burlington, VT, May 1, 1936, to the late Florence Katherine (Russin) and Joseph Sprano, Sr.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded by siblings: Joseph Sprano, Jr., Raymond Sprano, Sr., Dora Palomba, and Carol Dusablon; nephews Raymond Sprano, Jr., Richard Sprano; and niece Shelly Lomartire.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Linda Sprano of Maryville, TN; children William Sprano, Jr. of Huntington, VT, Kathy Benoit of Seymour, TN; grandchildren Rebecca Sprano, Daniel Sprano, Kristin Benoit, Erica Browning and husband Timothy, Johnathon Benoit and their father Richard Benoit of Knoxville, TN; siblings Sandra and Cosino Lomartire, Michael Sprano, Albert and Laurie Sprano; sisters-in-law Claire Sprano and Sheila Sprano; and many more nieces and nephews.

Linda would like to extend a special thanks to her niece and her husband, Susan and Steve Levesque, for showing Bill and Linda the sights of East Tennessee. They cherished all the outings, and their meals shared along the way.

Lee Edward Bentley

In loving memory of Lee Edward Bentley, 59, who passed away on October 16, 2024. Lee Bentley was born on December 6, 1964 in Montgomery, West Virginia. In 1985, Lee met the love of his life, Michelle, at Duff’s Buffet in Florida. In their 37 years of marriage, Lee and Michelle went on to have four children, Timothy, Brian, Paris, and Jessica. Lee was a loving, selfless, and caring husband, father and Poppop. Lee loved his family as well as NASCAR racing and Ice Bears hockey.

Lee is survived by his children Timothy, Brian and Amber, Paris and Cody, and Jessica, and his grandchildren Braxton and Austin. He is also survived by his Mother, Elsie Bentley and his sister, Ronda Bentley. 

Memorial service will be held at Pathway’s Church on Wednesday, October 23th. Family and friends are welcome at noon. The service will begin at 1:00pm. If you are able to join us, please wear a hat, preferably baseball cap, as the man never left the house without one.

Nina Suzanne Michi, born on June 6, 1953, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. She lived a life full of love as a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother. Nina was a retired nurse, known for her golden heart and dedicated service.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Louise Morris; her sister, Carol Moore; and her son, Ricky Hawks. Nina leaves behind her husband, Steve Michi; her sister, Theresa Reeves; her daughters, Kimberly (David) O’Connell and April (Jason) Baker; her step-son, Robert (Jennifer) Michi; and her grandchildren, Zion, Alle, Nicole, Jeanelle, Eli, Emery, Rylan, Bri’ella, Matthew, and Lauren.

A celebration of Nina’s life, “Going Home Celebration,” will take place at Newport First Apostolic Church on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2 PM. Pastor Stephen Thornbury will officiate the ceremony. Nina will be deeply missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Newport First Apostolic Church to honor her memory.

Robin Lee White age 70 passed away Sunday October 20,2024 at Fort Loudon Medical Center.

She is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Hattie Maples, daughter Ruth Ann White, and husband Carl White. She is survived by her daughter Patricia Hooks and fiancé Bobby Russell. Grandchildren Johnthan Shane and Samatha Hooks, Kimberely and Shane Love, David Hooks. She has 14 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at later date determined by the family.