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Julie Miller

February 19, 2024

Julie Miller

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

February 14, 2025
Nancy Myers Huiet, 77, of Townsend, TN, passed away on February 14, 2025, in the comfort of her home, with her sons by her side. Nancy, dearly known as “Na-Na”, cherished her family and friends very much. She found joy in her house full of boys, the game of golf, and TN Vols. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Charles Myers; husband of 32 years, William “Bear” Huiet; beloved son, Shannon Neff; brother Sidney Myers and his wife Linda Myers. Nancy is survived by two sons, Cale and Welsey Neff; grandsons, Joseph, Isaac, Jeremiah, and James Neff; special granddaughter, Kerra Strevel; sister, Pat Tipton; brother, Ronney Myers; cousin, David Webb; a handful of nieces/nephews, and greats. As well as many dear cousins, friends and neighbors. No arrangements confirmed at this time.
February 11, 2025
Jack Eugene Watson age 68, passed away on February 11th at UT Hospital. Survivors, wife Johnnie Watson, son Derrick Watson, daughters Jennifer Greene, Denise Grooms and Donna Watkins. 7 grandkids and 7 great-grandkids. 1 brother Bill Watson, 1 aunt Stella Harris. Proceeded in death by his parents, grandparents, 4 siblings and several other relatives. Including J.D. Hamilton his son and Brittany Watkins his granddaughter. A memorial at Marble City Baptist Church, March 1st at 2pm.
February 4, 2025
Sandra Blackburn Childs passed away on February 4, 2025, at age 73. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gertrude Blackburn, and her sister, Sharon Hall. She is survived by her children, Jennifer James, William Childs, and Steven Childs, her siblings, Dale Blackburn, John Blackburn and Karen Clark and her grandchildren, who brought her great joy. Sandra will be remembered for her kindness and strength. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed.
January 24, 2025
In Loving Memory Violet Christine Bunch 1949-2025 Violet was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents: Horace and Lillie Bunch; brother-in-law Leroy Small; brother-in law Rick Hatfield, and niece Amanda Hatfield. Violet is survived by her son Patrick Bunch and wife Rhonda Bunch, grandchildren: Dominique (Nikki) Bunch, Walker Bunch and wife Angie Bunch, and Hope Bunch. great-grandchildren: Dallas Bunch, Jaxson Bunch, Mason Bunch Brothers: Ulas Bunch and wife Sheila Bunch, James Roger Ball, Arnold Bunch and wife Anke Bunch Sisters: Wanda Small, Susan Hatfield Cousin and lifelong friend: James (Buddy) Sulfridge And a whole village of nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends. Violet Christine Bunch was a member of Lone Hill Church. There will be a memorial service held at Lone Hill Church located at 821 TN-33 Tazewell, TN at 10:00 AM on February the 2nd. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1st Avenue Hall, located at 413 1st Avenue, New Tazewell, TN beginning at 6:00 PM. Violet was a nurse for over forty years. She touched so many people throughout her years. Please join us in Celebrating the life of such a caring and compassionate soul.
January 20, 2025
Surrounded by her loving family, Lisa Ann Carter, 60 went to be with the Lord on January 20,2025 after a fierce and courageous battle with breast cancer. Born October 8, 1964, in Knoxville, TN to Marvin Stafford and Patsy Stafford, Lisa was a member of Northshore Fellowship Church of God Lisa met the love of her life, husband Alain Carter in 1982 they were married on May 9,1983 sharing three children and enjoying life together for 41 years. Lisa was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, known for her positive attitude even during the most difficult of times. She was a huge prankster and loved making people feel special; she had a contagious laugh; her smile would light up and room she entered. Lisa was preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Patsy Stafford, brother, Marvin "Randy" Stafford and mother-in-law, Lucienne Carter. Lisa is survived by her devoted husband, Alain Carter, and three loving children, daughter Christine Carter, and sons Christopher Carter and Jacob Carter. She is also survived by the joy of her life, granddaughter Savannah Marie Carter, sister Angela Stafford and beloved nephew Jordan Lester. A celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, January 29th with receiving of friends beginning at 6:00 pm. The service will immediately follow at 7:00 pm at Northshore Fellowship Chruch of God, 10015 South Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922, Pastor Stephen Smith officiating.
January 10, 2025
Dortha J. Starrett, 87 of Louisville passed away January 10, 2025, proceeded in death by her husband and son. Survived by Kathy & Donnie Gibson, Jordan Gibson, Imbri and Caleb Hitson, Cindi and Roger Starrett, and several nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by all.
January 3, 2025
Hugh Gilbert Caudill passed away January 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving daughters and grandchildren. Hugh was born July 1, 1931, to Robert and Sue Caudill. Upon his retirement from Delta Airlines, Hugh enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, boating and traveling. He also enjoyed volunteering his time to the Optimist Club and the Commemorative Air Force. Hugh loved spending time laughing, cracking jokes and sharing stories with his family and friends. He will always be remembered for his love of the Tennessee Vols, World War II aircraft and for being the ultimate gentleman. Hugh was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Sue Caudill; sister Nancy Sherman; and his first wife Nancy Ann Caudill. He is survived by his wife Mary Ella Caudill; daughters Terri Brandau and Becky (Frank) Turner; grandchildren Veronica Brandau, Mackenzie Brandau, Christian Brandau, Rachelle Ziegler and Katie Turner; great-granddaughter Kinsley Arden; many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday January 18, 2025, at 1 o'clock at Trinity View, 2533 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC 28704. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to the Kidney Foundation or the University of Tennessee Scholarship fund.
December 25, 2024
Martha (Wright) Cox, age 72, went peacefully to her Heavenly home to share her new birthday with Jesus on December 25, 2024. Born on October 28, 1952, in Concord, TN, she devoted her life to nurturing each soul in the large and loving family she built here on earth. Her caring heart was a precious gift that will be remembered forever. She is preceded in death by her parents, John & Temperance Wright, brothers, Raymond, Kenneth, Eddie, & John Jr., and devoted husband, Jerry Cox. She is survived by her sisters, Mary and Phyllis (Ron); loving daughters, Ame (Steve) & Stacy; grandchildren, Jake. (Tiffanie), Sarah, Rachel (Kyle), Katelyn, Hemi; great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Keenan, Kasyn, Mila, Jett, & Murphy, and several nieces, nephews, and friends who she loved dearly. A celebration of life will be held on January 5th, at 2pm, at the Karns Community Club located at 6616 Beaver Ridge Rd Knoxville, TN.
December 17, 2024
It is with deep sorrow to announce that Kim (Collette) Murphy 65 of Knoxville has passed away peacefully on 12-17-2024. She was an honest, kind, resilient, and self-sufficient women that offered help to anyone in need and never asked or expected anything in return. She loved collecting Native American Memorabilia and horseback riding was her passion. She will be loved and missed by many. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be announced at a later time.
December 9, 2024
Yalanda Brock passed away on Monday December 9, 2024, at UT Medical Center, Knoxville, TN. She was a resident a Fairpark Health & Rehabilitation in Maryville, TN. Yalanda was born on May 18, 1968, at Bowling Green Hospital to Ernest and Ruth Brock. She grew up in Russell Springs, KY and later moved to Tennessee. Yalanda had a passion for people and through her work as a massage therapist and makeup artist she touched many lives. She left indelible memories from coast to coast. Yalanda is survived by her longtime partner Jeff Keaton; brother Steven Brock; Aunt Marcie Gilliam; and cousins Bobbie Michelle Willard, Randall Jackson, Bobbie Perry. A funeral Service will be held at 10am on Tuesday December 17, 2024, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church 1041 N Central Street, Knoxville, TN 37917. Yalanda's ashes will be placed at Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green, Kentucky at a later date.
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