Sonja Lynn Carlson, age 73, of Knoxville, Tennessee, entered Heaven’s gates peacefully from her home, surrounded by family on March 21, 2025. She was born Sonja Lynn Vincent on October 7, 1951, the third of four children. So ready to meet this world, Sonja was delivered by her father on the way to the hospital, traveling over Premier Mountain in West Virginia. Miss Sonja Lynn Vincent became the bride of Peter Kirby Carlson on October 23, 1971, in Buckhannon, WV. She was a graduate of Buckhannon-Upsher Highschool with the class of 1969. She further attended Fairmont State College and West Virginia Wesleyan College, before being awarded a Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College. Sonja was a long-time member of Trinity Chapel, then New Covenant Fellowship Church and later Ridgedale Baptist Church. Her faith in God was strong and she spent time with Him daily. She was an avid reader, loved working puzzles and enjoyed decorating and entertaining during her favorite holiday, Christmas. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, knitting, crafting, cooking new recipes, and spending time outdoors, planting flowers and enjoying God’s creation. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fonzo “Junior” Vincent and Pearl Smith, and her brother, David Vincent, all of Buckhannon, WV. She is survived by her devoted and loving children, Lora McCarter with husband, Jason McCarter and Benjamin Carlson with wife, Jessica Carlson, all of Knoxville, TN; her three grandchildren, who adored their Nana, Noah McCarter, Ella McCarter and Crew Carlson, all of Knoxville, TN; her sisters, Sandra Vincent, of Sutton, WV, and Nancy Sanders with husband, Jim Sanders, of Mount Clare, WV; her sister-in-law, Vicki Vincent, of Buckhannon, WV; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends, scattered all over the country, who she cared about deeply and kept up with daily. She was known to all as a Godly woman and a kind and faithful friend. She took great pride in her children and doted on her grandchildren every chance she could. Her greatest joy was her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Sonja had a special love and compassion for her animals, who were family members, more than pets. Her earthly life was, like her, full of love and she made this world a little brighter. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Young-Williams Animal Center. The family will host a Celebration of Life in her honor in Knoxville, TN, on the Saturday of Easter weekend.

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Steve Scarbrough, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and devoted follower of Christ. On Saturday, March 8, at 7:55 am, after a courageous battle following heart bypass surgery, we said goodbye to our beloved Steve, who was welcomed into the arms of Jesus. For almost 45 wonderful years, Steve was Tammie’s life partner, creating a loving and adventurous home filled with laughter, faith, and countless memories. Together, they shared a deep love for family trips to Hilton Head, where they made lasting memories on the beach, as well as countless adventures filled with joy and togetherness. Steve took immense pride in his role as a father to his two devoted sons, Brent of Charlotte, NC, and Blake of Knoxville, TN, along with their loving wives, Chelsea and Katy. He was especially cherished as “Pops” by his precious granddaughter, Rory, and he adored his grand-pup, Luna, who brought so much joy into his life. Born to Ruth and Hubert Scarbrough, who preceded him in death, Steve was one of four brothers. He is survived by his brothers Wayne, married to Chris, and Mike, married to Mary, along with the fond memories of his late brother, Dale. Steve lived life to the fullest, passionately enjoying pickleball, cheering on the Tennessee Vols, and dreaming of retiring at the end of March to being his many DIY projects and travel adventures with Tammie. His love for the beach and time spent on the boat were among his favorite pastimes, and his infectious enthusiasm inspired everyone around him. A devoted follower of Christ, Steve's faith shaped his life and the way he loved others. His spirit, warmth, and love for life will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. As we navigate this unimaginable sadness, we find comfort in the memories we hold dear and the legacy of love he leaves behind. A celebration of Steve's life will be held at a later date, and we invite all who knew him to join us in honoring the joy he brought to so many. Thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time. A celebration of Life will be held on March 21 at 4:00 PM at Calvary Knoxville, 3330 W. Gov. John Sevier Hwy, 37920. We would like to thank the many friends, family, and neighbors who have shown their love, concern and support for us through this most difficult time.

April 4, 1964 – March 6, 2025 It's the dash between the years that matters most Frances made anywhere she was feel like home—a steady, loving force who made life warmer for everyone around her. She had a unique laugh, the kind that made others join in, even if they didn’t know why. Strong yet gentle, quick-witted yet level-headed, she carried a quiet joy that brightened even the simplest moments. From an early age, she took on the role of caretaker, offering kindness without hesitation and love without condition. She was the sun around which we all orbited, never seeking the spotlight but always shining in ways that mattered most. She built a life around love, family, and the beauty of simple things. She found joy in thrifting, cooking, crafting dreamcatchers, and quiet mornings on the porch with coffee in hand. Her sense of humor was unconventional, sometimes inappropriate, and always full of surprises. She found laughter in the most unexpected places and had a way of making others smile, even in life’s hardest moments. To those closest to her, she was their rock—the steady hand that reassured them, even in her final moments. As she peacefully journeyed onward, she was still patting her husband’s hand and smiling warmly at her daughter, offering love and comfort just as she always had. To know Frances was to be loved unconditionally. “Mamaw Francy” was a title she wore with pride, cherishing every moment spent with her grandchildren. Her love was her greatest gift, and it will never fade. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill; her daughter, Amy (Adam) Bivens; her grandchildren, Michael Tipton, Bethany Pesterfield, and Spencer (Lauren) Bivens; her mother-in-law, Lois Tipton; her sister, Juanita (Dave) Tipton and her nephew, Travis. While we could never list all of the lives Frances touched, she is survived by a loving and extensive family, including in-laws, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. They will carry her memory in their hearts forever. She is now reunited with her parents, Jay and Norma Proffitt; her brother, Michael Proffitt; and her beloved Granny and Papaw Ogle. In lieu of services, we invite family and friends to celebrate her life in their own way, remembering that the little things in life are actually the big things. Her love was a gift that will never fade, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Donna J. Holzapfel (Kropf)Age 79, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on February 24th; daughter of the late George and Norma Kropf; beloved wife of the late Bernard F. Holzapfel; mother of Bernice (David) Blair and Jeffrey (Tina) Allan; grandmother of Stephanie Blair; great-grandmother of Nathan, Jordan, Travis, and Isla Blair. Inurnment will be held privately at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Moon Township, PA

Ronnie Garland 77 years young. Of Knoxville, TN and formerly of Erwin, TN. Passed away peacefully at home on February 18 2025. He was surrounded by his loving family. Born in Spruce Pine, North Carolina on December 27, 1947. Ronnie was a talented graphic artist who dedicated his career to the Knoxville News Sentinel, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and hard work. Beyond his profession Ronnie had a deep love for golf, finding joy on the greens whenever he had the chance. However, nothing brought him more happiness than his family. He was a devoted husband and proud father. Ronnie had an engaging personality and made fast friends with most people he met. His warmth, humor, and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jr. Garland, and his sister Dolly Bailey. He is survived by his beloved wife Karen Garland, children Wendy and Brent Garland. As well as his siblings Shirley Brinkley, Ruby Peake, and Kenneth Garland. He also leaves behind many other family members and dear friends who will forever hold him in their hearts. Ronnie’s kindness, humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Johnny Lee Kidd was born on October 15, 1952, in Lawrence County, TN, and passed away in Knox County, TN, on February 17, 2025. He graduated from Lawrence County High School as a Top 10 Scholar and earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He developed and implemented accounting software for thirty years before finishing his career as an auditor. He remained loyal to the Tennessee Vols and the Dallas Cowboys through good times and bad, but his favorite players were the children whom he helped develop through his decades of service as an official for youth and high school football, notably including in the 2008 TSSAA Class 2A Championship. Johnny was inducted in the 2016 Knoxville Football Officials Association Hall of Fame. Johnny loved travel, poker, and sports cars; he hated trampolines. He delighted in being a real-life Santa, spoiling his actual and honorary nieces and nephews with Christmas bears, candy, toys, clothes, and consumer electronics (bonus points if a gift annoyed one of his brothers!) Although an “Uncle Johnny present” was always much anticipated, his joyful presence was the best gift to his family and friends. He insisted on living his life on his own terms until the end and had more fun along the way than most people. Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Martha Kidd; grandparents, Lee and Ruth Kidd and John and Grace Pollock; his uncle and aunt Neal and Edith Kidd; and his brother Jerry Kidd. He is survived by his brothers James Kidd (Ginny) and Larry Kidd (LaShon); sister-in-law Darlene Kidd; nieces, Jamie Frawley (Arthur), Brooke Swilling (Ryan), and Savanna Kidd; nephews, Harold Kidd (Heather) and Blake Kidd; great-nieces Hadley Swilling and Helen Frawley, and great-nephews Davey Kidd, Dylan Kidd, and Carter Swilling. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

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.

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.

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.