Joseph Stanley Carter, age 58, of Knoxville, passed unexpectedly at home. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Mary Carter; son, Dewayne; and sister, Janice. Survived by son, Josh; sister and brother-in-law, Jeannie and Rick Williams; brother and sister-in-law, James and Desiree Carter; devoted cousin Sabrina Javins; and several other family members. Due to the global pandemic, there will be no gathering for services.

Donald James Cheek, age 3,4 of LaFollette, passed away in his home Saturday, Jan 9.

A loving and devoted son, husband, and brother, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, his uncles Lee Bills and Ronnie Cheek, and his cousins Ray Cheek and Susan Bills.

He is survived by wife, Erika McFall Cheek; mother, Polly Bills of Lafollette; father, Kenneth Cheek of Jellico; brothers, Ben Cheek and wife Ashley of Jacksboro, Timothy Cheek and wife Tiffany of Jellico, Daniel Cheek and wife Cristy of LaFollette and Preston Brock of LaFollette; sisters, Maria Cowan of Benton, KY and Chrissy Young and Husband Adam of Jellico; 15 nieces and nephews: Melinda, Devin, Melody, Dillon, Dalton, Derick, Gabriel, Vincent, Desmond, and Dawson Cheek; Connor, Axel, and Alivia Cowan; and Raina and Harmony Young.

Donny was loved by everyone who knew him. He touched many lives and consoled many hearts. He was the best kind of person, full of love, kindness, and understanding. He will be truly missed and loved forever.

Rosana Kay Cascarelli, age 67 of Knoxville, passed away peacefully Friday, January 22, 2021, at Fort Sanders Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julia and John Cascarelli, and brother Carl Cascarelli. Rosana is survived by her loving husband, David Begliutti of Knoxville; brother Tony Cascarelli of Hillsdale, Michigan; Daughters Jodi (Benjamin) Moll of Knoxville, Becky (Danny) Haun of Knoxville; Grandchildren Joseph Ryals, Micah Haun, Jaycie Lister, and Levi Haun. A Celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Rosana had a love for her dogs that was pure.  She was preceded in death by her dogs Maddie “Stinky” and survived by Sassy Ann and Guido. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division St, Knoxville, TN 37919.

Frances Lea Ramsey McCulley, “Bijou”, 48, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on January 17th, 2021, at 10:33 pm in Chattanooga, TN. She was born on June 1st, 1972, to Mary Frances Ramsey and Frankie Eddie Ramsey of Knoxville, TN. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Mary Neil Shroth, and her mother, Mary Frances Ramsey. She is survived by her father, Frankie Eddie Ramsey, and three sisters, Patricia Ann Croft, Kathy Lynn Rutherford, and Robin Marie Dawson. She also leaves behind her three children, Joshua Daniel Lee Baney, Stephen J. Mathew Baney, and Trinity Dawn Teresa McCulley, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bijou spent her time on Earth living life to its fullest. She most enjoyed spending time in nature with her family and friends. She will be remembered most for her vibrant, outspoken personality, her beautiful smile, and her infectious laughter. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

William Edward Walker, age 58, passed away on January 30, 2021.

William had a lifelong passion for cooking. He was a devoted Vols fan, and he enjoyed fishing and gardening in his spare time. He also loved animals dearly. He was preceded in death by his father, Winston D. Walker, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Rozell Walker, sister Cynthia Campbell of Palm Bay, FL, and his brother, Winston Walker, Jr. of Taylors, SC.

A private service was held on February 3, 2021, by Reverend Terry Richard.

Kenneth Clark McGinnis was born December 5, 1938, in Grainger County, TN. Kenneth passed away on February 4, 2021, after a short illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lula McGinnis, brother Earl Clark, and sisters Erma Wolfenbarger, Aline Coffey, and Marsine Clark. Kenneth leaves behind brother Boyd (JoAnn) Clark, numerous nieces, and nephews.

Tracey Hope Walter-Hensley, age 56, passed away on February 3, 2021. She was born September 18, 1964, in Mobile, AL. She is survived by her step-father & mother Bill(Deloris) McAmis; father Glenn Walter; brothers BJ Deciere, Beau Brown, Brandon Walter, Daniel Walter; sister Mandy Walter; daughter Brittnee(Jeremy) Johnson, Teresa Hensley; grandkids, Travis & Madelyn Watson.

Paul “Tony” Holmes passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from injuries sustained in a serious fall. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bonnie Holmes; daughter, Alison Mendes; granddaughter, Aria Mendes; brother, Doug Holmes; uncle, Carl Cooper; aunt, Imogene Shea; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Avy Day. His final days were spent in his home by the Tennessee River with his wife, daughter, sister-in-law, and beloved dog by his side.

Born in Nashville, TN, on March 30, 1939, to Dennis and Fransena Holmes, Tony attended Forrest High School in Chapel Hill, TN, where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he joined the United States Army, serving his country honorably for three years before continuing his education at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and in 1973 with a master’s degree in College Teaching in Political Science.

His graduate thesis, entitled “The American Party in Tennessee, 1968-1971,” examined the role of third parties in American politics, a topic that he continued to explore in a personal capacity well into his later years. He had a deep appreciation for political discourse and was an avid collector of campaign memorabilia, building an extensive collection of posters, buttons, and signed photographs from individuals across the political spectrum.

Tony worked for the U.S. Public Health Department from 1965 to 1967, investigating and tracing contacts for various diseases. After his graduate work, he joined the Tennessee Valley Authority, working for the agency in various capacities until he retired in 1993.

In retirement, he spent much of his time researching and writing on topics of personal interest. He also volunteered with the East Tennessee Historical Society, where he assisted with several projects, including the “First Families of Tennessee” program. His enthusiasm for history and genealogy led to a detailed compilation of information on both the Cooper and Holmes family lineage, much to the delight of interested family members.

Tony was known as a gifted storyteller who could enchant anyone with the power of his words. Over the years, he authored- among other miscellaneous works – a series of articles in historical journals on early Tennessee River ferries.

An exceedingly gentle and kind man, Tony could befriend anyone he met. As a self-made man who worked hard for what he had, he continuously sought to “pay it forward” and lend a helping hand to those in need. In his humble opinion, humor was the perfect antidote for any ailment, and he was always ready to offer a smile and joke as needed. He was also a cherished companion of children and animals alike, who naturally gravitated to his calm yet playful disposition.

With a twinkle in his eye, Tony could effortlessly captivate those around him with his imagination and undeniable charm. He leaves behind many family and friends who have been touched and inspired over the years by his generosity, compassion, empathy, intelligence, and quick wit. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and he will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, a celebration of Tony’s life will be held at a future date for all those who remember him fondly. Please consider a contribution in Tony’s memory to the Forrest High School Scholarship Fund (donations can be made out to “FHS Scholarship Fund,” c/o Matt Moorehead, P.O. Box 546, Chapel Hill, TN 37034).

Robert Allen Rush passed away peacefully at home on 2/9/2021 in Knoxville, TN, at the age of 54.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Rush and Shirley Watson Rush. He is survived by siblings Tammy Williams (Bryan), Franklyn Rush (Teresa), Jonathon Rush (Jeanette), and step-sister Danielle Beal; nieces and nephews Elizabeth Lutes (Steven), John Gilliam Jr (Jade), Rohn Gilliam (Melissa), Lisa Collins (Jacob), Troy Rush, Cayla Rush, Kimberly Setzer (Tucker), TJ Graves, Amanda Graves, Jessica Hodge (Staven), Jacob Montgomery (Briannah), and several great-nieces and nephews.

Services are being held at a later date.

Velma Lea Parrett, 70, of Powell, TN, passed away on February 12, 2021, peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Velma is the daughter of Tilman and Mary Jane Muncy and was born on April 12, 1950, in New Tazewell, TN.

Velma is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Thomas Parrett, Sr. Her children are Vicky (Jason) Sanders, Thomas (Tiffany) Parrett Jr., and daughter-in-law Sue Parrett. Velma was blessed with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was loved by all her brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents and son, Rick Parrett.

In lieu of flowers, please make all donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org in her name.

Lavenna (Lou) Beach, age 90, died Wednesday morning, February 17, 2021, in the Meadows residence, a caring and loving community at the Courtyards Senior Living in Knoxville.  She was born in Stone, Kentucky, September 1, 1930 to Arthur and Belva (Centers) Duncan.  She is the oldest of seven children.  She was married to George (‘Ady’) Vowell in Lake City, Tennessee, in 1947, and was married for 44 years.  They lived half of that time on the coastline of southern California.  After George’s death, she was remarried to Charles A. Beach for 19 years.  After his passing in 2011, she continued with her hobbies and crafting.  She loved her family and loved to plant flowers.  She played piano in her younger years and was very active in several churches in California while residing there for many years.  Lou has worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Clinton, Tennessee in the mid-80s to early 90s. Lou loved her elder residents in her care through those years.  She is preceded in death by her brothers, Harry Duncan and Austin Duncan, and also by her sister Patty Duncan and her grandchildren, Aaron Vowell and Michaela Buckner.  She is survived by her brother Jim Duncan (wife Donna), her sisters Gloria Norfalise and Myra Crawford, all in Anderson County, and sister-in-law Dorothy Duncan in Lee’s Summit, Mo.  She also leaves two sons, Ron Vowell (wife Gigmar) and Randy Vowell (wife Mary), along with two daughters, Rhonda Beffre (husband Gene) and Robin Hoffman.  Lou had 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who loved her. She will be laid to rest in Leach Cemetery, Lake City, next to her husband, George. The family will have a graveside service at a later date.  

In Loving Memory of Mildred Eileen Newman, 78, of Knoxville, Tennessee, who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones, Saturday, February 13th, 2021.

Eileen was born in Hayden, Colorado, in 1942 and graduated from Littleton High School in 1960. During high school, Eileen was a talented photographer and contributed greatly to her senior yearbook and other school events.

Being a great conversationalist and thoughtful listener, Eileen spent many years working on the phone in several different industries. She fulfilled her dream of becoming a 911 call processor, from where she retired at 65. After a year of retirement, with the desire to stay active and social, she sought out employment at GC Services in Knoxville, where she retired a second time at the age of 76.

After retirement, Eileen enjoyed spending time with her family, watching movies, listening to music, playing games, and chatting on social media. She also spent time with her bird, “Cowboy,” and her dogs “Dizzy” and “Cheebs”.

Eileen was a resilient woman, who despite hardships and many challenges throughout her life, was funny, kind-hearted, and had a smile that would warm your heart. She was loved and cherished by many, and though she will be dearly missed, she will live on in the memories of those whose lives she touched.

Eileen is survived by her four treasured daughters, Vicki Patterson, Casey Giles, Shannon Kerwin, and Jackie Newman (Mikey), and a dear Son, Scott Neubill. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Bill Patterson (Sarah), David Patterson, Dan Patterson, Stephanie Kish (Chris), Jessica Coleman (Gary), Grant Boss, Kiefer Boss, Leanna Peavy (David), Michelle Neubill (Jeremiah), Matthew Neubill (Zoe), and many wonderful great-grandchildren.

There will be no funeral services at this time, but a Celebration of Life Ceremony is in the planning stages for Spring. In lieu of flowers, bring potato salad and join us in the Spring to share some wonderful memories of this sweet and beautiful soul.