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.

Ruth Louise Wilmot Light aged 85 passed away peacefully on Thursday 6th of June 2024 at 9:50 pm at Sacred Ground Hospice House in Knoxville, TN after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Born in Syracuse, NY, she lived in Church Hill, TN most of her life before relocating in later years to Maryville, TN. Ruth was a devout member of the Catholic faith and Church. She was a loving, devoted mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Surviving her is a daughter Mrs. Katherine Elaine Light Woolley of London, United Kingdom; two estranged sons Dr. Ryan Eugene Light of Virginia Beach, VA. and Michael Del Edward Light of Maryville, TN.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Clifford Lilburn “Speedy” Light in 1987, parents George Wilmot and Rosa Sabin Quillen and a brother Anthony Wilmot.

Mass will be conducted at Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church Kingsport, TN on Wednesday 19th of June at 1:00 pm and she will then be laid to rest at East Lawn Memorial Park and Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Ground Hospice House, 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918.

Hyojin (Jina) Johnson

Jina Johnson flew away to the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ on June 6, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.

Born on July 7, 1976 in Busan, South Korea, she spent her early life with her close-knit family. She worked and studied, earning Bachelors and Masters degrees in Russian Linguistics and Literature. She spent much of her time serving her Lord through local congregations, playing piano, singing and ministering to others through her gifts. She served Korean churches as well as Russian congregations and North Korean refugees. She also served for a period performing missionary work in Azerbaijan.

On October 25, 2009, God presented Jina with her most challenging opportunity when he introduced her to her future husband, Jeff. For him, it was a miracle. For her, it was a mission. After several months of communication and visits, Jina traveled to the USA, where she would ultimately remain, marry and begin a family. In this way, God spread His love through her beyond her home country and into the hearts of so many here.

Jina had a beautiful singing voice, an engaging smile and could light up a room and her husband’s heart when she entered. She had a quick wit and could easily put Jeff in his place with a playful jab. Her life was characterized by love, compassion, care and service of others. The proof is in the tremendous outpouring of concern and love shown to her and her family during her illness and passing.

Jina is survived in the US by her devoted husband, Jeff and their two sons, Daniel and Nathan, her mother-in-law, Evelyn and sisters-in-law, Susan Arru (Louis) and Carol Jaynes (Greg). She leaves in South Korea: her father, Chasoo Kim and mother, Okrae Bak; sisters, Jeong-Eun, Seong-Eun, Yeong-Eun and Seong-Jin and brother, Dong-Gun as well as brothers-in-law and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a legacy of love in the form of countless friends all around the world.

A celebration of Jina’s life will be held on her birthday, Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at the West Lonsdale Baptist Church Family Life Center. We’ll remember, love, laugh and enjoy all sorts of fruit together just as she did.

Douglas E. Back, 66 of Robbins, Tennessee passed away on June 6, 2024. He was born on June 11, 1957. He was a beloved father, papaw, brother, and uncle. 

Doug loved woodworking, fishing, motorcycles, and nascar. He had a deep love for his family and friends.

He leaves behind his daughter Jamie(Ryan) and son Brian(Desiree). Grandkids, Dakota, Abby, Jason, Dylan(Anna) great grandbaby Nova. He leaves behind brothers Greg, Randy, and Tommy and sisters Penny and Cindy(Bobby). His girlfriend Vicky. Numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

Anna Marie Wilhite, age 45, left this earth on June 8th, 2024, at her home in Knoxville, TN. She was born May 25th, 1979, in Knoxville, TN to parents David Wilhite and Debbie Beatty. She is preceded in death by her Beloved grandmother Edna Wilhite, and stepfather Earnest Beatty. She is survived by her parents Debbie Beatty of Knoxville and David and Judith Wilhite of Louisville. Her son Demetrius Wilhite of Knoxville. Daughter Kamara Dotson and son in law Jose Torres, and her precious grandson Sol. Her brother John and Shanna Wilhite of Knoxville and her special nephews Isaac, Isaiah, and Jacob.

Anna had a kind soul, and her love knew no limits. Her kindness touched the hearts of many. A devoted mother to her two children, Anna poured her heart into nurturing her family. Her friendliness was extended to any and everyone, she left a huge impression on those who were lucky enough to meet her. With a personality that will never be forgotten, we will move forward with her forever in our hearts. She will forever be missed.

Please join us for a memorial service honoring Anna’s life on June 29th, 2024, at 6:00 PM, to be held at Island Home Park 2225 Estelle Cir, Knoxville, TN 37920.

David King Blakey, 78, of Clinton, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on June 21, 2024. 

David was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky on November 11, 1945, to parents, Robert Lee Blakey and Maurine C Blakey. After graduating from Hopkinsville High School in 1964, he went on to study at Murray State University where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Technology. He had a prolific career as a project manager in the construction and engineering industry. About 2016, David retired from Bechtal Corporation with his last assignment at Y12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

David was an avid car enthusiast and loved vintage racing. In retirement, he spent much of his time dedicated to racing and restoring antique cars primarily MG’s. He also loved traveling with his wife Sarah and enjoyed their time at sea on the Queen Mary II and the Queen Elizabeth.

David was predeceased by parents, Robert Lee Blakey and Maurine C Blakey.

David is survived by his loving wife, Sarah, of 33 years; his son, Matthew (wife Missy Blakey) of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his Brother Robert C. Blakey of Castalian Springs TN. Matthew’s mother, Bonnie McDade of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his two grandchildren, Davis Blakey and Parker Blakey of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and many other family members and cherished friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation/Commemoration of life to honor David Blakey. It will be at the Museum of Appalachia, 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, Tennessee 37716, Monday, July 1st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Following this service there will be a graveside service in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in September. Date and time will be confirmed at a later time.

Dewey Cornelius Hatfield (June 28, 1934- June 23, 2024)

Dewey Cornelius Hatfield passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. After a long battle with cancer, he succumbed. He was reunited with his wife Clovetta in heaven on June 23, 2024. He was born June 28, 1934, in Morgan County TN.

Dewey was preceded in death by his wife Clovetta, his sisters Georgia Bradely and Bobbie Holiway as well as a newborn infant sibling.

He is survived by his sisters Donna Bullock and Frankie Courtney. He was a loving father to Terry, Tina, Gary and Lisa. Father in law to David Caldwell. Grandfather to Justin Shuster, Erin and Andrew Hatfield and great grandfather to Clovetta Shuster.

Dewey was a long time employee of Consol Coal Company retiring in 1991. He was an avid golfer almost his whole adult life, enjoying numerous friendships made on the golf course and in life. He was an exceptional handyman, almost never failing to fix what went wrong. He was a lover of music particularly Jazz and Big Band. He enjoyed long walks with his Dogs almost up until passing. He will be missed by not only his family but many friends and past co-workers.

A memorial service for Dewey and a celebration of the lives of Dewey and Clovetta will be held on the afternoon July 29, 2024, at his home between 3 and 7 pm.

Anna Marie Winters, of Maryville, TN, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, after a long illness. She had a love for art music, family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her beloved Mother Brandy Kaye Moore; Grandmother Linda Moore; Grandfather Robert Winters; Cousin Jade Martin Tipton.

Anna is survived by her Father Marc Robert (Stephanie) Winters; Brothers Trever (Heidi) Moore, Jacob Winters and Mathew Winters; Sister Marissa Grace Winters; Step sister Alexe Cilley; Grandmother Vivian Winters; Grandfather David Moore; Aunts and Uncles Shannon Connor, Cory and Sarah Winters, Brett and Tammy Martin, Sam Nelson; Niece and Nephews Lillie, Tobias, Charlie and Conway; Cousins Fawn, Brea, Gabby, Lucas, Leela, Ben and Jerry. She had a profound love for John Tyler Andies and Tiffney Self, who will forever miss her.

We will all forever miss her goofy sense of humor and her sweet soul. Our beautiful red haired, brown eyed, baby girl Anna Marie.

Debra Jean Gage, born August 6, 1966, in Decatur, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was a cherished daughter, sister, and aunt whose life was marked by a deep love for her family and friends.

Debra graduated from Tucker High School in 1984 before continuing her education at the University of Georgia, where she earned her BBA in Risk Management. During her time at UGA, Debra was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, forging enduring friendships and fond memories. Her passion for the UGA Bulldogs was lifelong and unwavering.

For nearly two decades, Debra dedicated herself to a successful career in claims litigation management, serving with distinction at leading commercial insurance carriers across the Southeast. Her expertise and commitment were evident in handling complex cases that spanned industries and jurisdictions.

After relocating to Tennessee, Debra continued to contribute her skills to organizations in the Knoxville area.

Debra was preceded in death by her father, Ralph G Gage, and is survived by her loving mother, Ann Gage of Gainesville, GA. She leaves behind her siblings, Beth Hamil (Mike) of Knoxville, TN, Amy Weber (Brian) of Braselton, GA, Jon Gage (Rhonda) of Pass Christian, MS, and her cousin Richard Grenfell of Decatur, AL. Debra loved her role as “Aunt Debra” and will be missed by her seven nieces and nephews whose lives she enriched with her love and care.

A private family service to celebrate Debra’s life will be held at a later date near her favorite spot on Lake Lanier. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Debra’s memory with a donation to your local Humane Society, reflecting her passion for supporting animal welfare causes.

Debra’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. May she rest in peace.