Obituaries

Michael A. Shelton, age 67, of Marshall, NC, passed away on Monday, June 17, 2019 at his home.  A native of Marshall, Michael was a son of the late Hobart Thelmer “Bug” and Hazel Rosy (Cutshall) Shelton. He was a mechanic and enjoyed piddling with lawnmowers and automobiles. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death one brother, Whetsel Shelton and one sister, Doris Shelton.

Michael A. Shelton leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Son: Joshua Willis;

Sisters: Edna Williams and husband, Carl,

Brenda Figgins;

Brother: Fred Shelton;

Special nephew: Alvis Shelton;

Special niece: Jody Gragg;

Nephews: Robert Figgins,

Tim Harris;

Nieces: Brandy Silvers,

Pamela Roosa.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Michael A. Shelton in a graveside committal service to be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 1:00 pm in Stockley-Cutshall Cemetery, Shelton Laurel, NC. Those attending the graveside service will meet at the cemetery by 12:50 pm on Friday. A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 6:00 pm and continue until 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 20, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at  HYPERLINK “http://www.valleyfuneralhome.net” www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Michael A. Shelton through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

John Cousins, age 92, Erwin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at the Center on Aging and Health while he was surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He is a son of the late Noah and Martha Miller Cousins. John was a native of Yancey County, North Carolina but lived most of his life in Unicoi County.

He was a Christian and attended Ernestville Freewill Baptist Church. John retired from General Shale Brickyard after thirty-two years of service.

He loved his family dearly and was a devoted family man. John enjoyed gardening and being outdoors.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers: Gus, Paul, Frank, Worley and Nelse Cousins; three sisters: Judy Vance, Marry Mitchell and Bessie Cousins.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of sixty-six years, Mamie Engle Cousins; two sons: Larry Cousins (Diana) and Johnny Cousins; two daughters: Cathy Williams (Garrison), Kim Edwards (Todd); one sister, Kathleen Whitson, all of Erwin; six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, June 21, 2019 in the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Robert Waddle will officiate at the 7:00 P.M. funeral service. Music will be provided by Reverend Aaron and Lora Waddle. Committal will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday in the Evergreen Cemetery. Everyone is asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 A.M. Saturday to go in procession to the cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Cousins family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Cousins family.  (423) 743-1380.

Fred Hartsell Cochran, age 74, was born in Erwin, TN on April 27, 1945. He went to be with his Lord on Friday, June 14, 2019 on his mountain in Limestone Cove, TN. He graduated in 1963 from Unicoi County High School and graduated from Berea College with a B.S. degree in Business Administration.

He joined the US Army in 1968 and served as a Medical Corpsman in Ft. Meade, MD during the Vietnam war with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Ranger; Special Forces, where he received The National Defense Service Medal, Parachute Badge, Sharpshooter Badge rifle M14, and Sharpshooter Badge Rifle M16, and was honorably discharged in 1971. His love for the environment guided him to careers as a Concessions Manager at Mammoth Cave, KY; Olympic National Park, WA; Big Bend National Park, TX; Everglades National Park, FL; Southwest National Park Service Regional Office, Santa Fe, NM; and Padre Island National Seashore in Corpus Christi, TX.

Fred was an avid environmentalist and loved all animals. He loved music, dancing, nature, and shared all these loves with his family.

Fred is preceded in death by his father, Frank Cochran; mother, Volena Cochran; brothers, Frank James and Gary Cochran. He is survived by his wife, Alma T. Cochran; daughter, Christina Maria Cochran Lenaghan (John); stepson, Alex Amador (William Parish); granddaughter, Emily Rose Lenaghan; sister, Sue Havola Bruns (Bob); brothers, Robert Cochran (Sharon); Rocky Cochran; Steven Cochran; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loving cat, Lincoln.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 19, 2019 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Unicoi Funeral Home. Rev. Brett Jones will officiate at the 7:00 p.m. funeral service. Interment will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with military honors at the Buchanan Cemetery. Everyone is asked to meet at the Unicoi Funeral Home by 1:30 p.m. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. Warren Davis, Glen Davis, Tim Hardin, Kim Carter, Ronnie Shelton, Nathan Cochran will serve as pallbearers. Kimmel Boyd will serve as honorary pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s name to St. Jude Hospital, Shriners, or Feeding America.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Cochran family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is privileged to serve the Cochran family.  (423) 743-1380.

Robin Street, age 55, of Erwin, passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at her home.  A native of Erwin, Robin is a daughter of Burnice (Bailey) Binkley.   She was employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant and more recently as a Pharmacy Tech at Unicoi County Hospital.  She was of the Christian faith and enjoyed the lake, painting and family events.  Robin was Pop Culture connoisseur who loved watching TV and movies and discussing the content and what was going on.  She loved her daughter and son very much. Robin is preceded in death by her grandparents: Bernie Bailey and Rachel Williams Bailey; numerous uncles and cousins; father-in-law: Bill Street; and grandmother-in-law: Pearl Strickland.

Robin Street leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Husband of 19 years: David Wayne Street;

Daughter: Sarah Elizabeth Burton and husband, Ryan;

Son: Ethan Street and Maggie Kapitan;

Sisters: Shelly Higgins and Husband, Kitt,

Leslie Henley and husband, Dwayne;

Brother: Stacy Binkley;

Sister-in-law: Brenda Oeff and husband, Kevin;

10 nieces;

Mother-in-law: Norma Street;

Aunt: Janice Ivers.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Robin Street in a Funeral service to be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, June 16, 2019 Centenary United Methodist Church.  Reverend Kim Isley will officiate.  A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 2:00 PM and continue until service time at Centenary United Methodist Church.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Robin Street through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Jesus says…Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:18

Rebecca Ann Brown McNally, age 63, of Erwin, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 and is now resting with Jesus, her personal Savior, after years of battling pain and illness.

A native of Erwin, Becky is the daughter of the late Pat E. and Ellen Moss Phetteplace Brown.  She was a member of Canah Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.  Becky was born on March 5, 1956 and graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1978.

When she was well, Becky enjoyed doing for others; she built a website for Matthew’s House, an orphanage in Romania.  She loved her animals, enjoyed baking and working in her beautiful flowers.

Most of all, Becky loved her family with her whole heart.  Her greatest joy was spending time with and talking about her fun, loving granddaughters, as well as her special nieces and nephews.  She enjoyed hearing all about their lives, hopes and dreams and in turn, liked to offer a little advice from time to time.

Rebecca Brown McNally leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Jeff McNally, her best friend and husband of 22 years, who was both selfless and unwavering as her loving caregiver;

Son:  Jason Lee McNally;

Adored granddaughters:  Ashlyn Parker McNally and Alexis Paige McNally;

Mother-in-law:  Mae McNally;

Father-in-law:  Lee McNally;

Sisters and brothers-in-laws:  Patricia and Walter Harris, Mary Lou and Pete Petterson;

Brothers-in-law:  David and wife Penny McNally, Darrel and wife Sina McNally;

Several nieces and nephews;

Special friends:  Lisa Hughes and Sheila Thomas.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Becky’s name to the Unicoi County Animal Shelter, 185 N Industrial Drive, Erwin, TN 37650 or to Matthew’s House, c/o Nathan and Kathy Coggins, 255 Taylor Bridge Road, Jonesborough, Tennessee 37659.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at  HYPERLINK “http://www.valleyfuneralhome.net” www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Rebecca Ann Brown McNally through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Jack Henry Lane, age 86, of Erwin, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at his home.  A native of Gate City, VA, Jack is a son of the late Louary Henry and Hobert Levi Lane, Sr.  He loved animals, people drag racing, NASCAR and University of Tennessee football.  In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by brothers: Harold, Clyde, Guy, Ed, Flem, H.L., Jr., Ralph, Jimmy, Richard, Jerry and Mack, who just passed away on May 16, 2019; sister: Mary Louise Gillenwater.

Jack Henry Lane has left behind to cherish his memory:

Wife of 66 years: Mary Ella (Bennett) Lane;

Daughters: Judy Crouch and husband, Daniel,

Kathy Beard,

Brenda Rice and husband, Harold;

Grandchildren: Kevin and Shaun Mitchell,

John Loyd,

Rachael Loyd and fiancé, Max;

Great-grandchild: Presleigh Mitchell;

Sisters-in-law: Mildred Lane,

Louise Gardner;

Beloved niece and nephew: Patty and Larry Gortney;

Several other nieces and nephews and lots of friends.

The family would like to offer very special thanks to Jack’s niece Linda Aiton and her husband, Gordon, and to Billy Gillenwater and his wife, Robyn, for all the love, support and help you have shown this family.  Special thanks are also offered to the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Department for their help and to all of Jacks friends who looked after him.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Unicoi County Animal Shelter, 185 N Industrial Drive, Erwin, TN 37650.

Condolences and memories may also be shared with the family and viewed at  HYPERLINK “http://www.valleyfuneralhome.net” www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Jack Henry Lane through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Opal Minnie Hood Leedy, age 109, Johnson City, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2019 in The Waters of Johnson City. She was one of ten children born on December 27, 1909 to Thomas Dutton Hood and Mary Alice Fink Hood. Opal was a native of Sullivan County before moving to Unicoi County in 1928. She had been living in Johnson City since 2004.

Opal married her late husband, David on December 20, 1925. She was a homemaker, seamstress for her family and was a great cook. Opal was very creative and thrifty, having survived The Great Depression without her family ever going hungry. She took excellent care of her husband, three children and their home.

Some of her cherished memories were remembering her father read the newspaper during WWI and cry. Opal remembered when women were allowed to vote. Her mother dressed up in her Sunday Bonnet and went with her father to vote for the very first time.

Opal became a member of Unicoi Freewill Baptist Church on January 31, 1937. She was very active in the church, serving in many different ways. Opal was an active member of the local and district Women’s Auxiliary. She graciously served her community and neighbors in many ways.

In addition to her parents, Opal was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-three years, David B. Leedy on January 3, 1989; one son, John R. Leedy; one daughter, Helen L. Linville; five brothers: Herbert, Elmer, Clyde, Beryl and Claude Hood; three sisters: Hazel Dillow, Nellie Hood and Myrtle McCrary.

She leaves behind to cherish many wonderful memories, one daughter, Robbie L. Higgins; five grandchildren: Patricia L. Holbert, Gordon D. Linville, J. Craig Higgins, Scott B. Higgins and Johnny Glen Leedy; five great grandchildren: Hunter Higgins, Alexandra Higgins, Tyler Higgins, Casey Rupp and David Linville; three great-great grandchildren; one brother, Glay Hood; sister-in-law, Reba Leedy; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 P.M. Friday, May 31, 2019 in the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Thurman Sullivan and Chaplain Richard Long will officiate at the 2:00 P.M. funeral service. Music will be provided by Inez Chandler. Interment will follow in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations in memory of Opal to:  Free Will Family Ministries, 90 Stanley Lane, Greeneville, TN 37743 or online www.fwbfm.com    

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Leedy family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is privileged to serve the Leedy family.  (423) 743-1380.

Roger Lee Foster, age 70 of Kodak, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2019.  Roger was a native of Erwin, Tennessee and the son of Orville and Stella Foster.  In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his brothers:  Johnny Foster and Teddy J. Foster.

Roger has left behind to cherish his memories his Loving Wife: Joyce Foster; Daughter: Misty Stewart; Granddaughter: Shelley Ward and husband Terry; Great Grandchildren:  Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Noah Ward; Sisters: Lois Ann Edwards of Swartz Creek, Michigan and Barbara Sue Moore of Erwin, Tennessee; Brothers:Wayne Foster of Erwin, Tennessee and Tony foster of Johnson City, Tennessee; Several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends 5-6 PM Monday, June 3, 2019 with funeral service following at 6 PM in the Chapel of Atchley Funeral Home with Minister Katherine Harrison officiating.  Interment 2 PM Tuesday in East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway with Military Honors provided by American Legion Post # 104.  Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, Tennessee.  Online condolences may be made atwww.atchleyfuneralhome.com.

Audrey Keever Bowman, age 88, Johnson City, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2019 at The Waters of Johnson City.  She is a daughter of the late Claude and Myrtle Bennett Keever. Audrey lived in Erwin and Johnson City all her life.

She was of the Baptist Faith. Audrey worked in retail sales at Savings Center, Shoe Parlor, Nettie Lee Shop and JCPenney.

Audrey was an avid sports fan. She loved all University of Tennessee sports and the Atlanta Braves. She enjoyed watching golf and played on a women’s softball team. Before her husband, Dana passed away, they loved going to flea markets and garage sales.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dana Bowman on May 26, 2010; two brothers: Joe Keever and Claude Keever, Jr.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, one son, Roger Bowman (Cherie) and one brother, Glen Keever (Betty), all of Johnson City; two nieces: Pam and Latina; four nephews: Ricky, Steve, Sam and Larry Joe; several great nieces and nephews also survive.

The family would like to thank all Audrey’s caregivers and staff at The Waters of Johnson City and the nurses with Amedisys Hospice for taking such wonderful care of her.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. John Bannister will be sharing remarks and stories at the 7:00 P.M. service. Committal will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. Ricky Keever, Sam Keever, Calvin Renfro, Brian Renfro, Jim Randolph and Junior Wright will serve as pallbearers. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 A.M. on Thursday.

Flowers will be accepted and those wishing may make donations in memory of Audrey to: Washing County Animal Shelter, 3411 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN 37601, www.wcjcanimalshelter.org or to: Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1^st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 or https://parkinson.org      

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Bowman family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Bowman family.  (423) 743-1380.

James G. Brummett, 91, Gray, died unexpectedly Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Franklin Woods Community Hospital, following a brief illness.

James was a native of Unicoi County, former resident of Erwin, and lived in Flat Rock, Michigan most of his life before moving to Gray in 1992.

He was a son of Henry Austin and Martha Phillips Brummett.

James was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran.

He retired in 1986 from the Chrysler Corporation where he worked as a machine operator for thirty-five and a half years. James was a longtime member of the United Auto Workers Local #372, Trenton, MI.

He was a member of Boones Creek Baptist Church and the Adult Men’s Sunday School Class.

In Addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred “Millie” Gortney Brummett, in 2016, an infant daughter, Karen Brummett, three brothers, infant Lindy Brummett, Joseph Galbraith and Robert Austin Brummett, two sisters, Vearl Helton and Uteta Harris.

He is survived by his son, John W. Brummett and wife Cheryl, Brownsville, TX; his daughter, Billie Jo Shutters, El Cajon, CA; six grandchildren, Rebekah Brummett Hawk, Flat Rock, MI, Lisah Brummett DeSenglau, Chesterfield, MI, Janel Brummett Takacs, Southgate, MI, Beth Coon Long, El Cajon, CA, Jimmy Brummett, Portland, OR, and Jackie Bolam Walker, Lincoln, MI; thirteen great-grandchildren, Hayden, Trinity, Gavin, Kai, Collin, Avery, River, Jasmine, Riker, Lily, Connor, Nora and Hunter; several nieces and nephews; close family friend, Cora Beaumont.

The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, May 25, 2019, at 1:30 P.M., from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth Kyker, officiating.

The graveside committal service will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Erwin, with Rev. Jason Royston officiating. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Brummett, Jim Takacs, Ron Bray, Fred Malone, Bill Riddle, Mike Chapman and Johnny Fields.

The family will receive friends prior to the service Saturday from 12:00-1:30 P.M. in the East Parlor of the funeral home.

Those who prefer to make donations in-lieu-of flowers, please do so to Boones Creek Baptist Church, 304 Pickens Bridge Rd., Johnson City, TN 37615.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN, is serving the Brummett family. (423)928-6111

Pansy Miller Bennett, age 99, Erwin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at the Center on Aging and Health. She is a daughter of the late Joe and Bessie Higgins Miller.

Pansy was an active member of Southside Freewill Baptist Church. She was a Seamstress at Industrial Garment for twenty-five years. Also, Pansy was a homemaker.

She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Pansy loved her church family, singing in the choir and participating in church activities. She loved flowers and enjoyed working in her flower beds.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, I.M. Bennett on June 27, 1985; one son, Gerald Bennett, Sr.; two grandchildren: Gerald Bennett, Jr. and Cynthia Hensley Birchfield; four brothers: Hobert, Lester, Bernie and Gentry Miller; one sister, Bertie Miller Simmons.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, one daughter, Doris Hensley (Bill), Erwin; one sister, Julie Miller Garland, Buladean; one grandson, Billy Hensley, Jr. (Brandy), Johnson City; two granddaughters: Marsha Bennett Sparks (Kevin), Knoxville, April Snellings (Larry), Kansas City, MO; eight great grandsons; one great granddaughter; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at Southside Freewill Baptist Church. Reverend Kevin Laws and Reverend Charlie Trivette will officiate. Music will be provided by Bobby Ramsey and the church choir. Pallbearers will be Billy Hensley, Jr., Kade Hensley, Kellen Hensley, Randy Birchfield, Colby Birchfield, Conner Birchfield, Larry Miller and James Miller. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memory Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted and those wishing may make memorial donations in memory of Pansy to: Southside Freewill Baptist Church, 1313 Chestoa Pike, Erwin, TN 37650.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Bennett family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Bennett family.  (423) 743-1380.

David Washburn, age 77, of Erwin, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Johnson City Medical Center.  A native of Erwin, David is a son of the late Charles J. and Chloe Anna (Bailey) Washburn.  He was a member of Canah Chapel Free Will Baptist Church where he played piano and served as Trustee.  He was an employee of TN Wildlife Resource Agency and formerly a Chief at Southside Volunteer Fire Department.  He loved show cars.

David Washburn has left behind to cherish his memory:

Wife of 58 years: Jeanette (Anders) Washburn, of Erwin;

Son Ivan Washburn and wife, Shannon, of Erwin;

Granddaughters: Leah Washburn,

Tiffany Washburn.

He was a chosen “Papaw” to Brook Simmons and Karen Cutler.

Several cousins and beloved friends also remain.

The family respectfully requests the honor of you presences as we off tribute and remember the life of David Washburn in a funeral service to be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, May 20, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.  Reverend Mark Simmons will officiate.  Musical selections will be provided by Karen Cutler and Greater Heights Ministries.  A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 5:00 pm on Monday, May 20, 2019 and will continue until service time in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.  A private interment will be held in Evergreen Cemetery.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Toby Bennett, Ed Phillips, Charlie Ervin, Mike McIntosh, Phil Harris, Paul Griffith, Norman Hardin Bobby Heaton, Loren Harris, Larry Adams, Jimmy Dunn, Ron Fender, Danny Jones, Bob Moore and Billy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Canah Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Music Program, 704 Jonesborough Road, Erwin, TN 37650.

Condolences and memories may also be shared with the family and viewed at www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of David Washburn through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Verna B. Foster, age 72, Unicoi, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at the Christian Care Center of Unicoi County. She is a daughter of the late Taylor and Lassie Miller Buchanan.

Verna was a native of Burnsville before moving to Erwin in 1968. She was a member of South Side Free Will Baptist Church.

Verna retired from the United States Forestry Service in 2008 after thirty years of service. The family would like to thank the retired men of the  United States Forestry Service, Engineering Department for all they did for Verna and her family over the years.

Verna loved to shop! She enjoyed getting on Face Book and calling her family and friends daily on the phone to talk. She loved going camping with her late husband.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of forty-eight years, Melvin Dean Foster on April 22, 2017; father-in-law, Reverend Vanas Foster and sister-in-law, Madalyn Foster.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, one daughter, Diana Willis (Steve); one granddaughter, Madison Mikala Willis, all of Unicoi; one brother, Howard Buchanan (Louise), Unicoi; three sisters: Vadith Blankenship (Phil), Burnsville, Jean May (Dennis), Unicoi, Betty Anglin (Martin), Jonesborough; mother-in-law, Nan Foster; two brothers-in-law: Pierson Foster, and Dale Foster (Kathy), all of Erwin; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Sunday, May 19, 2019 in the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Kevin Laws will officiate at the 3:00 P.M. funeral service. Private burial will be held in the Mountain Home National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in memory of Verna to: South Side Free Will Baptist Church, Building Fund, 1313 Chestoa Pike, Erwin, TN 37650

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Foster family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is privileged to serve the Foster family.  (423) 743-1380.

Mamie G. Boone, age 90, of Erwin, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at the Center on Aging and Health. A native of Bakersville, NC, Mamie is a daughter of the late William R. and Sarah (Street) Garland.  She and her husband, Jimmie F. Boone, owned and operated Boone Cleaners for 30 years and had Boone’s Farm in Limestone Cove for 25 years.  She was a member of Ninth Street Baptist Church.  In addition to her parents and spouse, Mamie is preceded in death by five brothers: Nathan, Zebbeddee, Fred, Floyd and Joe Garland; three sisters: Ethel Edwards, Blanche Cline and Pansy Garland.

Mamie G. Boone leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Daughter: Brenda Helton and husband, Michael;

Grandson: Gregory Helton and wife, Charity;

Great-granddaughter: Ashleigh Helton;

Several nieces and nephews.

Per Mamie’s wishes, a private ceremony will be held for the family at a later date.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at  HYPERLINK “http://www.valleyfuneralhome.net” www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Mamie G. Boone through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Sara Jean Byrd, age 71, of Erwin, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Christian Care Center of Unicoi County.  A native of Jonesborough, Sara is a daughter of the late Woodard “W.W.” and Eva (Searcey) Byrd. She was a member of Trinity Free Will Baptist Church for more than 40 years.  She enjoyed word search books, working puzzles and spending time with her family.  In addition to her parents, Sara is preceded in death by her sister, Louise Ferguson and her brother Kenneth Byrd.

Sara Jean Byrd leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Sister: Anna Pate, of Erwin;

Several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of Caris Healthcare and Keith Whitson, CNA at Unicoi County Hospital.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Sara Jean Byrd in a graveside committal service to be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, May 16, 2019 in Roselawn Memory Gardens.  Reverend Charlie Foster will officiate.  Those who wish to attend will meet at Roselawn Memory Gardens by 2:50 pm for the service. Pallbearers will be notified.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at  HYPERLINK “http://www.valleyfuneralhome.net” www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends Sara Jean Byrd through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Bertha J. Padgett, age 85, of Erwin, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Unicoi County Hospital. A native of Erwin, Bertha is a daughter of the late Mack and Lola Ayers.  She was a member of Ninth Street Baptist Church and enjoyed gardening and cooking.  Bertha loved her grandchildren.  In addition to her parents, Bertha is preceded in death by two daughters: Robin Padgett Smith and Lisa Padgett McInturff.

Bertha J. Padgett leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Sons: Alan Padgett, of Knoxville,

Steven Padgett of, Erwin;

Six grandchildren;

Three great-grandchildren.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Bertha J. Padgett in a funeral service to be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.  Dr. Fred Miller will officiate.  A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 12:00 PM and will continue until service time on Thursday, May 9, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.  A graveside committal service will follow the funeral in Roselawn Memory Gardens.  Those attending the committal service will meet at Valley Funeral Home by 2:00 PM to go in procession.  Serving as active pallbearers will be Alan McInturff, Aaron McInturff, Landon Smith, Logan Smith, Tyler Padgett and John Padgett.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at  HYPERLINK “http://www.valleyfuneralhome.net” www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Bertha J. Padgett through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Jean Duncan Bailey, age 79, of Erwin, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2019 at Christian Care Center of Unicoi County.  A native of Erwin, Jean is a daughter of the late James A. and Jewel (Thomas) Duncan. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she was a former nursery teacher and co-founder of the Parent’s Day Out program where she kept children two days a week. She enjoyed decorating for the holidays, with Easter, Halloween, and Christmas being her favorite. She also enjoyed collecting bears and angels, as well as spending time with her grandchildren. She made several trips with her husband to South Carolina to pick and deliver peaches. She uplifted those around her by sending cards and handkerchiefs on various special occasions. She averaged 400 cards per year.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bailey is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Bailey, Jr.

Jean Duncan Bailey leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Sons: James Lester Bailey of Erwin,

Charles “Chip” Bailey and wife Lori of Erwin,

Keith Bailey and wife Kim of Jonesborough;

Grandchildren: Ashley Lyons and husband Wayne,

Brandon Bailey,

Bradley Bailey,

Connor Bailey,

Step-grandson: Bryan Ledford and wife Britney:

Sister-in-law: Beverly Bailey Britt.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Jean Duncan Bailey in a funeral service to be held at Valley Funeral Home on Monday, April 29, 2019 at 8:00pm, with Pastor Doug Hinshaw officiating. A visitation period will be held from 6:00pm and will continue until service time on Monday. Vocal selections will be provided by Wayne Lyons. A committal service will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 2:00pm in the Mausoleum Chapel of Evergreen Cemetery. Those who wish to attend will meet by 1:50pm on Tuesday at Evergreen Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Bailey, Bradley Bailey, Connor Bailey, and Wayne Lyons

The family request memorial donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the First Baptist Church of Erwin Building Fund, 200 Love Street, Erwin, TN 37650.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at  HYPERLINK “http://www.valleyfuneralhome.net” www.valleyfuneralhome.net or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Jean Duncan Bailey through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Nicholas Myron Tenney, age 57, Unicoi, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at the Cleveland Clinic after a courageous battle with cancer. He lived most of his life in Unicoi County.

Nicholas was of the Protestant Faith. He was Valedictorian of his eighth grade class at Hudson Elementary. During this time, he was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for Hodgkin Lymphoma. Nicholas continued all his studies and schooling courageously during this time.

He graduated from East Tennessee State University with a BS degree in Education with a minor in Music. Nicholas was an accomplished pianist in classical music. He taught Elementary School in Jacksonville, FL. Nicholas was most recently publishing books. He was a book author and the name of his book was entitled “Epistle to Mankind”.

Nicholas was a very talented Chess player and enjoyed playing Chess on the internet with people all over the world. His memory and spelling skills were impeccable.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his parents, Mahlon and Joan Beryl Charman Tenney; two brothers: Mahlon Tenney, Jr., Johnson City and Romaine Tenney, Knoxville; one sister, Coralee Tenney, Unicoi; two nephews: Charles Gilbert, II and Shaun Tenney; one niece, Vanessa Webster.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until the hour of service on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Dallas Gregg will officiate at the 2:00 P.M. funeral service. Committal service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations be made in  memory of Nicholas to help defer funeral expenses to: Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, TN 37650.     

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Tenney family through our complimentary, interactive Book of Memories at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is privileged to serve the Tenney family.  (423) 743-1380.