Obituaries

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Karl Keesecker, age 68, of Erwin, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Johnson City Medical Center.  Karl is a son of the late P.M. and Pauline Keesecker.  In addition to his parents, is preceded in death by six brothers: Sammy, A.G., Michael, Conrad, Steven and Jerry Keesecker; sisters: Nancy Bogart and Irene Gray; nephews: Jerome M. “Bubba” Gray, Randy, Mark and Matthew Keesecker; and sister-in-law: Penny Keesecker.  He was also preceded in death by his beloved Chihuahua, Cleo, in 1999.

Karl leaves behind to cherish his memory: loving wife: Teresa and daughter, Karla Keesecker, of Erwin; one sister: Katrinka Quillen and husband, Prezzle, of Kingsport; one brother: John Keesecker and wife, Ann, of Erwin; numerous nieces and nephews; brother-in-law: Howard Bogart, of Erwin; sisters-in-law: Margaret Lee Keesecker, of Newport News, VA, Anita Keesecker, of Grove City, OH and Carol Keesecker, of Erwin.

Karl was a United States Army Veteran, having served in Germany during the early 1970’s.  He attended Mars Hill College and East Tennessee State University.

Much of his life revolved around playing tennis, which he loved.  He was a co-founder of the Mountain Empire Tennis Association (META) in the 1990’s.

Karl worked alongside family members Sam, Penny, Nancy and Steve for many years at Keesecker Appliance and Furniture Company.  He was a Rural Mail Carrier and was always committed to being a good mail carrier to his postal customers on Route 3.  One of his most prized possessions was his right hand drive Jeep Wrangler Sport.

Karl was a member of Ninth Street Baptist Church in Erwin, TN.  He valued his upbringing at Ninth Street.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Karl Keesecker in a graveside committal service to be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2019 in the mausoleum chapel at Evergreen Cemetery.  Dr. Chris Bogart will officiate.  Musical selections will be provided by Karla Keesecker.  A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will be held from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, August 23, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.  Honorary pallbearers will be Lester “Spud” Chaffin, Tom Hensley, Jr., Phillip Hensley, Bill Tom Britton, James Bowman and Rick Rogers.

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 Karl Keesecker through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

“For me to live is Christ but to die is gain.”  Philippians 1:21

Lawrence Shell, 91, of Unicoi went to be with the Lord in his heavenly home on August 10, 2019 with his devoted wife never leaving his side.  He was born on June 5, 1928 in Unicoi, Tennessee to David and Martha Miller Shell.  He proudly served his country in the US Army from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean War.  He retired from CSX Transportation and Unicoi County School system.

Lawrence will be lovingly and forever remembered by his wife of 58 years, Alma Davis Shell; Sister-in-laws Eloise Shell and Shelby Gage; Nieces, Judy Slemons, Karen Walker, Emily (Andy) Fletcher; Nephews, Randy Shell, Tony (Lisa) Slemons, Mike Buchanan, Mark (Kimberly) Gage; multiple great nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Martha Shell; sisters, Mary Slemons, Gertrude Rice, Ruth Buchanan; brothers, Harry Shell, Lester Shell, Bernie Shell and Floyd Shell.

He was an active member of Redeemed Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and song leader and attended Maranatha Tabernacle. He loved serving the Lord and his pastors were faithful in ministering to him and his family, Sylvan Mullins and E. L. Wheeler.  Through his life of service, many other pastors have been a blessing to him including Bruce Teare, Brad Davis and Jim Bishop.  He and his wife, Alma, loved others and found great joy in helping those around them.

A special thanks to the loving friends and caregivers that have supported Lawrence and Alma  – Shelley and Kourtney Bailey, Alice Miller, Bud and Mary Blankenship, David Penley, Richard Smith and especially, Debra Uncapher for her great care of Lawrence plus the entire Health and Home Care Family of Erwin for their endless support of both Lawrence and Alma.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 PM at Limestone Cove Methodist Church on Thursday, August 15, 2019 with Pastors Mullins and Wheeler officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM prior to the service at the church. Lawrence will be buried with military honors on Friday morning at 11am at the Garland Cemetery in Limestone Cove.  Everyone is asked to meet at Limestone Cove Methodist Church to travel in procession to the cemetery.

Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City is serving the Shell family. 423-928-2245.

Gary Lynn Jones, 67 of Erwin, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at his home. A native of Erwin, he is the son of the late Luther and Isabelle Jones. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Lopez-Jones; and siblings, Thelma Ann Jones, Joe Jones, William “Jr.” Watts, and Kay Silvers.

Gary loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He enjoyed fishing in his spare time, and worked many trades throughout his life including construction, farming, and truck driving.

Those left to cherish Gary’s memory include: children, Gary Lynn Jones Jr. (Tammy) and Micheal Jones (Whitney): grandchildren, Austin Jones (Jennifer), Ashlynn Jones, Kobe Walton (Amanda), Tyger Jones, Jasmyne Jones, Emma Jones, Levi Jones, Ella Jones, Adalyn Jones, Anderson Jones, L.J. Mitchell, Isaiah Jones, Karina Lopez, Juan David Lopez, Cedric Booker Jr., Jahzyah Booker, Corian Lopez-Jones, and Aries Lopez-Jones; great-grandchild, Auden Jones; siblings, Phyllis Smith, Wanda Metcalf, and Rebecca Cook; and his former spouse, long-time friend, and caretaker Coretha Lefler.

A graveside service is to be held and will be announced at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.mtnempirecbs.com. Mountain Empire Cremation & Burial Services, 125 E. Jackson Blvd., Ste. 3, Jonesborough, TN 37659, (423) 547-0379 is honored to serve the Jones family.

Gaynell Yates Foster, age 74, Erwin, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at her residence. She was a native of Haysi, VA but lived most of her life in Unicoi County. Gaynell is a daughter of the late Glenn and Maude Yates.

She was a Floor Lady at Industrial Garment before the company closed . Gaynell retired from Southeastern Apparel where she worked as a Seamstress.

She was a member of Fellowship Freewill Baptist Church. Gaynell was a very active church member and enjoyed singing in the church choir for many years. She was over the Vacation Bible School Program at Fellowship Freewill Baptist for several years.

Gaynell loved her family very much and always put everyone’s needs before her own. She enjoyed fishing with her late husband, Gene at the ponds. Gaynell always looked forward to the annual family vacation at the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

She was a talented seamstress and loved making clothes for her grandchildren. Gaynell liked to enter her sewing projects in the Appalachian Fair competitions.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of fifty-two years, Eugene “Gene” Foster on March 19, 2015; one brother, Ralph Yates; one sister, Opal Whitson.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories, two sons: Allan Foster (Nikki), Erwin and Jordan Foster, Johnson City; one daughter, Nanette Foster Hall, Erwin; one sister, Flo Hoyle, Erwin; three granddaughters: Cassie Hall, Chloe Foster and Abby Foster; several great grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arnie and Faye Foster, Erwin; sister-in-law, Jeanette Yates, Erwin; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until the hour of service on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor David Crutchfield and Pastor Roger Laws will officiate at the 7:00 PM funeral service. Music will be provided by Allan Foster. Committal will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday in the Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jordan Foster, Calvin Hoyle, Roy Lacey, Chris Gilbert, David Griffith and Kelvin Thomas. Everyone is asked to meet at the funeral home by 11:30 AM on Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Foster 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 Foster family.  (423) 743-1380.

Vergil Rennie, age 87, of Erwin, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at the Center on Aging and Health.  Vergil is a son of the late Leo William and Beatrice Kathryn (Cummings) Rennie.  He is a member of Chestoa Baptist Church, where he served as Head Deacon, Men’s Sunday School Teacher, and Choir Director.  Vergil was a Locksmith, a local business owner and a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.  He loved bowling and owned the bowling alley in downtown Erwin for many years.  In addition to his parents, Vergil is preceded in death by his loving wife, Patsy Julia (Stallard) Rennie and brothers: Verne Rennie, Kenneth Rennie and Foster Rennie.

Vergil Rennie leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Daughters: Sheryl Hall, of Mt. Juliet,

Mary Bailey and husband, Terry, of Erwin,

Brenda Newman and husband, Rick, of Erwin;

Granddaughters: Ariel Rennie and John Biggs, of Clarksville,

Julia Moore Hall, of Bellevue;

Grandson: Matthew Adam Taylor, of Erwin

Great-granddaughter: Kallie Harper Grace Taylor;

Sister: Kathryn Shampine;

Brothers: David Burton Rennie,

Leo William Rennie,

Henry Gibbons Rennie.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff at Center on Aging and Health for their loving care.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Vergil Rennie in a funeral service to be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 in the chapel at Valley Funeral Home.  Pastor Roger Hilemon will officiate.  A visitation period to share memories and offer support to the family will begin at 6:00 pm and continue until service time on Wednesday at Valley Funeral Home.  A graveside committal service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, August 8, 2019 in Evergreen Cemetery.  Reverend Sheryl Hall will officiate the graveside service.  Those attending the graveside service will meet at Valley Funeral Home by 9:30 am on Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.  Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Chestoa Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Chestoa Baptist Church’s Missionary Fund, 108 Timber Ridge Road, 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 Vergil Rennie through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Ward Gibson Parker, Jr., age 56, Unicoi, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at his residence. He lived most of his life in Unicoi County.

Ward was of the Christian Faith. He was a former employee of Volunteer Restoration in Knoxville where he worked many years.

Ward enjoyed watching movies with his children, spending time with special friends, carpentry and tinkering with things around the house.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Kincaid; paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Parker; Stepmother, Gail Parker; one brother and one sister.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, father, Ward Parker, Sr.; mother and step-father, Mary Lee Georgia (Roger); his children: Celina Parker (Chris Morgan), Natasha Parker, Gavin Parker, Mya Parker and Aidan Parker; one brother, Perry Parker; one sister, Maryann Hyde (Steve); one granddaughter, Madison Morgan; three nieces and one nephew also survive.

A memorial service was held at 7:00 PM Friday, August 2, 2019 at the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel.

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

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

Hilden Shelton, age 86, Flag Pond, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2019 at the Christian Care Center of Unicoi County. He is a son of the late Alonzo and Mettie Shelton. Hilden was a native of Madison County, NC but lived most of his life in Flag Pond.

He retired from Unicoi County Highway Department in 1996. Hilden was a member of Sweetwater Church of God. He enjoyed going to church and loved his church family.

Hilden liked to go fishing, hunting and raising a garden. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-four years, Betty Shelton on March 27, 2014; two sons: Vernon Shelton and Ray Shelton; six brothers and one sister.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, three daughters: Hilda Hayes (David), Fredia Tipton (Doug), all of Flag Pond, Eva Scott (Kim), Carolina Beach, NC; two brothers: Glen Shelton (Audrey), Flag Pond, Freeman Shelton (Frances), Erwin; one sister, Molly Hensley, Erwin; three grandchildren who helped take care of him: Angel Campbell (Adam), Amber Hayes (Zach), Megan Beloat and nine additional grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; ten great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Craig Shelton and Reverend David Brown will officiate at the 2:00 PM funeral service. Music will be provided by Hunter Pate and the Sweetwater Singers. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in the Shelton Cemetery, Devils Fork Community.    

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Shelton 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 Shelton family.  (423) 743-1380.

Alenia Thelma (Bowman) Minton, age 90, of Erwin, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2019, at the Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness. A native of Erwin, she was born to parents Ray and Prude Bowman on July 15, 1929.

Mrs. Minton was a member of Shallow Ford Baptist Church, and most recently, Ninth Street Baptist Church. She was a member of the Ruth Class at Ninth Street Baptist Church. She worked at Industrial Garment in Erwin and was later a food service worker at Unicoi County High School before her retirement. She loved to read, cook, and spend time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jerry Lynn Smith, and one brother, Hilbert Dean Bowman.

Mrs. Minton leaves behind to cherish her memory: her loving husband of 58 years, Robert Minton of Erwin; daughter Teresa Mitchell and husband Larry of Erwin; granddaughter Angie Williams of Erwin; great-grandson Tyler Williams and wife Carrie of Johnson City; great-granddaughter Makena Williams of Erwin; and great-great-granddaughter Ava Williams of Johnson City. She also leaves behind brothers J.R. Bowman (Susan) and Leonard Bowman (Jean), both of Erwin; sisters Wilburn Nave (John) of Kingsport, Freda Ledford of Erwin, and Barbara Walker of Orlando, FL; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the physicians, nurses (4300 wing), staff, and all those who assisted the family during Mrs. Minton’s illness.

The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, August 1, 2019, at Robert Ledford Funeral Home in Erwin. A service honoring Mrs. Minton’s life will follow at 7 pm, with Rev. Tim Tapp and Rev. Zach Smith officiating. Music will be provided by Todd Athon and Becky Manfull. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Erwin at 11am on Friday, August 2, 2019, with Rev. Zach Smith officiating. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:30 am.

Pallbearers will be selected among family members. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of Shallow Ford Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Mrs. Minton to Shallow Ford Baptist Church, 315 Old Highway Road, Erwin, and Ninth Street Baptist Church, 310 Ninth Street, Erwin.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Minton 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 Minton family. (423) 743-1380.

Robert Lee Smith, age 70, of Erwin, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Unicoi County Hospital.  A native of Erwin, Robert is a son of the late Robert Clinton “Goober” and Ermma Jean (Gearhart) Smith. He was employed by KennaMetal as a Machinist for 32 years. Robert is a member of Lily Dale Church of Christ, where he served as a Deacon.  He attended Fishery Community Church.  His parents owned Dairy King and he was basically raised working there.  He enjoyed camping and reading his Bible.  In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by one brother, Richard Smith.

Robert Lee Smith leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Wife: Wanda (Robinson) Smith;

Sons: Les Smith and wife, Michelle,

Derek Smith.

Brother-in-law: Myron Robinson

Per Robert’s wishes, he will be cremated.  In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can be made to Fishery Community Church, 501 Fishery Community Church Road, 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 our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ValleyFuneralHomeErwin. These arrangements are made especially for the family and friends of Robert Lee Smith through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Janie Quay Edwards Franklin, 78, of the Big Laurel Community went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 21, 2019 after an extended illness.

Janie was born September 4, 1940 in Erwin, TN. Janie lived a wonderful life serving others. She was devoted to sharing God’s love through her faith and service. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from Mars Hill College and her Master of Divinity from Gardner-Webb University. She worked as the Hospice Chaplain, grief counselor, and social worker where she touched many lives for over 30 years. She worked with Hospice of Madison and Yancey County and also volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital and Madison Manor Nursing Home.

Janie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, niece, and daughter. She loved helping others and was always thinking about how she could help anyone in need. Her faith was so amazing and she was always very humble. She believed in prayer and knew that God would always provide. She was very active in her home church, Chapel Hill Baptist, where she led the music, taught Sunday School and VBS, and was a Bible Camp counselor for many years. Janie also loved and cherished her family and friends. In addition, Janie published two books capturing her family’s history and memories of her mother.

Janie was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Bonnie Edwards; her husband of 53 years, Harvey Franklin, Sr.; brother, Reuben Edwards and his wife Annie; sisters, Atlas Hensley and husband Bill and Pearl Rice and husband Carrol; aunt, Matilda Bullman; uncle, Robert Willis and wife Betty.

Janie leaves behind to cherish her memory: three sons, Harvey Franklin, Jr. (Deborah), Brad Franklin (Carla), and Stuart Franklin (Rachel); daughter, Cindy Belcher (Scott). She also leaves nine grandchildren and their spouses: Samantha Branscum (David), Heather Poteete (Michael), Amanda Johnson (Shaun), Aaron Franklin (Christian), Nicholas Franklin (Kaylan), Allison Goley (Noah), Jenna Franklin, Bonnie and Cassidy Belcher. She also preceded ten great grandchildren: Ben, Jackson, and Gabriel Branscum, Bella Poteete, Kylie Hale, Rayleigh and Paytie Johnson, Tanner and Cooper Franklin, and Archer Franklin. She also leaves behind a brother, Dorsey Edwards (Linda); a sister, Arnetta Bennett (Hoyt); two aunts, Matilda McIntosh and Ida Edwards, sister-in-law, L.D. Franklin; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Chapel Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Matthew Roberts and Chaplain Joe Bennet officiating. The family will be at the church at 1:00 pm for anyone who wishes to join them prior to the service. Burial will follow in Greenelawn Memory Gardens, Greeneville, TN.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Madison Funeral Services.

Flowers will be accepted and appreciated or memorial contribution may be made in Janie’s name to Madison County Hospice, 590 Medical Park Drive, Marshall, NC 28753 or to Hospice of Yancey, 856 Georges Fork Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.

Condolences can be made to the family online at www.MadisonFH.com.

Nancy Creed Booth, age 79, of Erwin, TN, passed away Monday, July 15, 2019, at Johnson City Medical Center, following a battle with cancer. Born December 21, 1939, in Mount Airy, NC, she was the daughter of the late Edward H. and Kathleen H. Creed. She is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Richard L. Booth.

Nancy was a former teacher and proud graduate of E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg and of Lynchburg College. She was an avid supporter of Virginia Tech Athletics, the College of Engineering, and the Corps of Cadets. She enjoyed many fall seasons traveling to Blacksburg, VA, to cheer on the Hokies.

She called Erwin home for 45 years total on 3 different occasions. She was a long-time member of Erwin Presbyterian Church and chairwoman of the EPC Women’s Association. She was active with service to the community through her participation in the Lanier Club, as a long-standing officer in the GFWC Monday Club, and Wednesday Morning Club, in addition to serving on the CHIPS board. Nancy enjoyed many hobbies including being a decades-long member of the Parnassus Book Club and several bridge clubs.

Survivors include sons Brian D. Booth of Leander, TX, and wife Michelle; Thomas A. Booth of Christiansburg, VA, and wife Derley; siblings James E. Creed of Huntersville, NC, and Dianne C. Burnett of Danville, VA; grandsons Andrew L. Booth and Nicholas A. Booth and step-grandchildren Morgan and Bailey Wyche of Leander, TX, as well as two nephews and a niece.

Her family would like to thank the many caregivers in the community, including the staff at Christian Care Center and Home Instead, for providing comfort, companionship, and care to her during her illness.

The family will accept visitors from 7-9pm, on Friday, July 19, at Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N Main Ave, Erwin, TN. A funeral service will be at 2pm on Saturday, July 20, at Erwin Presbyterian Church, 105 N Elm Ave, Erwin, TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in memory of Nancy be made to Erwin Presbyterian Church.

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 Nancy Creed Booth through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Joann Foust Parsley Cook, aged 88, a long-time resident of Erwin, passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, in Lookout Mountain, Georgia.  She was born on May 29, 1931 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the late George Claflin Foust and Rose Moon Foust.  She attended Florida State University and moved to Erwin in 1956.

Ms. Cook was a very active member of the community and a friend to many.  In addition to helping others during her years working in the insurance business, she was generous with her time and talents in many local causes.  She was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, where she was a formerly a board member.  She served on the Erwin Chamber of Commerce for many years and was a past member of the board of the Erwin YMCA.  She was an accomplished and highly competitive bridge player and frequently hosted a lively group of friends in her home for cards and camaraderie.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Cook was preceded in death by her first husband Frank T. Parsley, Sr., second husband Allen Cook, Sr. and grandson Trey Parsley.  Ms. Cook is survived by son John S. Parsley (Nancy) of Houston, Texas, Frank T. Parsley Jr. of Erwin, Tennessee, and Robert F. Parsley (Michal), of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee and grandchildren Nolan Parsley Carleton, Meredith Parsley, Alexa Parsley, Maggie Parsley, Lawson Parsley, Charlotte Parsley and great-grandchildren Weston Carleton and Porter Carleton.

A visitation will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday July 20, 2019 followed by a memorial service at noon with Rev. Kim Isley officiating at Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Avenue in Erwin.  The family will attend a private graveside service prior to the visitation.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Unicoi County High School or to the Erwin YMCA.

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 Joann Foust Parsley Cook through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Doris Bennett, age 76, of Erwin, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2019, at the Center on Aging and Health. She enjoyed dolls and coloring.  In addition to her parents, Doris is preceded in death by her brothers: Tony, Joe, and Fred; and sisters: Bonnie, Nell, Roxy Jerry, Ethel and Tiny.

Doris Bennett leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Brother: Ted Bennett;

Sister: Minty Adkins.

The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of the Center on Aging and Health for their loving care and kindness.

Doris was laid to rest on Saturday, July 13, 2019 in Garland Cemetery.  Reverend Kevin Laws officiated the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Center on Aging and Health, 880 South Mohawk Drive, 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 Doris Bennett through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

Estellene “Peanut” Johnson, age 86, Erwin, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2019 at Governor’s Bend. She was a lifelong resident of Unicoi County and a daughter of the late Turner Elliott and Josie Riddle Elliott.

Estellene was a devoted member of Ninth Street Baptist Church for over sixty-five years and loved her Sunday School Class. She was a homemaker. Estellene was an excellent cook and enjoyed feeding everyone who came into her home.

She loved her flowers, decorating and cross-stitching. Estellene and Ed made many beautiful quilts together over the years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers: William Turner Elliott, Jr and infant brother, Herman Elliott; two sisters: Cleo Peterson and Novella Boone.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband, Charles Edgar Johnson, whom she would have been married to for seventy years on August 15, 2019; one son, Charlie Johnson (Angela); one daughter, Teresa McFadden (John), all of Unicoi; one granddaughter, Andrea McFadden and fiance, Chris Stevenson, Johnson City; one brother-in-law, Doug Johnson (Laraine); six sisters-in-law: June Elliott, June Dills, Barbara Tapp, Shirley Stevenson, Claudette Johnson and Lilly Elliott; several nieces and nephews also survive.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the loving care provided by Kiersta Copp, Teresa McNalley, Donna Miller, Governor’s Bend Staff and Caris Healthcare Staff.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, July 11, 2019 in the Unicoi Funeral Home Chapel. David W. Elliott will conduct the 7:00 PM funeral service and Teresa McFadden will share memories of her mother. Committal will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Cline, Gerald Green, Tim Harmon, Bob McFadden and Gregg Copp. Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 AM on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in memory of Estellene to: Ninth Street Baptist Church, 310 Ninth Street, Erwin, TN 37650 or their favorite charity.

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

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

Nora Olivie Galloway, 88, longtime resident of Norcross, GA, passed away on July 6th, 2019.  Daughter of the late Mary Kathleen Tucker Grumney, of Erwin, TN, and Samuel Dell Grumney, she was born in Banner Elk, N.C., November 11, 1930.  She attended high school in Erwin, TN, where she met her husband, Warren E. Galloway. They were married in 1951, moved to the Atlanta area in 1957, and were married for more than 61 years prior to his death in 2012. She retired from her position as Director of Human Resources at Murex in 1998 and spent her retirement years enjoying her family, her friends and her garden. She is survived by her daughter Teresa M. Judd and her husband Ronald, son Michael A. Galloway and his wife Donna, and two grandsons, R. Tucker Judd and Blake D. Galloway.  A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 4882 LaVista Road, Tucker, GA, on Saturday, July 27th at 11:00 A.M. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Youth Ministry Fund.

Shirley Jane King Decker, 76, of Jonesborough died July 6^th 2019 at Lakebridge Healthcare Center.  We wish to thank them for the wonderful care of her! Before Lakebridge she resided at Governors Bend in Erwin TN.  She loved it and loved the friends she made there. Our family thanks you!

She was a native of Erwin TN, daughter of the late Claude & Bonnie King.

Shirley Jane was a 1965 ETSU graduate and taught business classes starting out at Unicoi County High School, Washington College Academy, and Northeast State before settling into her clerical job (and most favorite job) at ETSU college of Medicine where she retired from. Between her earlier careers in education she was a wonderful mother to her sons Tim and David.

She was of Baptist faith and loved her last Sunday school class, the Agape class at First Baptist Jonesborough, where she was active in many committees and activities.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Claude and Bonnie King, her husband, Blaine T Decker and two brothers, Don and Bruce King.

Survivors include her two sons Timothy L. Decker and wife Crystal and David A. Decker and wife Tammy, grandson Caleb Rogers, granddaughters Kaley Decker and Ariana Decker, sister Faye Higginbotham and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mrs. Decker will be conducted 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor John Edwards officiating. Music will be provided by Julie Masters. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm Wednesday prior to the service.

Graveside service will  be conducted 11:00 am Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Seviers United Methodist Church Cemetery. If you wish to be in the funeral procession meet at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home at 10:15 am.

Condolences may be sent to the Decker family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.

Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 753-3821

Verl H. Stephenson, age 96, Erwin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at the Center on Aging and Health. She lived most of her life in Unicoi County and was a daughter of the late Spencer and Ethel Chandler Hoyle.

Verl was a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church. She retired from Morrill Electric after several years of service.

Verl was a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother and sister. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, sewing, cooking and canning. Verl always kept herself busy.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons: Mike and Bruce Stephenson; four brothers: Robert, Grady, Hual and Vanas Hoyle; four sisters: Vera Carter, Delia Hoyle, Edna Davis and Una Blankenship.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory, one son, Tony Stephenson (Pat), Unicoi; one daughter, Regina Blakely (Melvin), Winston Salem, NC; two sisters: Phyllis Hoyle and Shirley Fender, both of Erwin; ten grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the hour of service on Monday, July 8, 2019 in the Robert Ledford Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Bill Ponder will officiate at the 1:00 P.M. funeral service. Interment will follow in the Clear Branch Cemetery. Family will serve as pallbearers.   

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Stephenson 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 Stephenson family.  (423) 743-1380.

Sherry Ann Cheney Hague (Ollis), age 70, of Erwin, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at her home.  A native of Atlanta, GA, Sherry is a daughter of the late John “Guy” Cheney and the late Betty (Boone) Meers.  She is a member of Maranatha Tabernacle and retired from Property Management.  She enjoyed reading, traveling, visiting with her daughters and grandchildren, family and friends.

Sherry Ann Cheney Hague (Ollis) leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Loving companion: J R Ollis;

Daughters: Monica Jo McLaughlin Pedersen,

Meredith Ann Hague Mann,

Amanda Katherine Hague,

Allison Rachel Phillips;

7 grandsons;

1 granddaughter.

The family respectfully requests the honor of your presence as we offer tribute and remember the life of Sherry Ann Cheney Hague (Ollis), in a memorial service to be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, July 1, 2019 in the Chapel of Valley Funeral Home. Reverend E.L. Wheeler will officiate.  Musical selections will be provided by Queenie Wheeler.

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 Sherry Ann Cheney Hague (Ollis) through Valley Funeral Home, 1085 N. Main Ave., Erwin, 423-743-9187.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith 2 Timothy 4:7

James Robert Miller, Sr., 92, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, died Sunday, June 23, 2019. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL, 1494 Mathis Ferry Road at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until time of the service. Entombment with military honors will follow at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

James was born September 13, 1926 in Erwin, Tennessee. He will best be remembered as a man of integrity, a steadfast follower of Jesus Christ, a fun-loving brother, a loyal husband, adoring and supportive father. He was “Gpop” to many grandchildren and “Uncle Jimmy” to his nieces and nephews. He was an avid Clemson fan, having played for Coach Howard all the way to the 1949 Gator Bowl win. Football continued as a hobby, he officiated for the ACC, then the Ohio Valley Conference after moving back home to TN. There he taught Agriculture and became high school principal to all 5 of his children. He proudly served in the United States Army and Army Reserves for 20 years. He then retired from the TN Education Association and he and his wife relocated to the Isle of Palms. He was a volunteer at the Charleston Air Force Base Medical Clinic and an active member of First Baptist Church of Mt. Pleasant.
He is survived by his children, Donna M. Booker (Troy) of Pensacola, FL, Diana M. King (Bill) of Mt. Pleasant, Jamie M. Sweeney of Mt. Pleasant, Jim Miller of Mosheim, TN and Kim Miller (Barbara Bates) of Mt. Pleasant; grandchildren, Lane Booker, Kara Greene, Will King, LeighAnn K. Alexander, Rachel Hall, Kristopher Miller and J.P. Miller; four step-grandchildren, Jonathan Hance, Ashley Stone, Lauren Bates and Erin Price; many great grandchildren; two sisters, Mildred M. Silvers and Brenda M. Kegley, both of Erwin, TN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Stillman Miller, two grandchildren, Shayne Toney Cuzell and Nicole Miller and a son-in-law, Tom Sweeney.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Fisher House Charleston, P.O. Box 1678, Charleston, SC 29402 orwww.friendsoffisherhousecharleston.org
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com .