Some people only walk this earth for a short time. Their departure reminds us that God knows when he is ready to take his children and turn their trials and tribulations in for Angel wings. Our loved ones are now our protectors, watching over us from above.
Jennifer Rena (Hickman) Shepherd, age 45, of Luttrell, went home to Jesus to gain her angel wings on December 18th, 2021 at North Knoxville Medical Center.
Jennifer was born to Martha Fay Graham and Raymond Eugene Hickman on November 6th, 1976 in Jefferson City, Tennessee. As a child she loved her family, dressing up, and going to Bible school. As a teenager she loved AquaNet, big hair, hair metal, and WWE. As an adult she was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to many. She had a heart of gold and was truly a beautiful person inside and out; Everyone that knew her would tell you she was one of a kind. She was a devout Christian and a member of Open Doors Outreach Ministry. She loved spreading the word of Jesus to anyone with an open mind and heart. She adored her dog, Ren Ren, who helped get her through the passing of her father in 2015.
Preceded in death by: father Raymond Eugene Hickman, uncles Marvin and David Graham, father and mother-in-law Robert and Mary Ruth Shepherd, as well as many other special loved ones.
Survived by: Husband of 26 years John Shepherd, two children: Allison Fayth Shepherd and fiancée Nathan Bradley Parrott and Tyler Eugene Shepherd and girlfriend Kyra Devy Franklin, mother Martha Fay Graham, Brothers: Chris Graham and wife Judy, Jason Andrew Wynn and wife Sara, and Raymond Paul Wynn, as well as many other family members that she adored and a host of friends.
The family will receive friends 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, December 28th, 2021 with the funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. Cooke-Campbell Mortuary Chapel in Maynardville, Pastor Joe Dancing Bear, Rev. Archie Dukes officiating.
Interment 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 at Vineyard Cemetery in Blaine. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery at 12:45 p.m. Wednesday. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Artie Belle Beason-age 79 of Maynardville went to be with the Lord, Monday, April 15, 2024. Artie enjoyed writing poems.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Lee Beason; son, Danny Lee Beason; parents, Lettie Beeler and Laughton Beeler; brother, Gary Beeler; sister, Ruby Shope; son-in-law, Mark Langley.
She is survived by her daughters, Carol Ledford and Karen Munsey; son Jeff Beason and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Diana “Dee” Lynn Harvey – age 74 of Rockford, TN, passed away April 11, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Her lifelong passion was to care for others. She was a retired LPN/Home Health Care Nurse with a career spanning more than 30 years. She continued this passion in retirement as a Private Care Nurse until her passing. Diane was an avid UT Vols fan and enjoyed many years of attending UT Football and Lady Vols Basketball games. She also enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in sports over the years.
Charlie Lloyd Railey, 76, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 13th, 2024. Preceded in death by his parents, Alphonzo and Mary Lou Railey, sister and brother-in-law Melba and Henry Kidwell and brother Lee Edward Railey (who died shortly after birth).
Joseph Finley -- age 45, passed away unexpectedly at home on April 13,2024 with his wife by his side. Joe is proceeded in death by his mom Zollie Beeler and father Ronnie Beeler.
Joe is survived by his wife Amanda Finley and his six children Tierra Constable(EricHaun), Jeffery Lambdin, Macy Lambdin, Jo’Siah Simpson, Zi’Moni Simpson and Zy’Lynn Simpson. Joe has two sisters Penny Suttles and Elizabeth Ryan. Joe was very proud to welcome his new granddaughter in his life Lily Constable. Joe is retired from The University of TN Police Department.
James Eugene “Jimmy” Thomas – age 60 of Mascot, went to be with the Lord Thursday, April 11, 2024. Jimmy loved to fish and work on anything mechanical. Preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Lowell Thomas Sr. and Carrie Caldwell Thomas; son, Andy Thomas; brothers, Lowell Thomas Jr., Ronnie Thomas; sister, Sherry Goins; first wife, Rhonda Thomas
Ronnie Kiser-age 69 of Sharps Chapel, hometown of Millstone, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Ronnie’s trade was in the coal mines of Kentucky where he spent many long hours and extra days providing for his family. He worked in the mines for nearly 40 years before retiring to his Norris Lake home. He wore many hats throughout these years, some of which exposed his talent for engineering, creativity and intelligence. Ronnie was an electrician and repairman for the mine where he worked underground and or above ground outside in the shop.
Robert Carl Vineyard-age 87 of Knoxville went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Robert enjoyed fishing and boating. He enjoyed being a truck driver and worked for Highway Transportation in Knoxville for 25 years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margie Vineyard; mother, Helen Speas; father, Carl Vineyard; stepdaughter, Debbie Jones.
Phyllis Ailor George – age 90 of Knoxville, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Morning Pointe Assisted Living with her daughter by her side. She was a born again Christian and longtime member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church, where she participated in many ministries throughout the years. Phyllis enjoyed hosting family and friends in her home and was a wonderful cook - especially chicken and dumplings. She worked hard alongside her husband, Bill George, in his construction business and farming.
Thomas H. Ford, Jr., 81, of Irene Lane, New Tazewell, TN (formally of Kersey, PA), died peacefully at his daughter’s residence in Tennessee on April 1, 2024, after a brief illness.
Jessie Faye Hensley (Wyrick), age 77 of Luttrell, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday April 7, 2024 at UT Medical Center. She is now free of all pain and is singing in that Heavenly choir. She was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church where she was the song leader and played the guitar. She had the biggest heart and loved everyone, especially her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As of May 3rd, she would have been at DeRoyal, the job she loved, for 37 years.
David Randall Hicks, Jr.-age 48 of Maynardville born December 2, 1975, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 3, 2024, after a short battle with cancer, at North Knoxville Medical Center. He was a very loving and caring man that loved his family very much and will be missed by many. Preceded in death by his father, David Hicks, Sr.; grandparents who raised him, Edna and James Herrell; mother of his girls, Katie Rudd.
Rhonda Lynn Cox-age 63 of Sharps Chapel entered her heavenly home peacefully 12:05 a.m. Monday, April 2, 2024 with her family by her side. Rhonda accepted Jesus as a young girl at Blue Springs Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed being an active member of Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church for more than 15 years. She loved her church family and Rhonda’s greatest joy was her family. She also loved farming and the outdoors.
Louise Rochat Lynch – age 98 of Maynardville, passed away March 20, 2024 at Willow Ridge Center. She was a member of Miller’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
Gregory Keith Needham – age 60 of Maynardville, went to be with the Lord at his home on Saturday, March 30, 2024. He was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Knoxville where he sang in the choir for many years. Gregory was a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University and a former employee with Commercial Bank for 33 years. He was a lifelong resident of Union County. Gregory will be missed by several friends and family.
Reba Evelyn Ridenour-age 77 of Luttrell went to be with the Lord Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Willow Springs Baptist Church and was a loving mother and grandmother. Heaven has gained another angel. Preceded in death by husband, Leonard Ridenour; daughters, Tammy Darlene Ridenour and Sonja Denise Brown; son-in-law, David Lee Brown. Parents, George W. and Flora Lillian (Patty) Ogle.
Illah June (Smith) Hill-age 93 of Luttrell, born April 20, 1930, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Beverly Park Place. She was a member of Union Missionary Baptist Church and attended Fellowship Christian Church. Preceded in death by husband, Willis Hill; daughter, Gloria Hill.
Survivors: son, Scott (Anita) Hill; daughter, Rhonda Canada; Sister, Glenda Kirshner. Grandchildren, Justin (Carol) Hill, Tiffany (Kevin) Rustad, Jordan Hill, James Wolski; Nine great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews along with a host of friends.
Johnathan DeWayne Donahue – born June 29, 1998, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Luttrell. Preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Tracy Donahue; grandmothers, Janice Donahue, Pamela Riffey; grandfathers, Wayne Donahue, Rick Hankins.
Ronald “Ronnie” S. Beeler-age 64 of Washburn, born March 6, 1960 went to be with the Lord Friday, March 22, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family and friends. He was a member of Central View American Christian Church and was a retired heavy-equipment mechanic. Preceded in death by his parents, Lon and Polly (Bailey) Beeler; brother, Gary Beeler.
Marilyn Sue Harrison Baker-age 64 of Knoxville, born July 24, 1959, went to be with the Lord, January 12, 2024, of natural causes. Preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Beulah Harrison.
She is survived by her sisters, Glenda (Gary) Cooke, Connie (Jack) Ridenour along with nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
James “Jim” David Mills-age 46 of Luttrell went home to be with the Lord, Monday, March 18, 2024, at his home. Preceded in death by his mother, Mary Thomas Mills; paternal and maternal grandparents; an uncle and several aunts.
Jeffery Claude Kitts-age 60 of Maynardville, born August 14, 1963, went home to be with his Lord, Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at home. He was a member of Beneath the Cross Church, Luttrell. He was a loving father, grandfather and brother who enjoyed spending time with his family and loved the great outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was loved by all and will be missed by all. He is at peace. Preceded in death by his parents, father, Claude Kitts, mother, Edna Sands Kitts.
Betty Jane Deck – age 75 of Luttrell, passed away March 19, 2024 at Tennova North Medical Center. She lived in Kokomo, Indiana till her retirement from G. M. after 30 ½ years and then moved to Luttrell. Betty was of the Baptist faith.