Marcus Keyes, age 84, died peacefully on November 28, 2023 with his wife, Glenda, by his side.
Marcus was born on February 25, 1939, in Bantry Bay, Ireland. He was the fourth of five children born to Raphael P. Keyes and Brigid (O’Sullivan) Keyes. Marcus is survived by his wife of 32 years, Glenda Struss-Keyes; sister-in-law Patsy Keyes; sister-in-law, Mary Ann (Struss) Toms; nephew; Ralph (Eileen) Keyes; grandniece, Rachel (Sam); grandnephew, Michael (Andrea).
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Falkna (died in infancy), Michael, Raphael, and Caít.
Marcus Keyes was ordained a priest in the Missionary Society of St. Columban in 1963. After a short period of time in England, he was missioned in the Philippines until 1989, excluding five years in which he served as a counselor in the international headquarters of the Columban Fathers. While assigned in the Philippines, Marcus met Glenda who was serving as a Columban sister. The final four years of their time in the Philippines was a period of intense militarization and suffering.
After a period of discernment Marcus and Glenda were married in 1991. During his year of discernment, Marcus was invited by Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell to serve in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville, Tennessee. Marcus established within the Diocese the Office of Justice-Peace-Integrity of Creation (JPIC). When he married Glenda, he invited her to serve as co-director of JPIC. From 2001 until 2010 Marcus headed the Glenmary Commission on Justice and Peace for the Glenmary Home Missioners.
Marcus often explained that Earth is the context of our faith and our work for peace and justice. In his dying days, he found the strength to utter as well as to write the words, “I am an internationalist.” He gestured with his arms in an all-encompassing circle to signify that his identity was attached to the totality of Life. He was loved for his genuine warmth, charm, and gift of storytelling. He was respected for his skill at using thoughtful questions to guide and assist individuals and groups facing important matters and decisions. He was a devoted family member who made it a point to keep strong connections with all his first, second, and even third cousins. He was a loyal and trusted friend to many around the world.
Marcus and Glenda have resided at Narrow Ridge for nearly twenty years. Marcus and Glenda have been members of Saint Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church since its store-front days.
A visitation with family and friends will be held on Friday, December 1st at 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Saint Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church at 3445 Maynardville Hwy, Maynardville, TN 37807. A funeral mass will be held at the same location on Saturday, December 2nd at 10:00 a.m. A burial service will be held immediately after mass at the Narrow Ridge Natural Burial Preserve, 1936 Liberty Hill Road, Washburn, TN with a gathering of friends and family immediately following at Narrow Ridge's Strawbale Lodge, 375 New Harvest Rd, Washburn, TN 37888. Carpooling to the Natural Burial Preserve and Strawbale Lodge is strongly encouraged. Friday and Saturday services at Saint Teresa of Kolkata Catholic Church will be livestreamed on the church’s facebook page: facebook.com/STKCC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Marcus’s honor to the Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center at https://narrowridge.org.
Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Charles Edward Weaver – age 75 of Luttrell TN, born May 2nd, 1949, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at his home. He was a member of New Friendship Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his ex-wife, Helen Weaver; parents, Jean and Silas Weaver; brother, Leonard Weaver.
Havily Sue Anne Hubbard – age 17 of Tazewell, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 22, 2024. She is preceded in death by her grandparents.
She is survived by her mother, Gwen Allen; father, Levon Allen; brothers and sisters, Hunter, Maverick, Harper, Matilda, Keiana.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary in Maynardville.
David McCarroll – 63 of Knoxville, went home to be with the Lord after a short battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him especially his grandbabies, whom he loved more than anything.
Cory Lee Blair-age 42 of Sharps Chapel passed away suddenly Saturday afternoon, July 20, 2024 as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was a loving father and a friend to all.
Survivors: wife, Mollie Diane Blair of New Tazewell; daughter, Jazmine Blair of Knoxville; Parents; mother, Deborah Blair; father, Jerry lee Blair, both of Sharps Chapel; sister, Jessica Capps and husband, Allen of Knoxville; brother, Garret Blair of Tampa, Florida.
Norman Edward “Eddie” Martin-age 61 of Clinton went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 11, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Margaret Martin; loving wife of 27 years, Ramona Martin; brother, Gary Martin; sister, Patricia Messer.
Eloise Bates Dyer-age 79 of Powder Springs passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at North Knoxville Medical Center. She was of the Baptist faith. Preceded in death by husband, Glen E. Dyer; granddaughter, Kelley Dyer Mink; father, Virgil (Blackie) Bates; mother, Annie Wolfenbarger Bates; brother, Billy Joe Bates; sister, Helen Atkins.
Survivors: sons and daughters-in-law, Darrell (Christie) Dyer; Dwight (Jeannie) Dyer; sister, Brenda Atkins; special friend, Blanche Thomas. Several other relatives and a host of friends.
Luna Sharp-age 78 of Maynardville, formerly of Sharps Chapel passed away Monday, July 8, 2024, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was of the Baptist faith. Preceded in death by his parents, Pascal (Big Eye) Sharp and Alma (Sowder) Sharp; brothers, Ralph Sharp, James Claudie Sharp, Monteray Sharp; sisters, Bessie Jane Johnson, Dottie Williams, Hilda Braden, Lorene Collins; nephew, Mike Sharp.
Steffanie Lynn Needham – age 57 of Washburn, passed away Saturday, July 6th, 2024 at her home. She is preceded in death by her father, Bill Turner; mother, Linda Chance; brother, David Lavley; grandson, Holden Needham.
Gary D. Chandler, 63 of Plainview, formerly of Luttrell, passed away suddenly early Friday morning. He was a member of Cedar Ford Baptist Church in Luttrell. Growing up with a single mother, him and his sister, Marsha, grew up “poor” by today’s standards. His mom and his other family members made sure he had a great childhood. Gary was proud to be from the “old” Luttrell, and often referred it being similar to Mayberry from his favorite TV show, “The Andy Griffith Show”. He was a teacher in the Union County School System for 41 years.
Wilbert Paul Finley – age 78 of Andersonville, passed away Thursday, June 27th 2024 at his home. Wilbert was a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He was of the Baptist Faith. He was born in Sevierville, Tennessee and was the son of the late Grady Willie and Josie Stella Mae (McGill) Finley. Preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Finley; sons, DeWayne Finley, Michael Finley; sisters, Mildred Finley, Shirley Finley, Oma Finley, Jean Finley; brother, J.T. Finley.
Cathy M. Williams-age 66 of Maynardville, formerly of Knoxville, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024 at Willow Ridge Center, where she had been a resident for 10 years. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harry Elmer Schuiten and Ina Ruth (Robinson) Schuiten.
She is survived by her niece, Tabitha Tapp and the many friends she made at Willow Ridge.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Ritchie M. Rose-age 68 of Corryton went to be with the Lord Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at his home. He was a member of Dutch Valley Baptist Church. He loved singing and playing music. He was a part of The Washam Family gospel music group for many years. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Rose; parents, Jack and Arlene (Washam) Rose; sister, Tesha Rose.