Phyllis Jean Hurst, age 77 of Tazewell, Tennessee, was born on January 28, 1943, and was called to her Heavenly Home on July 24, 2020, surrounded by her son, David, family and friends.
She had been in poor health for quite some time, but she always had a smile on her face and joy in her heart every Sunday, as she listened to Rev. Jerry Epperson and his family on WNTT. What a blessing she received from those services! Her faith in God started at an early age, as she continued to talk with Him, to walk with Him and to have faith in Him, always. Dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ led her to become a member of Clinch Valley American Christian Church. She was so thankful for her gift of Salvation!
At age 16, she married Kenneth Edward Hurst, and they had three beautiful children, David Edward, Gary, and Denise Jean. Her husband passed in 1986, and she poured her love, guidance and care into being a single parent. Throughout the years, she worked as a cook at the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office; as a cook/server at Skyview Restaurant; as a sleeve setter for Signal Knitting Mills; and as a trainer to set sleeves at Claiborne Textile Mill, until she retired. Her love, dedication, and care were never ending for the wellbeing of her family. She worked many tiring hours to take care of them.
Family and friends were held dear in her heart. She was very quiet spoken, but her smiles and hugs spoke volume to all who knew her. Whenever her grandson, Avery, visited with her, she could wipe away his tears with her hugs, kisses, and gentle words. These qualities not only nourished her grandson, but also nourished her children into the fine adults they grew into because of their mother’s love given to them beyond measure!
As the years went by, her heart was deeply hurt by the loss of her son, Gary, and her daughter, Denise. Throughout this difficult time, she depended on her son, David, who had tried his best to fill his father’s shoes by taking care of her, his sister, and brother. She was so proud of the man he had become and was equally proud of the achievements that all three of her children had accomplished.
When her illness got progressively worse, she was surrounded with loving support, thoughts, prayers, and caring hearts from many people who loved her. In addition to all the healing comfort provided by God, she was so blessed to have David, who cared for her every need. She was blessed with family and friends who helped so very much during her much-needed care. Among those who gave her their loving words of encouragement, many hugs, and special caregiving were Michael Swanner and Russell Gibbons who became her loving family; Smokey Mountain Home Health and Hospice, owner, Tammy Francis, and her entire loving and caring nursing staff who gave her personable, as well as professional care; Chaplain Lee who shared the Word of God with her; Anita McAnally who attended to her personal needs and gave her special attention with heartfelt love.
God has been with her during her earthly path, and He is now with her on her spiritual path. There will be a happy reunion as she enters the gates of Heaven and gives hugs to her husband, Kenneth Edward Hurst; her beautiful daughter, Denise Caudill Hurst; son, Gary Hurst; parents, Theodore and Mary Powell; sisters, Corrina Mullins, Bonnie Reece, Louise Atkins, and Helen Epperson; brothers, Edgar and Earl Powell. Her loved ones left with an abundance of love and beautiful memories include her son, David Edward Hurst; grandson, Avery Benson Caudill; son-in-law, Michael Caudill; sisters, Linda Atkins and Judy Epperson; sisters-in-law, Berneda Hipsher and Faye Powell, all of Tazewell, Tennessee. Many other family and friends will hold her dear in their hearts.
Services celebrating her life will be held on 3 P.M. Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Cooke-Campbell Mortuary Chapel, Maynardville with Rev. Jerry Epperson and Rev. Tommy Russell officiating. The Epperson Family (Jerry, Carolyn and Mark) and Karen Mutter will be the singers. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Immediately following the service, there will be a graveside service at Fairview Cemetery in Tazewell, Tennessee, where doves will be released in remembrance of her.
Pallbearers are Jimmy Atkins, Jerry Atkins, Caden Atkins, Logan Atkins, Rocky Manning, and Russell Gibbons. Special honorary pallbearer is Avery Benson Caudill.
Arrangements by Cooke-Campbell Mortuary, Maynardville.
Mr. Billy Woods-age 63 of Luttrell passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, April 24, 2024. He is preceded in death by his father, Frank Woods; mother, Frances Inklebarger. Billy was always smiling and joking. He gave everyone a nickname and loved to pester. He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
Shelby Jean (Haynes) Mitchell – age 85 of Knoxville, formerly of Liberty Hill, passed peacefully surrounded by her family at home Wednesday, April 24, 2024. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church.
Larry Wayne Frye – age 76 of Washburn, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Claiborne County Hospital. He was a member of Elm Springs Baptist Church. Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Oreide Frye; sister, Darlene Satterfield.
He is survived by his sisters, Letha Frye, Jean Nicely and husband Roger of Washburn; brother, Dewey Lynn Frye and wife Vanda of Corryton; nieces and nephews, Jerry, Austin, Brittany all of Washburn, Brad, Amanda, Zoe, Gavin, Kenzlee all of Knoxville.
Sherry Mignon Dunn – age 72 of Maynardville, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Sherry had a deep love for her family and also fishing. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lola and H.E. Hill; sister, Sandra Hill; brother, Eddie Hill.
Sherry is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Billy Dunn; daughters, Tansi Underwood, Tammy Lay and husband Rick; grandchildren, Larissa Qualls, Craig Lay and wife Brittany, Derrick Lay; great-grandchildren, Ava Lay, Haisley Lay.
Clarence E. Grubbs – age 83 of Maynardville. God has taken another amazing man to Heaven today, April 6, 2024. He fought a brave battle with Pancreatic Cancer for 9 long months. Clarence was called a Gentle Giant and was loved by many. He was a man who lived life to the fullest. Clarence was a Glazier for 40 years, an amazing carpenter, mechanic, and avid fisherman. He grew hydroponics, the best tomatoes and vegetables. Clarence was an eagle lover, a magical storyteller and awesome cook, to name just a few.
Danny Jo Sweet – age 66 of Washburn went home to be with the Lord Thursday, April 18 2024. Danny was a member of Hubbs Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He was a former employee of the Tennessee Department of Transportation. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing. Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and L.B. Sweet; nephew, Jasper Sweet; sister-in-law, Pam Sweet; brother-in-law, Boyce Brock; father-in-law, Virgil Crawford.
Allen Caine Rush - age 24 of Washburn went home to be with the Lord Sunday, April 14th, 2024. Preceded in death by his grandfather, Joseph “Joe” Rush; grandma, Shirley Arnold; great grandma, Yvonne McPhetridge.
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.