Herman Lamar Long
September 17, 2025
Herman Lamar Long, 82, passed on to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born May 11, 1943, in Clinton to Dorsey and Flonnie Long.
Herman was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of 40 years, Frances Long; his son, Charles Long; his daughter-in-law, Lisa Long; and seven brothers and sisters.
For Herman, family was his life, and he cherished his role as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son Roger Long; daughter Sherri Fowler and husband, Jeff Fowler; and son Mark Long and fiancée, Shauna Stevenson. He is also survived by grandchildren Amanda Fox and husband, Shawn Fox; Cameron Moore; and Brendan Fowler; great-grandchildren Eleanor Fox and Ranger Fox; many nieces and nephews; and his special friend Alvin Jones.
A faithful servant of the Lord, Herman was a longtime member and former deacon at Poplar Creek Baptist Church in Clinton. He worked as a respected insurance agent for American General Life Insurance Co. for 25 years, where he built a loyal client base and earned recognition from the Million Dollar Roundtable, one of the highest honors in the life insurance industry. Even after retirement, he continued to represent clients, many of whom he considered friends.
Outside of work, Herman cherished time with family and friends. He was an avid University of Tennessee athletics fan, enjoyed stock car racing, and loved country and gospel music. He had a lifelong passion for cooking for those he loved and was known for his generous heart and open table. Herman was loved and very respected by all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
Services were held Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Poplar Creek Baptist Church in Clinton. The receiving of friends began at noon and the funeral followed. A graveside service was held afterward at Grandview Memorial Garden in Clinton.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home of Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
Shirley Adeline Colwell
September 17, 2025
Shirley Adeline Colwell, 86, of Rocky Top went to be with the Lord on Sept. 17, 2025, in Powell. She was born April 25, 1939, in Xenia, Ohio, to Robert and Lucille Shaw.
Shirley was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed butterflies, flowers and crocheting.
A hard worker throughout her life, she was known for the neatness of her home, a trait passed down from her mother. She loved gardening and tending her yard and always gave thanks to God for each day.
Shirley will rejoice at Heaven’s Gate with her late husband Russell Colwell; son Tim Bryant; her parents Robert and Lucille Shaw; brothers Robert and Michael Shaw; sister Barbara Elswick.
While Shirley celebrates with the Lord, her memory will be carried on by her children, William Miller and wife Linda, Mark Bryant and wife Machelle, Felix Colwell, Sondra Ray and husband Rick, and Karen Bullock and husband Mike; brother, Gary Shaw and wife Beverly; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
To honor Shirley’s life a visitation was held Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, from 11 a.m. to noon at Jones Mortuary in Clinton, followed by a graveside service at 12:30 p.m. at Glen Foust Cemetery in Rocky Top, with Jimmy Ault officiating.
Brenda Kay Cunningham
September 9, 2025
Mrs. Brenda Kay Cunningham, 75, passed away Sept. 9, 2025, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge after a prolonged illness.
Brenda leaves a legacy of love, humility, selflessness, compassion and servanthood. She demonstrated her faith through service to her family, friends, church, work and community, and was rewarded with lasting relationships and friendships that remained until her final days.
She was born Nov. 26, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Henry and Betty Purcell. She was raised there with her family. She was active in her church youth group, where she met David Cunningham. They married in 1967 following her graduation from Cleveland High School in St. Louis, and they moved to Oak Ridge in 1968.
Brenda was active with Highland View Church of Christ in Oak Ridge, where she volunteered in the Benevolent Room, taught classes, worked in the nursery, and planned church events.
In 1974, Brenda and David welcomed their only child, Bridget, and raised her in Clinton. Brenda was heavily involved in Bridget’s schools and activities, serving on PTA/PTO boards, supporting dance, swim team and church youth group programs.
She began serving at Teenage Christian Camp at Hillbrook in Karns in 1978, continuing as a counselor, dean of women and sometimes nurse. Beginning in 2000, she also volunteered at Palmetto Bible Camp in Marietta, South Carolina. She had a lifelong passion for working with children, teenagers and adults, teaching and demonstrating the love of Christ.
In 1990, Brenda began working as a teaching assistant with students with special needs for Clinton City Schools, where she served until 2014. She embraced each student as her own, investing love and time to help them learn and grow. She was also a caregiver for her family, tending to her grandmother and parents in addition to her husband and daughter. She joyfully welcomed her four grandchildren, who treasured singing, dancing and shopping with “GooGoo” during visits.
She is survived by her husband, David Cunningham of Oak Ridge; daughter, Bridget (Darren) Fulco; and grandchildren, Beatrice, Adelaide, Clementine and Dash Fulco, all of Brentwood, Tennessee; brother, Donald (Lisa) Purcell of Elkhorn, Nebraska; sister, Tammy (Jim) Bottigliero of Naperville, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and grandmother, Gladys Bolton.
A celebration of life will be held in Oak Ridge at the end of October.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Teenage Christian Camp in Knoxville or Palmetto Bible Camp in Marietta.
Betty Joyce Carden Taylor
August 30, 2025
Betty Joyce Carden Taylor passed into eternal life on Aug. 30 at the age of 87.
Born and raised in Lake City, she lived in Clinton for many years before moving to Knoxville in 1999. She was musically gifted, playing piano, organ and keyboard by ear. She also enjoyed gardening and crafts.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Lewis Taylor, who passed away in June 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer; parents, Clyde and Gertrude Massengill Carden; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy (Vic) Henderson, Louise (Larry) Egner and Lula (Jim) Martin.
Survivors include her daughter, Zina Taylor Byrd and husband Biff; grandson, Will Rutherford; brother-in-law, Bob Taylor; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Taylor and Lucille Taylor Shreve; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves behind two dear friends and Cove Ridge neighbors, Julie Moore and Phee Wilson, who held a special place in both her and Bill’s hearts.
The family extends sincere thanks to the caregivers at Concord Place and to Smoky Mountain Hospice for their compassionate care.
A private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Smoky Mountain Hospice in Betty’s honor.
Arrangements by Click Funeral Home Middlebrook Chapel.
Leona “Ms. Lee” Goins
August 30, 2025
Leona “Ms. Lee” Goins, 72, of Oak Ridge, formerly of Briceville, passed away Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at Diversicare of Oak Ridge.
She was born Dec. 19, 1952, in LaFollette to Alvin “Toad” and Ruth Ellen Aslinger Wilson.
Ms. Lee loved flowers and reading. She was a faithful witness for the Lord and an active member of Community Baptist Church in Oliver Springs. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Goins; daughter, Debbie Phillips; son, James Dean Phillips; sisters, Sue Phillips and Stella Wilson; and brothers, Doc Wilson and Steve Wilson.
She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Hooks and husband Kenneth; son, Benjamin Phillips; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation, with funeral to follow at 7 p.m., officiated by Bro. Larry Gibbs.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Circle Cemetery.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Annie Ruth Graham Bentley
August 27, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Annie Ruth Graham Bentley, who departed this life Aug. 27, 2025, to enter eternal life. She was born April 3, 1962, to Buford and Elizabeth Casey Graham. She was a faithful member of Bethel Apostolic Temple.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings Charles Edward Graham, Sidney Graham, Willie Graham, Mary Graham and Patricia Graham.
She is survived by her beloved husband of nine years, Greg Bentley; daughters, Tamisha Shervington and Keisha Shervington; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Johnlee Graham; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bethel Apostolic Temple, 319 Douglas Ave., Knoxville, with services to follow.
Bishop Kelvin Cash will officiate. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. The family will gather at Jarnigan & Son Mortuary at 10:30 a.m. to proceed to the church for services.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.
jarniganandson.com
Owen Edward Duncan
August 24, 2025
Owen Edward Duncan, 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born April 29, 1943. A lifelong member of Big Mountain Baptist Church, he served as a deacon for 54 years, including 53 years as chairman of the deacon board. He also taught adult Sunday School at various times, and taught for 41 consecutive years.
Owen worked at the Y-12 National Security Complex for 28 years and 10 months, retiring as a painter supervisor. He was a past master of Omega Lodge No. 536 in Oliver Springs and a past patron of Kingston Chapter No. 405 Order of the Eastern Star.
His hobbies included hunting, ATV riding, traveling, bowling and coaching youth bowlers.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Sue (Russell) Duncan of Clinton; daughter Cathy Sue Jones and husband Scott of Clinton; son Robert Edward Duncan and wife Midge of South Carolina; daughter Sheila Gail Dye and husband Bobby of Clinton; grandchildren Eric Jones and wife Kim, Bryan Jones and wife Haley, Caroline Duncan, Brianna Erts and husband Stephen, Quinton Maples and Katelyn Maples; and great-grandchildren Michael, Emily, Joseph, Hadlee, Emilia, Sophia, Aiden, Arlo and Carmen. He is also survived by his brother, Harold Duncan of Oliver Springs, and special friends and cousin Brenda Leek and husband Tommy of Oak Ridge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen Walter and Spicey (Daugherty) Duncan; sisters Louvina Duncan and Dellene (Duncan) Russell; and granddaughter Haven.
The family received friends Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home, followed by a Masonic service at 7 p.m. in the chapel.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Big Mountain Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Sharp Funeral Home is proud to serve the Duncan family during this time of need.
Donovan Charles Forbes
August 22, 2025
In the noon hour of Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, following a pleasant morning of conversation with family, Donovan Charles “Don” Forbes passed away unexpectedly.
A resident of Meadow View Senior Living in Clinton, Don had been experiencing escalating health and mobility issues in recent weeks. He was 92.
He was born in a front room of his family’s modest home on Aug. 4, 1933, in Hammond, Louisiana, to Max James and Mildred Wolf Forbes. The younger of two sons, he grew up during difficult times and worked many jobs in his youth. A quick learner and always competitive, he excelled in school, played in the band and was a talented athlete.
At age 18, following the early death of his father, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea, taking with him his ukulele and cornet. After his service, he attended Southeastern Louisiana College in Hammond on the G.I. Bill, where he met Susan Hyde, an English major and daughter of a professor. They soon married.
After earning his degree, they moved to Baton Rouge and Don pursued a master’s in forest management at LSU while Susan completed her studies in English education. They welcomed sons David in 1958 and Steve in 1959 while continuing their education. Don also was serving as a student teacher.
In 1961, the family moved to Norris, Tennessee, for Don’s new job as a staff forester with the Tennessee Valley Authority and for Susan’s teaching position at Norris High School. After a couple of years, the family moved to Gainesville, Florida, where Don pursued a PhD in Forest Genetics at the University of Florida while serving concurrently as a graduate instructor. It was there in 1964 that Susan’s and Don’s third son Alan was born. Following his graduation in 1966, the family returned to Norris, where Don resumed his TVA career. In 1970, the family settled into the home where Don and Susan would live for more than 50 years.
While rising in the ranks at TVA, Don continued to seek varying work and training opportunities. During a one-year exchange program with TVA and the National Forest Service in Atlanta, Don enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. In both the TVA and the Coast Guard Reserve, he exemplified his dedication to hard work, innovation and continuing education, holding high expectations for those with whom he worked. Rising to the position of forestry project manager, Don worked diligently to advance the agency’s initiatives. In managing people, he helped secure and advance the careers of others serving alongside him. A champion for some, an outspoken critic of others, Don was known for often adding “colorful commentary” to many professional and personal experiences.
Beyond his profession, Don loved music, especially big band swing, and played guitar and cornet throughout his life. His athleticism fueled his years of playing men’s softball and basketball, coaching Little League baseball and attending games when his sons played. He was an avid golfer and played well into his eighties. He enjoyed camping with his family, working alongside his sons, hauling firewood and other tasks. In retirement, he traveled extensively, continued with golfing and with his music, and later with recording family history as well as other creative writing. He was especially interested in the pursuits and achievements of his children and grandchildren, always keen to share with them his insights regarding their educational and professional endeavors.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Susan Elaine Hyde Forbes; his parents; and his brother, Max James Forbes Jr.
Don is survived by sons David R. (Gwen) Forbes of Clinton, Steven C. (Martha) Forbes of Norris, and Alan S. (Liz) Forbes of Statesboro, Ga.; grandchildren Daniel (Lisa) Forbes, Rachel (Sean) Bradley, Rebecca (Cameron) Grey, Kathryn (Brendan) Blatchford, Samuel Forbes, Joshua Forbes, Lainey (Alan) Upchurch, and Anna (Colin) McBride; great-grandchildren Angelo, Fiora, Leo, Natali, Jio, Adeline, Sydney, Genevieve, Harper, Declan, Lochlan, and two expected arrivals: baby Blatchford in December 2025 and baby McBride in April 2026; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends from Norris.
The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service will follow at Norris Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Norris Sports Complex, City of Norris, P.O. Box 1090, Norris, TN 37828.
The family extends special thanks to the many caretakers at Meadow View Senior Living for more than two years of selfless dedication and service, to Shalom Hospice for additional care over the past few weeks, and to friends and family who honor Don’s life and legacy.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
