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Obituaries

Leslie “Nanny” Sanders

Leslie “Nanny” Sanders, 78, of Clinton left this world to join her savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Oak Ridge. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she was a lifelong LSU fan.

Born in Baton Rouge and a true leader of her family, she was a retired lab technician and emergency medical team leader at the Exxon Mobil plant there. A proud emergency and industrial medical specialist, she held a licensed practical nurse certification for more than 40 years and served as an instructor and examiner for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. She later retired to Anderson County to enjoy life in the mountains of East Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leslie “JY” Sanders; mother, Myrtle Avara LeBlanc; and sister, Betty Watts, all of Louisiana.

She is survived by her children, Mike James, Tom Allsup and wife, Susan, and Jennifer Shishko; grandchildren, Christopher Allsup, Logan Allsup, Joshua Allsup, Katie Shishko Sellers and husband, Joey, and Emily Shishko; nephews, Jay, Billy, Russell and Richard; great-nephew, Jonathan; and great-nieces, Samantha, Sarah, Victoria and Trisha.

The receiving of friends was held from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. A funeral followed at 11 a.m.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Sanders family.

holleygamble.com

Wanda Lucille Rhea

Wanda Lucille Rhea, 86, of Clinton went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday morning, Nov. 15, 2025.

She was a faithful member of Blowing Springs Baptist Church and made a life-changing decision as a teenager when she accepted Jesus into her heart.

Wanda loved the simple joys God gave her. In the summertime, she could often be found outside with her husband, Doug, working in their garden or spending time together in the paint shop. She loved her family deeply and loved her dogs just as dearly. One of the ways she expressed that love was through her cooking. Her potato salad and green beans were favorites among family, and every New Year’s Day she prepared greens, hog jowl, black-eyed peas and cornbread — a tradition her family will always cherish.

Her family finds comfort in knowing Wanda is healed, whole and in the presence of Jesus.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and nurses who cared for Wanda with such kindness and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Edna Webber; brothers, Bobby and Jimmy Webber; son, Wayne Ellis; and infant daughter.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Doug; children, Vicki Gilmore (Rick), Mike Ellis (Lori) and Gary Ellis (Courtney); daughters-in-love, Bess Lowery and Kathy Ellis; brother, Ricky Webber; and nieces, Tami Rhea and Tina Brown.

She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jason McCollum, Casey Prater (John), Beth Higgins (Jon), Brooke Ellis, Blair Martin (Brian), Justin Ellis (Kelsey), Gavin Ellis (Angel) and Meghan Ellis; and great-grandchildren, Bryant Prater, Lola Ellis, Grayson Prater, Arabella Ellis, Baylor Higgins, Bryson Ellis, Belle Higgins, Barron Ellis, Boone Ellis and Wren Ellis.

Wanda touched the lives of many, and her legacy will continue in the hearts of her family and all who knew her. Her loved ones honor her life, thank God for the gift of her presence and look forward to the day they will see her again.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home for visitation from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Clinton with the Rev. David White officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blowing Springs Baptist Church, 119 Blowing Springs Lane, Clinton, TN 37716.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is proud to serve the Rhea family.

holleygamble.com

Cora Sue Jones Webb

Cora Sue Jones Webb, 68, of Clinton passed away Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 27, 1957, in Akron, Ohio, and lived most of her life in Roane and Anderson counties. She was a faithful member of Blowing Springs Baptist Church in Clinton, where she attended whenever possible and will be deeply missed by her church family and community.

Cora worked as a licensed practical nurse and spent many years in the home health industry. A talented seamstress, she created many beautiful quilts, and she enjoyed fishing, as well as canning and cooking for those she loved. She adored her children and took great joy in spoiling her grandchildren. Cora also volunteered at the Anderson County Senior Center, where she served on the board for several years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy Ray and Joan Deloris Jones; sister, JoAnne Schofield; and special friend, Jerry Carden.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jimmy Webb Sr. of Clinton; children, Craig (Tammy) Webb of Clinton, Jeremy (Holly) Webb of Clinton, Jimmy Webb Jr. (Chelsea Sapp) of Shalimar, Florida, and Jesse Webb of Clinton; grandchildren, Jessica (Alex) Dominguez, Gracie (Matthew) Murray, Riley Webb, Hadley Webb, Josie Webb and Laken Webb; and great-grandchildren, Amelia Dominguez and Lilah Dominguez.

She is also survived by sisters, Patty McMillan of Sale Creek, Pam (Gary) Harber of Oliver Springs and Sandy Ellis of Clinton; brother, Bobby (Sharon) Jones of Clinton; and special brother-in-law, Don Webb of Maryville. She leaves behind a host of extended family and dear friends.

The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at Blowing Springs Baptist Church. A funeral followed, with the Rev. David White officiating. Interment followed at Oak Grove Cemetery in Rocky Top.

An online register is available at FrakerFuneralHome.net.

Fraker Funeral Home of Kingston is in charge of arrangements.

Raymond Calvin Braden

Raymond Calvin Braden, 77, of Knoxville, passed away Nov. 3, 2025.

He loved the Lord and served as pastor of several Baptist churches through the years. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and later retired from the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs.

Following retirement, he lovingly cared for his wife, Stella Bridges Braden, until her death in 2022.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Stella Bridges Braden; parents, Ernest and Ethel Braden; brothers, Charles and David Braden; and sister, Vesta Flynn.

He is survived by his sons, Terry (Starla) Bridges and Dennis (Kim) Bridges; daughters, Vicki Easterday and Melanie (Alvin) Loveday; brother, Louis (Carol) Braden; sister, Reba Braden; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family received friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Bridges Funeral Home. A funeral followed with the Revs. Luke Kidwell and Richard Nicley officiating.

Interment followed at 3 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery, with honors presented by the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard.

Pallbearers were Carl Tilley, Brian Bridges, Alvin Loveday, John Lewis, Bobby Lewis and Kenny Moody. Honorary pallbearers were Mike Barbee and John Briggs.

The family extends special thanks to Brian, Tiffany and Lauren for their love and support to their grandparents, and to his son-in-law, Alvin Loveday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard, P.O. Box 22122, Knoxville, TN 37933, or to Cox View Cemetery, 7117 Lyngate Blvd., Powell, TN 37849, with checks made payable to Wayne Mitchell.

Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville.

bridgesfuneralhome.com

Mary Helen Hooks Fowler

Mary Helen Hooks Fowler, 76, of Knoxville sadly passed away on Nov. 2, 2025, after a long and full life surrounded by family, friends and travel.

Helen loved her membership and involvement with Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, especially the fellowship and companionship of her Sunday school class.

She enjoyed traveling, cooking and baking with family, attending craft fairs, cross-stitching, cheering for the Lady Vols, visiting Cades Cove and Dollywood, and listening to gospel music. Her greatest joy was sharing these activities with family and friends.

While time spent with loved ones was her most-cherished accomplishment, Helen was also proud of her professional career managing doctors’ offices over several decades.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Fowler; parents, Elmer and Nancy Hooks; and brother, Ronnie Hooks.

She is survived by her children, Holly (Sean) Smith, Heather (Nelson) Brittain and Nathan (Joy) Fowler; grandchildren, Luke (Kaitlin) Smith and great-grandson Ryder, Joel Smith, Millie (Ayden) Altman, Annie Smith, Hayley Harwood, Anna Stephens and great-grandson Andrew, Russ (Rachel) Harwood, Scott Harwood, Chase Brittain, Lily Brittain, Zoe Fowler and Aiden Fowler.

Loved by her siblings, Patsy McConkey, Judy McKenney, Donnie (Dora) Hooks and sister-in-law Martha Hooks; long-time friend, Mona Wallace; and many extended family members and friends.

Receiving of friends was held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.

A celebration of life followed at 6 p.m.

Helen Phillips Luallen

Helen Phillips Luallen, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Nov. 2, 2025 in Knoxville.

She was born July 8, 1946, in Robbins, Tennessee. A cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Helen leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and unwavering support for those around her.

She was the beloved daughter of Jay and Reba Foster. Raised in a close-knit family, she learned the values of compassion and generosity early in life —principles that shaped her into the remarkable woman so many admired. With a nurturing spirit, she devoted her life to caring for others, and always put their needs before her own.

In her later years, Helen found deep love and companionship in her marriage to Richard Luallen. Their bond was one of mutual respect and affection that enriched their lives and the lives of their families. It was a partnership filled with joy, laughter and shared memories that will forever be treasured by their family.

Helen was devoted to her community and always sought ways to give back. Her selfless nature shone through in everything she did, whether volunteering or simply offering a listening ear to those in need.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures — gardening, thrifting, exploring flea markets, and cooking meals that brought family and friends together around the table. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will live on in their hearts.

Helen’s life was a testament to the power of kindness. She had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special and valued, always ready with an encouraging word or a comforting embrace. Her infectious smile and genuine warmth will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Reba Foster; brothers, Dean Foster and James Robert Foster; and baby sister, Pauline Foster.

She is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Richard Luallen; sons, Michael Dwight Phillips and Robert Dwayne Phillips (Gail); daughters, Helen Denise Phillips, Marian McNeal and Wendy Gray; brother, Jimmy Lee Foster; sister, Faye Phillips; grandchildren, Austin Woodward, Taylor McNeal, Makenzie McNeal, Hunter Gray, Konnor Caldwell and Colton McNeal; great-grandchildren, Henley, Leighton and Nolen Woodward; as well as many nieces and nephews and her beloved granddog, Soto.

Wanda Lou (Black) Alley

Wanda Lou (Black) Alley was called to her eternal home on Nov. 2, 2025. She was born to Horace L. and Front Reynolds Black on Dec. 16, 1940. She was a member of Norris First Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Evelyn (Black) and Horace David Green; brothers Bill Black and Kenneth Black; nephew Kenny Green; mother- and father-in-law, Mary Lou and Clifton Alley; brother- and sister-in-law, Ted and Bettye Alley; and many dear aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Edd Alley; daughter and son-in-law, Melanie and Scotty Wyatt; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Belinda Alley; granddaughters, Olivia Wyatt and Claire Wyatt; sisters-in-law, Betty Black and Ruth Black; step-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Cody Trent; and step-great-grandson, Kingston Trent. She is also survived by nieces, Patsy Longmire, Sharon Wallace, Valerie Williams, Jane Green and Karen Rogers; nephews, Jim Alley and Eddie Black; and many special friends and members of Bible study and Sunday school classes she taught for many years.

She retired from the Department of Energy in Oak Ridge in July 1995 after 35 years of service.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home, with the funeral to follow. Pastor David Seiber will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at Norris Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Norris First Baptist Church Mission Fund or Sacred Ground Hospice House.

Norris FBC Mission Fund, P.O. Box 340, Norris, TN 37828

 Sacred Ground Hospice House, 1120 Dry Gap Pike, Knoxville, TN 37918

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Cynthia Gail Cobb

Cynthia Gail Cobb, 74, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Huntsville, Tennessee. She was born April 15, 1951, in Andersonville.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Paul Douglas House and Anthony Dale House; parents, Clyde and Leona Flatford; sisters, Clydeena Crowley, Mildred Mitchell, and Susan House; and brother, Doyle Flatford.

She is survived by her son, James Edward Cobb Jr.; siblings, Joyce (Jack) Hutcheson of Clinton, Sheila Flatford of Clinton, and Roger Flatford of Clinton; and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Visitation was held Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mott-McKamey Funeral Home in Oak Ridge. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. in the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Doyle Flatford officiating.

A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Ridenour Cemetery in Andersonville.

Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Cobb family.