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.
Audrey Allen Forgety
August 21, 2025
Audrey Allen Forgety, 92, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family and service.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Tommy Allen and Birdie Allen Ward; her devoted husband of 62 years, Joe L. Forgety Jr.; her son, Joe Forgety III; son-in-law, Marvin Denny Evans; and brothers, Ed Linkous and Sidney Allen.
Audrey is survived by her daughter, Rhonda F. Evans and daughter-in-law, Pam Forgety. She was a proud grandmother to Shannon Evans of Rogersville, Dr. Loren Grimm and husband, Joe, of Jacksboro, Jared Forgety and wife, Rachel, of Heiskell, and Lee Forgety and wife, Abby, of Powell. Her joy was multiplied with the blessing of her great-grandchildren, Emma, Audrey, Lena, Joey Grace, Luke, Maggie and Jaelynn.
She is also survived by her sister, Hazel Doty; sister-in-law, Barbara Bradley; stepbrother, Lloyd Ward; stepsister, Becky Davis; and a host of cherished nieces and nephews. She will also be remembered fondly by dear friends Patricia Matthews and Teresa Taylor.
Audrey faithfully served as secretary/treasurer of East Rogersville Baptist Church for more than 20 years, demonstrating her steadfast devotion and love for her church family.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Meadow View Senior Living for their loving care over the past five years, as well as to the residents who affectionately called her “Mamaw.” Special thanks are also given to Joy and Jessica of Shalom Hospice for their help in caring for her in her final hours.
The family will receive friends beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at Christian-Sells Funeral Home Chapel in Rogersville.
Services will follow at 5 p.m. with Jared Forgety officiating. Graveside services will be held immediately afterward at Highland Cemetery.
Audrey will be remembered for her kind spirit, deep faith and the unconditional love she poured into her family and all who knew her.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at christiansells.com.
Reva Mae Tidwell McCoy Rush
August 13, 2025
Reva Mae Tidwell McCoy Rush, 93, a devoted cardiac nurse whose compassion and skill touched countless lives, passed away peacefully at her home on Aug. 13, 2025.
She was born Nov. 9, 1931, in Campbell County, and found her calling early in life: caring for others with both clinical expertise and a deep human touch. For more than 20 years, she worked in cardiac nursing at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia.
Her service extended beyond the hospital as she volunteered at Colony Friends Church in Virginia and Pleasant View Church in Clinton, Tennessee. Reva also cherished life as a military wife, traveling, meeting new people and embracing new adventures.
She enjoyed gardening, reading and caring for her dogs.
She was preceded in death by her first husband of 49 years, Emert McCoy; second husband, Earl Rush; and brothers, L.D. Tidwell and Bobby Tidwell.
She is survived by her children, Emert McCoy Jr. and wife Dale, Ann Hicks and husband Steve, and Anita Norton and husband Bruce; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters, Lillie Rhoads of Texas, and Geneva Goodman and husband James; and brother, Glen Tidwell of Tennessee.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is honored to serve the family of Reva Mae Rush.
Bonnie Louise Purkey
August 13, 2025
Bonnie Louise Purkey, 81, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at her home in Clinton.
She was born Nov. 4, 1943, to Fred and Ola Mae Jones.
Bonnie was one in a million. She was a loving wife, mother and mamaw who enjoyed fishing and quilting.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Fred Jr. Jones and Tommy Jones; sister, Ima Jean Dossett; grandson, Steven Austin Rice; and great-grandson, Leonardo Ray Allen.
She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Ralph Purkey of Clinton; son, Archie Purkey of Clinton; daughters, Vandilee Allen of Clinton and Amanda Love of Clinton; brother, Billy Joe Jones and wife Faye of Rocky Top; sisters, Ruth Allen of Georgia, Ruby Andrews of Clinton, and Loretta Jones of Clinton; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
The family received friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary. Family and friends met at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at Jones Mortuary to go in procession to Beech Grove Cemetery in Rocky Top for a graveside service with Tony McAfee officiating.
Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Bonnie Purkey.
