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.
David Alonzo Cox
August 10, 2025
David Alonzo Cox, 83, of Knoxville passed away Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. He was born June 21, 1942, to Alonzo and Katherine Price Cox.
In 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Anna Faye Wrinkle.
A devoted Christian, David was a member of Southside Baptist Church. He had a passion for ministry, and in his early years, he and Anna began a children’s church and bus ministry at Forrest Grove Free Will Baptist Church. The couple continued serving in children’s and other ministries for decades. In the early 2000s, David became an ordained minister and served as interim pastor at Wooddale Free Will Baptist Church in Knoxville.
David loved people and never met a stranger.
He and Anna owned a cleaning company, and after retirement, he worked in maintenance at The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Anna Faye Cox; daughter, Kathy Ann Ellis and husband, Robert, of Gallatin; son, David Anthony “Tony” Cox and wife, Lea Ann, of Seymour; sister, Jackie Paulson and husband, Terry; grandchildren, Dustin Claxton, Abigail Ellis, Tanner Simeon-Cox and wife, Hannah, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Tyller Reganne Stevens and husband, Elijah, of Chattanooga; and great-grandchildren, Aubrey and Riley Claxton, and Olive Layne Simeon Cox.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Berry Highland South, 9010 Simpson Road in Knoxville. The funeral followed, with Pastor Luke Wilkerson officiating. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 15.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Dwight Arden Brown
August 8, 2025
Dwight Arden Brown, 76, of Andersonville went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 8, 2025.
He was born Sept. 6, 1949, in Cyclone, West Virginia. A car enthusiast, Dwight enjoyed traveling with his wife, Helen, visiting different countries and creating many cherished memories together. He also loved his “work family” and remained in touch with them long after his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen Sue Hicks Brown; parents, Garner Wilburn Brown and Ida Jane Blankenship Brown; sister, Glenda Joyce Brown Houser; niece, Crystal Lynn Brown Monroe; great-nephews, Jeremiah Lee Monroe and Austin Blake Humphrey; sister-in-law, Margie Brown; brother-in-law, Thomas Eugene Houser; and his father- and mother-in-law, Walter and Edna Hicks.
He is survived by his brother, Garner Lee Brown; nieces, Tina Louise Brown, Melody Ann Brown, Nancy Lea Brown and Kellie Lynn Houser Stessman; nephews, Daniel Joe Houser and Thomas Eugene Houser II; great-nephews, Michael Todd Brown, Dakota Jace Humphrey, Thomas Eugene Houser and Stephen Stessman; great-nieces, Jessica Nicole Monroe Boling and Sydni Holt; great-great-nephews, Jackson Isaiah Monroe and Aiden Michael James; great-great-nieces, Olivia Grace Cooper, Addison Estell Cooper, Brooklyn Marie Brown, Juliana Reese Monroe and Joslyn Lee Monroe; great-great-great-nieces, Emma Lynn Overholt and Ella Rose Overholt; and special friend, Alex Carter.
A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway in Knoxville.
Helen Sue Brown
August 6, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helen Sue Brown, who left us on Aug. 6, 2025.
Helen was a beloved resident of Andersonville and was known for her adventurous spirit , loving nature and thoughtful heart.
Helen was a member of Morris Gap Baptist Church and found joy in supporting her neighbors and community. She and her husband, Dwight, who followed her in passing on Aug. 8, 2025, shared a passion for travel, exploring multiple countries together and creating cherished memories. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of University of Tennessee sports, especially the Volunteers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Edna Hicks; infant brother, Charles Hicks; and brother, Thomas “Tommy” Hicks.
Survivors include her sister, Betty Ann Hall of Farragut; and many nieces and nephews who will forever treasure her memory and the love she shared with all.
A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway in Knoxville.
Sylvia Inez Jones Allen
August 6, 2025
Sylvia Inez Jones Allen, 81, of Clinton passed away Aug. 6, 2025, at her home with her family by her side.
She was born June 5, 1944, in Claiborne County, Tennessee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Otto and Julia Dentie Goins Jones; infant son, Randall Lynn Allen; and brother, J.W. Jones.
Survivors include her sons, Dwayne Allen and wife Michelle, and Todd Allen and wife Dawn; 21 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Knoxville.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Hattie Margaret ‘Totsy’ Burress
August 4, 2025
Hattie Margaret “Totsy” Burress, 83, went to her heavenly home on Aug. 4, 2025. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior many years ago and found peace in knowing she would one day walk the streets of gold. Though her earthly body gave out, her heavenly body will last forever. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis H. Burress; parents, Delbert and Laura Payne; brother, Gene Payne; and sister, Patsy Robbins Sharp.
She is survived by her son, Wayne Burress and his wife, Angie; daughter, Myra Keever and her husband, Rick; grandchildren, Meredith Burress, Evan Burress and his wife, Samantha, Travis Keever and his wife, Katie, and Ryan Keever and his fiancée, Brandi Wood; great-grandson, Henry Keever; and sister, Lois Pearl Creekmore.
She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Sonya Parker and her husband, David, Robert Robbins, Bruce Creekmore and his wife, Gina, Debbie Prewitt and her husband, Jeff, and Kenneth Payne and his wife, Lori.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Cemetery, with Pastor Michael McGrath officiating.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Gentiva Hospice, Life Care Center of Blount County, and Morningview Village Senior Living for their care and support.
Kenneth Gamble
August 1, 2025
Kenneth Gamble, 85, of Andersonville, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at his home with his loving wife of 58 years by his side.
He was born Jan. 1, 1940, in Arno, Virginia, to Merkle and Mollie Gamble. Kenneth was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in Vietnam, and retired after 23 years of service as a master sergeant (E-8).
Kenneth enjoyed fishing, gardening, working in his yard, collecting coins, and, in earlier years, hunting.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Gamble, and several brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Harriet Hensley Gamble of Andersonville; daughter, Angelynn Duncan and husband, Kelly, of Lake City; grandchildren, Gabby Duncan and Ben Duncan; brother, Allen Gamble; sister, Brenda Wade; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
