VICTORIA JEAN PLESS WALKER
March 13, 2019
Victoria Jean Pless Walker, Clinton, passed away peacefully in her home Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at the age of 69 years.
She was an incredibly talented women who accomplished amazing things with her creativity and helping others find their passion. She owned and operated Walker Doll Company in Clinton for 14 years. She was director of Morning Point Senior Living for 10 years. She was loved by all and was compassionate to everyone around her.
Vickie was preceded in death by: Husband, Robert Patterson Walker of Knoxville; and father, Robert Eugene Pless of Norris.
She will be greatly missed by: Mother, Mary Pless; daughters, Jill Walker, Jenny Walker-Lebus and husband Robert Lebus; sons, Eric Schultz and Scott Cloninger; brother, Robert Pless Jr. and wife Teresa Pless; grandchildren, Brandon and fiance Jessica, Grayson, Ethan, Lucas, and Preston.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be handled by Holley Gamble.
Her ceremony will be announced within one month as the family prepares her tribute.
TONYA L. OSTER
March 13, 2019
Tonya L. Oster, 59, Oliver Springs, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2019. at the University of Tennessee Medical, Knoxville, after a long battle with cancer.
She was an Oak Ridge High School graduate and had worked as a LPN. Tonya was a huge “cat lover” and had rescued many cats and kittens. She had a very nurturing personality and made friends easily. She had an uplifting and courageous spirit which she maintained throughout her battle with cancer.
She was preceded in death by: Mother, Martha Henley; aunt and uncle, Chuck and Dot Shelton.
She is survived by: Father and step-mother, H. Stanton and Mary Oster of Clinton; sister, Carla Slone and husband Ricky of Coalfield; brother, Stanton Oster and wife Gina of Knoxville; childhood friends, Claudia Walls and Nebraska Lucas; Alexis Ross, whom she loved like a daughter; aunt, Evelyn Henley of Hixon; and a host of other family members and good friends.
The family would like to thank all the nurses, physicians and staff of the University of Tennessee Medical Center who cared for and loved Tonya during her time spent there.
The family received friends from 2 – 3 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Oliver Springs First Baptist Church. A “Celebration of Life” service began at 3 p.m. with Pastor Kenny Raines officiating.
To leave a note for Tonya’s family or to sign the online guestbook, go to jacksonfuneralservices.com.
PASTOR STANLEY ‘GLENN’ ELLIS
March 12, 2019
Pastor Stanley “Glenn” Ellis, 67, Oak Ridge, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Charlotte, N.C., Dec. 12, 1951, to parents William Ray Ellis and Betty Shearer Ellis. Glenn received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Tennessee in 1973. He was ordained into the gospel ministry at Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge on May 27, 1973, where he also has been serving as pastor for the past 13 years. He received his master of divinity degree from North American Baptist Seminary, Sioux Falls, S.D., in 1976, while also serving as a home missionary for nine years in Mitchell, S.D. Pastor Ellis served in pastorates in Clarksville and Jackson, and was a missionary in Salvador, Brazil, for four years. Glenn enjoyed playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and basketball, as well as spending time with his grandkids.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Shearer Ellis.
He is survived by: Wife of 47 years, Marcia Henegar Ellis; daughter, Angel Lockett and her husband Wilbur; son, David Ellis; five grandchildren; father, William Ray Ellis; brothers, Steve and wife Olga, Dale and wife Pat, and Scott; sisters, Joy Rogers, and Dawn Strunk and husband Bill; and sister-in-law, Karen Ellis; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, with a Celebration Service following at 4 p.m. with the Rev. Dale Ellis, the Rev. David Strunk and Darryl Arender officiated.
A private graveside service followed Sunday, March 17, 2019, for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Caring Center of Central Baptist Church, 130 Providence Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, a ministry that aids in feeding the poor.
Weatherford Mortuary handled the arrangements.
An online guestbook can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.
JANICE KELLEY HOOKS (McGHEE)
March 12, 2019
Janice Kelley Hooks (McGhee), 65, Clinton, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at her home.
She was born March 15, 1953, in Knoxville to the late Otis Kelley and Vestie Kelley Sharp. She was a member of Valley View Baptist Church in Dutch Valley Community. She loved spending time with her companion of 25 years, Darrell McGhee, and her children. She enjoyed shopping and spending money at yard sales and thrift stores. She also loved going to the Smokey Mountains, staying in a cabin away from everything. She never met a stranger, was a friend to all and always tried to find the good in people. She also didn’t care to speak her mind and tell it like it was.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by grandsons, Nicholas and Austin Hooks.
Janice is survived by: Sons, Samuel Hooks Jr. and wife Betty, Ricky Hooks and wife Layla, George Hooks and wife Christi, all of Clinton; daughters, Vicky Bolinger and husband Jeff of Rocky Top, April Hooks of Clinton, and granddaughter that she considered her daughter, Erika Bolinger Wilson and husband Taylor of Rocky Top; companion, Darrell McGhee of Clinton; grandchildren, Brandon, Sa-mantha, Shawn, Kelsea, Katelynn, Brittany, Jacob, Ricky Lee and wife Alyssa, Christopher and fi-nance’ Brooke, Madison, Balie, Jeffrey, Lezleigh, Kain and Amber; two step-grandchildren, Justin Reed and wife Jasmine and Ashley Reed; great-grandchildren, Kenslee, Kolten, Landon, Leland, Hazel, Manayla, and soon to be Brody; seven step-great-grandchildren; twin brother, Jerry Kelley and wife Connie; sisters, Gloria Smith and husband Gilen, and Patricia Viars and husband Julian; special friend and like a sister-in-law, Mary Kay McGhee.
Janice’s family received her friends from 5 – 8 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2019, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton. Her funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2019, at Valley View Baptist Church in Clinton with the Rev. Mike Hooks officiating.
Janice’s interment followed at Anderson Memorial Gardens in Clinton.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton was in charge of all arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.jonesmortuaryllc.com
KENNETH MAURICE ‘REECE’ WALLACE
March 9, 2019
Kenneth Maurice “Reece” Wallace was born April 10, 1930, on the mountainside of Briceville. Always filled with energy and love, Reece lived a full life guided by a strong moral compass and unwavering faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, worker, teacher, farmer, coach, and veteran — but above all a true gentleman who was an “ol’ buddy” to all that crossed his path. Reece never missed a chance to welcome you with a warm smile and firm handshake. Though stubborn and tough, he loved with a tender heart.
A graduate of Norris High School, Reece was always a competitive athlete. Along with his brothers, the “Wallace Boys” were known countywide for their dominance on the basketball court. He attended Lincoln Memorial University on a baseball scholarship where he graduated with a bachelor of science degree and later obtained a master of arts from George-Peabody. He taught for two years at Robertsville Jr. High before going to work at ORNL as a Health Physicist. While carpooling to work, Reece met his wife Christine, and together they enjoyed 63 years of wedded bliss. After three daughters, two grandchildren, and more than 30 years of dedication to his work, he retired to focus on his priorities in life.
Reece was an active member of Main Street Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir member. His genuine interest and delight in people fueled his community endeavors as a Gideon, school volunteer, and County Commissioner for 20 years. Whenever he took time for leisure, he enjoyed taking bus trips with Christine, annual family beach trips, cheering on the Tennessee Vols, and playing with his great-granddaughter, Mariella Christine.
After solidifying a legacy full of accomplishments, Reece was surrounded by his loving family when he graduated from this Earth to his heavenly home Saturday evening, March 9, 2019.
Greeting him in heaven were parents, Mirma and Myrtle Wallace; sisters, Anna Lou Schuster and Dorothy Beck; and brothers, Ray, Joe, and Billy Wallace.
Waiting to see him again one day are his wife, Christine Wallace; daughters, Cynthia Hawn, Teresa Wallace, and Sandra Swisher; son-in-laws, Doug Hawn and Bobby Swisher; grandchildren, Clara and Kenny and Andrew and Julie; great-granddaughter, Mariella Christine; brother, Jim Wallace; sisters, Barbara Border, Mary Thomas, and Jane Lowery; honorary daughter, Jennifer Moore.
Special thanks to Reece’s compassionate care givers, Pauline Brown, Juanita Wynn, Nancy Massengill, and Stacy Bunch.
Join us in Reece’s Celebration of Life at Main Street Baptist Church at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019, with visitation starting at 5 p.m. Reece’s graveside will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Norris Memorial Garden.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Main Street Baptist Church (P.O. Box 405, Rocky Top, TN 37769) or the Clinton Camp of Gideons International (P.O. Box 536, Clinton, TN 37717).
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
CLAUDE 'RICK' WADDELL
March 8, 2019
Claude “Rick” Waddell, 68, Caryville, passed away Friday, March 8, 2019, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Knoxville.
He was born on Dec. 1, 1950, to the late Fred George and Vivian LaVergne Jackson Waddell in Caryville. He was a former deacon and youth leader at Vasper Baptist Church and later became a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He was a jokester who loved music. He enjoyed coaching little league baseball and basketball and, in his later years, watching his grandchildren play soccer. He watched wrestling and travelled with his son to wrestling matches. He loved animals, especially his cats, and enjoyed going fishing. He will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: Best friends, Jim Grubb and Eddie Newport; aunt, Shirley Damesworth; uncle, Harry Waddell; along with several other aunts and uncles.
He is survived by: Wife, Glenna Waddell; son, Brian Waddell and wife Christina; grandchildren, Samuel Waddell and Gavin Waddell; sister, Carolyn Stooksbury and husband Maurice; niece, Kelli Hayes and husband Tony; great-nephews, Jackson Hayes, and Jacob Hayes; uncles, Howell Jackson, and Glenn Jackson; several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2019, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Rocky Top with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Jesse Buell and the Rev. Clarence Duncan officiating. Graveside services will be at the Waddell Cemetery in Caryville at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 12, 2019.
www.holleygamble.com
ELY SMITH COOK
March 7, 2019
Ely Smith Cook, 95, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019, at the home of her beloved daughter, Carol Wolfenbarger, in Knoxville.
She was born on April 20, 1923, in Tazewell to the late Hence and Dovie Bull Smith. Ely was a passionate caregiver and devoted wife to her late husband, Clyde Cook, Sr. She loved gardening, cooking and baking for others, ministering shut-ins, and spending time with friends and family. She never passed over a needy animal. She loved joking and laughing.
She was preceded in death by: Husband, Clyde Cook Sr.; granddaughter, Deborah Cook; grandsons, Andy and Gabriel Hasbrouck; siblings, Dester Smith, Tim Smith, T.H. Smith, John Smith, Versie Bowman, and Vasey Cunningham.
She is survived by: Son, Clyde Cook Jr. and wife Betty Jeffers Cook of Clinton; daughters, Jean Cook Pope and husband Buddy Pope of Louisville, Carol Cook Wolfenbarger and husband Gary Wolfenbarger of Karns; 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.
The family held a graveside service at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2019, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park with Pastor Jimmy Ault officiating.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
PARLIE B KIDWELL
March 6, 2019
Parlie B. Kidwell, 98, Clinton, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2019.
She was a member of Moran Baptist Church and was born Sept. 14, 1920, to the late Will and Nettie Sharp. Throughout her life Parlie loved cooking, canning, and cooking for her family.
In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by: First husband, Clifton Smith; second husband, Clyde Kidwell; sisters, Eva Tidwell, Phyllis Goodman; brother, Luther Sharp; son, Ray Smith; stepchildren, Joyce, Shirley, and Brenda; sons-in-law, Carl Hicks and Clarence Jones.
She is survived by: Children, Carl Smith and wife Jessica, Lillie Canaday and husband George, Jolene Jones, Parlie Hicks; grandchildren, Anita Jones, Sam Jones, James Canaday, and Cari Queener; seven great-grandchildren; stepchildren, June Carroll, Linda White, and the Rev. Luke Kidwell; several nieces, nephews, and step great-grandchildren.
The family received friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2019, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.
Her funeral services followed in the chapel with the Rev. Luke Kidwell officiating. Parlie’s graveside was at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2019, at the Smith Family Cemetery.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton was in charge of all arrangements.
www. holleygamble.com
