WINONA 'ANN' COOPER LENOIR
Winona “Ann” Cooper Lenoir passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Friday, March 31, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born Sept. 8, 1929, in Perryton, Texas, to Gol and Elizabeth Giles Cooper. She was the oldest of three children. Ann was preceded in death by: Husband, Richard H. Lenoir; and brother, Hunter Giles (Bud) Cooper. Ann is survived by: Daughters, Elizabeth Leuthold (Duane), and Sherrie Hamby; grandchildren, Ashley Cox (Glenn), Adam Hamby (Elizabeth), Riley Leuthold (Jessica), and Alex Leuthold (Samantha); great-grandchildren, Lillian Belle and Tate Hamby, Peyton and Avery Cox. She is also survived by: Sister, Nancy McKinney; brother-in-law, the Rev. Henry Lenoir (Betty); sisters-in-law, Evelyn Marie Chandler and Louise Childress. Ann is also survived by special family, Phyllis Blair, Linda Hall, Hope Leab, Susan Schite, Ron and Ruth Ingram. Ann came to Norris in her early teens. Since housing was not available in town, her family lived in a cabin at the Norris Dam State Park. She worked at the Norris Drug Store, the Tea Room at the state park, and at the restaurant in the Norris Community Building. Ann was a charter member of the Norris United Methodist Church where she had been very active in many roles including the choir. She sang with the Norris Choral Society. She was actively involved in the schools with her children and grandchildren. She supported her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sports activities. She was an excellent homemaker who enjoyed sewing, crafting, and gardening. Services will be Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. Visitation is from noon – 2 p.m. with services immediately following. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Cemetery on Oliver Springs Highway. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Norris Elementary School Campus Beautification Fund (P.O. Box 949, Norris, 37828) or Norris Animal Shelter (P.O. Box 1090, Norris, 37828). Holley Gamble funeral home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. holleygamble.com
Leroy Smelcher, born Aug. 2, 1936, beloved brother, father, and grandfather, passed into the arms of Jesus Friday, March 31, 2023.
He will be greatly missed by: Siblings, Jim Smelcher and Louise Miracle; children, Terry Smelcher (Danette), Sherry Brummitt, Michael Smelcher, John Winters (Judy), Tim Winters (Heather); and grandchildren, Angie, Chip, Kristie, Ronald, Ashley, Patrick, Gabrielle, and Ty; great-grandchildren, Matt, Emma, Annabelle, Lulu, T.J., Savannah, and Dakota; as well as his great-great-grandchildren.
He will also be missed by countless friends including his breakfast club and church family.
He was preceded in death by: Mother, Lyda Smelcher; sister, Geniva Christine; wife, Eileen Smelcher; brother-in-law, Eldon Miracle; and son-in-law, Ron Brummitt Sr.
He was a lover of all things University of Tennessee, motorcycles, and classic cars. He was everyone’s papaw.
Receiving of friends will be from noon – 2 p.m. Friday, April 7, 2023, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, with the funeral immediately after.
Leroy will be buried at Sunset Cemetery in Clinton next to his wife Eileen.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Carolyn Lugene Owens, 86, Clinton, passed away peacefully March 30, 2023 surrounded by family.
Born April 13, 1936, in Hoffman, Ill.,, Carolyn was the eldest daughter of Eugene and Verna Hohman and grew up in a loving family with three siblings. She spent her childhood and adulthood in Clinton, where she attended Clinton High School and played on the basketball team.
Carolyn began her long career as the office manager at The White Store in 1975 and gained many close friendships there. She attended Faith Lutheran Church of Oak Ridge and was a member of Good Sam Club and GWRRA.
Carolyn was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Marvin, for more than 66 years. They were inseparable, enjoying countless camping trips in the Great Smokey Mountains and adventuring out of her comfort zone riding on the back of his motorcycle just to be with him. She loved playing dominos and hosting large family gatherings in her home, which she adored.
Carolyn was the most doting grand, great-grand and great-great-grandmother, and protective mother to her two daughters who reciprocated with devoted support till the end. She loved and defended her whole family fiercely. She also adored her pets over the years and was very fond of the hummingbirds that visited her windows.
Carolyn was preceded in death by: Parents, Eugene and Verna Hohman; two brothers, Jack and Lowell Hohman.
She is survived by: Husband, Marvin Owens; two daughters, Tena Southard (Joe) and Linda Rankin (John); grandchildren, Jamie Southard, Andrea Brown, Tyler Southard, Amanda Rankin and David Rankin.
She was the great-grandmother to: Xander, Hayden, Lilly, Jasper, Jet, Elayna, Claire, Pierce and August; as well as a great-great grandmother to Easton.
Also survived by: Sister, Dolores Crowley (L.B;); sister-in-law, Norma Hohman; and nieces and nephews.
The visitation will be held at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton from 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2023, with service to follow.
A brief graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens.
www.holleygamble.com
Rest in peace, Carolyn “Mamaw.” You will always be our favorite firecracker.
Ralph William (Billy) Foster passed away peacefully March 27, 2023, at the Home of his loving daughter and son-in-law, Mindy and Theo Bachman, in Eagle River, Alaska, who took special care of him.
Preceding him were: Parents Ralph and Lois Foster of Clinton; grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. Walter Foster and Mr. and Mrs. William Murray Boring; brother-in-law, Johnny Walls; and nephew, Josh Walls
Billy was saved at an early age and a member of North Clinton Missionary Baptist Church
Leaving behind are: Devoted children, Mindy Bachman (Theo), Joni Lawson, son, Ernie Foster (Molly); the mother of his children, Brenda Foster; two grandchildren that he was so proud of, Sean Bachman and Caleb Bachman; five sisters and brothers who loved him dearly, Jackie Walls (David), Judy Courtney (Glen), Debbie Walls, Mike Foster (Barbie), and Jeff (Karen); nieces and nephews, Jill, Scott, Christie, Glen Allen, Eric, Stacie, Jessi, Cody, Moriah, Alex and Tiffany, Sarah and James, who he loved to pick on; aunts, Jerrie Boring and Yvonne Davis of Maryville and Jean Dishman Kingsport; lots of grand-nieces and nephews.
Billy enjoyed fishing, and tinkering on anything with a motor in it and watching the races every Sunday. He loved spending time in Alaska with his daughter, most of all he loved spending time with his faithful friends, and he had lots of them, especially Jr. Roberts, and Mamie who he lived with for a while in Clinton, and Glen (Porky) Burris who was always there to help, Mark Dishman (cousin) but more like a brother, and special niece Abbie whose Grinch laugh would make him laugh out loud every time.
Billy will be missed every day, by all who loved him. He asked that no service be held, and for everyone to remember all the memories he made with all of us.
Assisting the family, Janssen Funeral Home, Anchorage, Alaska.
Evangeline Carrera Mayr, 85, Clinton, went to eternal rest Monday, March 27, 2023, at Fort Sanders Hospital, Knoxville
Eva was a faithful member of Saint Mark United Methodist Church and loved volunteering her time with her church family. During her career she dedicated more than 30 years working as a welder at Modine Manufacturing. Her hobbies were traveling, dancing, gardening. She enjoyed tending her plants and studying God’s word. Eva had a green thumb and a heart of gold. She loved helping others especially as a translator.
She will be deeply missed by her family.
Evangeline was preceded in death by: Parents, Jesus Carrera and Evarista Valenzuela; brothers, Lucio and Jesus; and husbands, Julius Troy Mayr (died 1981) and Ronald E. Whitson (died 1989).
She is survived by: Loving daughters, Erin Vargas (Larry) of Prattville, Ala. (USAF retired), Natalie Young of Knoxville; grandchildren, Joshua Troy Vargas, Jason Anthony Vargas, and Julian James Young; great-grandchildren, Andrew Chapman, Caroline Eloise, and Tucker Owen Vargas; many nephews, nieces, special cousins, and friends.
The Family will receive friends at Woodhaven's Chapel in Powell from noon – 2 p.m. Monday, April 3, 2023.
Funeral service will be from 2 – 2:30 p.m., and graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.
Ruth Druzellia Warfield, 90, passed away March 26, 2023, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Ruth. She poured her life into her family, teaching them valuable life skills in her kitchen, sewing room, garden, and farm. She was a lifelong supporter of the 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America.
Ruth is survived by: Husband of 72 years, Leroy; their six children. Pat Marcum and late husband Larry, Philip Warfield and wife Darla, Kila Worthington and husband Kent, Kim Guinn and husband Mike, Katrina Byrd and husband Doug, John Warfield and wife Elizabeth; multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Velma Jean Foust; and niece, Pam Foust-Boyd.
A private graveside ceremony will be held at East Tennessee’s Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Inc. (865-544-6288).
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the excellent care provided by the staff at Emory Ridges, hospice staff at Gentiva and especially nurses Patti, Diana, Matt, Irene and Chaplain Mark.
The family will have a graveside service at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Helen M. Dixon, 92, Heiskell, was called to her heavenly home Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in Okeechobee, Fla., with her son, Henry Lee, by her side.
She was a member of Greenway Baptist Church. The family takes comfort in that she is not suffering and has been reunited with her husband, Elbert, her eldest daughter, Wanda, and her youngest daughter, Angie.
Helen retired from Chrysler Motor Company in Detroit, Mich., then devoted her time to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and traveling while her health allowed her to do so. Helen was a gifted gardener and took great pride in her many beautiful flower gardens – as well as her annual vegetable garden; all of which will be missed immensely.
She is survived by: Only son, Henry Lee; brother, Elmer (Joe) Rittenberry; son-in law, Robert Wyrick; grandchildren, Tammy (Phil) Raby, Patty Thomason, Bill Lee, Kristy (Darin) Broyles; great-grandchildren, Adam Raby, Cody Raby, Steven Shultz, Rachel Shultz, Madison Wilkerson, and Connor Wilkerson; great-great-grandchildren, Anberlyn Raby, Bobby Shultz, Kaiden Shockey, Paisley Raby, Alianna King and Everleigh Wilkerson; several nieces and nephews; cherished neighbors, Earl and Penny Peterson.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by: Husbands, George Lee, father of her children, and Elbert Dixon; brothers, Raymond, Wayne, and Alvin Rittenberry; sister, Betty Shoun, Virginia Powell; daughters, Wanda Wyrick, and Angie Lee.
The family will receive friends at Holley Gamble Funeral Home from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday March 30, 2023, with a funeral service to follow.
Family and friends will again gather at Holley Gamble Funeral Home at 1:15 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2023, and follow in precession to the graveside at Wolf Valley Baptist Church Cemetery where the committal service will be held at 2p.m.
Pallbearers will be: Phil Raby, Bill Lee, Adam Raby, Steven Shultz, Cody Raby, and Connor Wilkerson.
The family would like to thank Okeechobee Health Care Facility for the great care that was provided to Helen in her last weeks here on this earth.