EILEEN SLATER
September 16, 2018
Eileen Slater, 74, passed away Sept. 16, 2018, in Palm City, Fla., after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on Christmas Eve in 1943 to first generation Americans Theresa and Albert Slater in Passaic, N.J.
Eileen led a life committed to those in need. She had a passion for the vulnerable, whether people or animals. She never sought bright-lights or plaques with her name for a wall, but she privately cared for countless people and animals over her lifetime. The ripples of her charity cannot be measured.
She graduated from King’s Mountain, N.C., High School; earned a degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a degree in clinical psychology from East Carolina University.
Eileen worked in the mental health field in North Carolina before moving to Anderson County. She worked 10 years as Oak Ridge office manager for Congressman Marilyn Lloyd before becoming a full-time advocate for vulnerable people and animals.
She was active over the years at Oak Ridge Playhouse and the Oak Ridge Humane Society before co-founding, with her sister Anne, NOAH and its fundraising store Noah’s Ark. Eileen eventually built a NOAH sanctuary on Oliver Springs Highway.
Eileen is best known for her unrivaled support for animal welfare and political activism. She was a strong voice, held firm to her convictions and was driven by a strong belief in civic duty and engagement.
Eileen was a second mother to her sister Anne’s children, and after overcoming breast cancer nearly 15 years ago, she endeavored to become a more active part of her Florida family, too, and also fulfill a lifelong dream of learning to ride a horse. Her love for horses led her to rescue horses from Horse Haven at her Clinton farm, and also establish a residence and horse farm in Florida, Trails End, where she and the Slater family could enjoy their shared passions.
Preceded in death by: Parents, Theresa and Albert Slater; younger brother, Mark Slater; brother-in-law, Ernest F. Phillips; and half-brother, Kenny Brown.
Survived by: Sisters, Anne S. Phillips of Clinton, and Dorothy Slater-Brown of New York and Palm Beach, Fla.; and older brother, Robert and wife Kathleen Slater, Stuart, Fla.
Eileen will be especially missed by the many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand-nephews that she took such pride in guiding and loving in ways unparalleled and unable to be conveyed in words.
Nieces and nephews: Donna Slater, Deborah Slater, Joe Slater, Karen Slater, Alexandra Slater Jodzio, Joslin Kryjcir, Terry Frank, Lin Phillips, Denny Phillips; grand-nieces and nephews, Christine Slater, Robert Slater, Ryan Slater, Reagan Slater, Reece Slater, Mario Slater Vargas, Nicholas Slater Vargas, Olivia Bertolo, Jace Jodzio, Atticus Frank, Davis Frank, Avery Frank, Trey Phillips and Leah Phillips.
Interment will be at Martin Funeral Home, 961 S. Kanner Hwy, Stuart, Fla., Sept. 24, 2018.
Visitation at 10:30 a.m., service at 11 a.m., followed by graveside service.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 29, 2018, at the Oak Ridge Alliance Church, 109 Raleigh Road, Oak Ridge, with Pastor Dale Crank and Dr. Stephen Flick officiating.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to convey condolences may donate to Horse Haven 2417 Reagan Rd, Knoxville, TN 37931; or the Anderson County Animal Shelter, 100 N. Main Street, Suite 127, Clinton, TN 37716.
LAURA (SHARP ) GILLIAM
September 14, 2018
Laura (Sharp) Gilliam, 84, Lake City, went to be with the Lord, Sept. 14, 2018, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
She was born Jan. 19, 1934, to Russell and Alice Sharp.
She was preceded in death by: Both parents; son, Johnny Lee Gilliam; brothers, Russell T., Bob, H.F., and Kenneth Sharp; sister, Kleta Disney; and daughter-in-law whom she loved like a daughter, Darlene Gilliam.
She is survived by: Husband of 69 years, Johnny Gilliam; sons, Roy Gilliam and wife Lela, Joe and Jeff Gilliam; granddaughters, April Harmon and husband David, Amber Gilliam, Sabrina Lane and husband Josh, and Brandy Gilliam; grandson, Evan Gilliam; two great-grandsons, Alec and Derek Harmon; sister, Helen Prewitt.
Also, survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews.
The family extends a special Thank You to Stephanie Mojica and Nathan Wells for their love, help, and support.
In following with Laura’s wishes all services were private and held at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens mausoleum.
Hatmaker Funeral Home in Charge of arrangements.
DANNY CHRISTOPHER PALMER
September 13, 2018
Danny Christopher Palmer, 75, Oak Ridge, passed away suddenly Sept. 13, 2018.
He was a lifetime resident of Oak Ridge having graduated from Oak Ridge High School class of 1961. He was the owner and operator of Diversified Service Associates, Inc. and had mowed the right of ways for the City of Oak Ridge for 40 years.
Preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by: Wife, Barbara Smith Palmer; children, Teresa “Terri” Carroll, Lisa Hale and husband Houston, Jason Palmer, Melinda Wright and husband Pete; grandchildren, Bradley Hawk and wife Amanda, Kaylie Anderson and husband Jason, and Adaline Wright; eight great-grandchildren; aunts, Jean Head and Bobbie Loudermilk, both of Alabama; along with a host of friends.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastor Robert May officiating.
Friends are welcome to meet the family at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, and go in procession to the cemetery or meet at Oak Ridge Memorial Park at 11 a.m. for a graveside service.
Holley-Gamble, Clinton, www.holleygamble.net
LINDA SUE MANER
September 13, 2018
Linda Sue Maner, 67, Clinton, passed away Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018.
She was born on July 17, 1951, to Clarence and Eula Crumpley.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Crumpley.
Survived by:
Mother, Eula P. Crumpley of Clinton; son, Wayne and wife Angie Maner of Jackson; daughter, Kristina Justice and Curtis Briggs of Clinton; brothers, Warren Crumpley of Clinton,
Steve and wife Janice Crumpley of Clinton,
Donald Crumpley of Clinton,
Allen Crumpley of Clinton; special niece, Michelle Crumpley of Clinton; several other nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, with funeral services to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Jerry Day officiating.
Family and friends will meet Monday, September 17, 2018 at Highland Memorial Gardens South for interment at 1 p.m.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
www. Holleygamble.com
DR. DREW ROBERT PERKERSON
September 11, 2018
Dr. Drew Robert Perkerson, 37, left this world Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018; he died of a sudden medical illness but fought tenaciously for the past several months before succumbing.
His absence leaves family, friends, co-workers, and fellow crossfitters with a tremendous emptiness.
Drew (Drewsyfus, Drewby, Drewford) had a tremendous mental agility; his wit, sarcasm and sense of humor have been enjoyed by us all. Crossword puzzles, trivia, sports, sudokus, fantasy football, music, Apple devices, mathematics, crossfit workouts, Texas Hold’em poker, his work as a Pharmacist at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, movies, pets, Magic Wok in Oak Ridge, and his FRIENDS were his passions.
As sad as his medical struggle and ultimate death have been and are now, Drew still brought joy to us even in death. The opportunity to come to know his many friends, fellow students and co-workers has allowed us to hear their feelings, thoughts and love for Drew first hand. Nothing could have helped us to re-experience what a wonderful “bright light” Drew was and will remain on our memories forever.
Drew graduated ORHS 1999 and subsequently achieved his PharmD degree in 2017; he became a staff pharmacist at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital last year. He worked there also prior to becoming a pharmacist for 14 years on 4 East.
We are certain Drew would want us to tell the world about fantastic quality of medical care he received at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, the last few months. The respiratory, physical, occupational and speech therapists were so kind and loving during the dire time. The nurses (many) who cared for him in Medical Critical Care became wonderful caregivers and friends; they will never be forgotten. A special thanks to the Intensive Care doctors and many specialists who tried to help Drew overcome this medical monster his illness was.
He is survived by: Mother, Gale Matteson; father and stepmom, Dr. Joel and Anne Perkerson; brothers, Jacob Smiddy, Dr. Jace and Eric Perkerson; nieces, Aysia Davis and Isabella Smiddy; grandmother, Betty Reinoehl; his feline friend, Thor; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who dearly loved him.
A celebratory memorial service was held Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, at First United Methodist Church of Knoxville at 3316 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. Family received friends from 1:30 – 3 p.m. to 3 p.m. with celebration following with the Rev. Mark Flynn officiating.
Friends and family are asked to share thoughts, feelings, anecdotes and stories during this celebratory service.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, Drew would be honored with donations to:
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Development
P.O. Box 15010
Knoxville, TN 37902-2010
VESTABETH H. FOUST
September 11, 2018
Vestabeth H. Foust, 89, Clinton, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, at the Beverly Park Place Health and Rehab.
She was born on May 13, 1929, to the late John and Elma Orr Harber in Lee County, Va. Vestabeth was a member of Second Baptist Church in Clinton.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by: Husband, Aaron “Sonny” Foust; and three brothers.
Survived by: Daughters, Joetta Boone and Jennifer Brewer; grandchildren, David Boone, Adam Boone, Jason Brewer, Elissa McCutcheon; brothers, Aaron Harber and Roy Lee Harber; several great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Larry Webster officiating.
The family will have a private burial.
www.holleygamble.com
DORIS VORETA REAGAN GADE STANFILL
September 10, 2018
Doris Voreta Reagan Gade Stanfill, 89, passed away suddenly Monday, Sept. 10, 2018, in her daughter's home in California.
She had been in declining health following a heart attack on her birthday. Born May 20,1929, to parents Celestie Alpha Nelson and Daniel Theodore Reagan, she was the second of nine siblings and one stillborn sister.
She was preceeded in death by: Parents; husbands, Roy E. Gade and Ralph L. Stanfill; brothers, Ted Reagan, Wendel Reagan; and youngest daughter, Carol Ann Gade Barr.
She is survived by: Daughters, Linda Gade Richards (Gary), and Mildred Gade Claunch (Charles); siblings, Clayton Reagan (Lea), Charles Reagan (Margaret), Wanda Reagan Prince, Janet Reagan Sievers (Bill), and twins Ramona Reagan Beasley and Ronald Reagan (Jimmie); grandchildren, Randall Scott Claunch (and great-grandchildren, Jerrie Rose Claunch, Brooklyn Claunch, Ryan Claunch, Thomas Zuber and Nicholas Claunch, and great-great-granddaughter, Nova Claire Ray); plus grandson, William Christopher Barr Phillips (Sarita) of Morristown; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Doris was a homemaker until she became a CNA and worked for 18 years in nursing homes in Knoxville and Oak Ridge. She was like a second mother to her brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews. She was a long-time member of Riverview Baptist Church. She grew up in Claxton – Anderson County — and also lived in Knoxville, Powell and Karns area until after her youngest daughter's unexpected death in 2009, which hit her very hard. She moved to Sun City, Calif., to live with her oldest daughter, Linda Gade Richards, in February, 2010, where she remained until her death.
Final funeral arrangements are still pending. Doris will be cremated and brought back to Tennessee where she will be buried with her first husband, Roy E. Gade, in the Caledonia Cemetery in Strawberry Plains off Ruggles Ferry Road.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Heart Association.
Arrangements by Miller-Jones Mortuary and Crematory, Romoland, Calif.
DEANNA LYNN WARD
September 10, 2018
Deanna Lynn Ward, 47, Caryville, passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 at the North Knoxville Medical Center.
Deanna was born on April 9, 1971, in LaFollette. She loved the mountains and four wheeling. Deanna was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors: Father, Martin Ward of Caryville; mother, Lorene Ward of Caryville; sisters, Diane White of Jacksboro, Donna Rutherford and Steve of Caryville; brothers, Buster Ward and Teresa of Clinton, Roger Ward and Angie of Caryville, Jackie Ward of Caryville.
Visitation will be from 6 – 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, at Hatmaker Funeral Home.
Funeral serviced will be at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018, in the Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel.
Family and friends will meet at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, at Seiber Cemetery in the Shea Community for Deanna’s interment.
You may also view Deanna’s guestbook online at www.hatmakerfuneralhome.com
Hatmaker Funeral Home, Lake City, is in charge of arrangements.
