Peggy Sue Jeffers
April 9, 2025
Peggy Sue Jeffers (née Chase), 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 9, 2025, in Oak Ridge.
Born July 6, 1947, in Briceville, Peggy lived a life marked by deep devotion to her family and her work.
She dedicated more than 30 years to the medical field, retiring from Covenant Health after a long and faithful career. Her commitment to caring for others was a defining part of her life.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jimmy Jeffers; her children, Steve Jeffers and wife, Carol, Keith Jeffers and wife, Amy, Saundra Rodgers and husband, Steven, and Kevin Jeffers and wife, Becky; and her grandchildren, Brittany Jeffers, Lauren Williams, Zachary Jeffers, Maggie Jeffers, Patrick Adcox, Skylor Roberts, Sarah Howard, Brock Beaty, Sawyer Reed, Shawnee Reed, Isabella Rodgers, and Stevie Rodgers. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Elijiah, Nolan, Madison, Kolton, River, Maverick, and Ryan.
Peggy is also survived by her brothers, Jimmy Chase, Vaughn Chase and Johnny Chase.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Woodrow and Hazel Chase, and her brother, Tommy Chase.
A private service will be held at a later date to honor her life.
May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
Jones Mortuary is serving the family of Peggy Jeffers.
Regina M. “Jeanie” Bertram
April 8, 2025
Regina “Jeanie” M. Bertram, 83, of Clinton died Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at her home.
She was born Sept. 13, 1941, in Albion, Illinois, to James R. and Darlene F. Mauller and spent her childhood in Monticello, Kentucky. Jeanie was a 1959 graduate of Monticello High School, where she played trombone in the high school band.
She was baptized at First Christian Church in Monticello, Kentucky, and went on to teach Sunday School and play piano at New Salem Baptist Church in Clinton. She later attended Ebenezer United Methodist Church in Knoxville and Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton. She loved sharing Jesus’ love through her caring heart and warm smile and believed in honoring the Lord by serving others.
Jeanie worked briefly as a substitute teacher at Shinlever Elementary School before finding her calling in community service. She served for 27 years as executive director of the Anderson County Health Council, where she expanded the county dental clinic to provide care for those who couldn’t afford it. Through her leadership, the council also began dental education initiatives in local elementary schools. Even after retirement, she continued to help organize and support clinics offering indigent dental care to residents.
She was instrumental in supporting the county’s Healthy Start Program, which aimed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. She also helped manage the Anderson County Life Development Center, which provided resources and support to youth aging out of foster care. Jeanie was also an active member of the United Way.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Thomas K. Bertram.
She is survived by her husband, Louis K. Bertram; sons, Sam (Gwen) Bertram and Max (Beth Ann) Bertram; brother, James (Karen) Mauller; sister, Charma (Doral) Ambrose; grandchildren, Josh Bertram, Alex Bertram, Shelby Bertram and Magnus Dickinson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. Burial will take place at a later date at Keeny Cemetery in Somerset, Kentucky.
William Archer “Archie” Rhodey
April 5, 2025
William Archer “Archie” Rhodey, 70, of Oak Ridge went to be with the Lord Saturday, April 5, 2025, He passed away at home surrounded by family and loved ones.
Born March 12, 1955, and raised in the Marlow community of Clinton, he was best known as Archer, Archie or Arch.
He dedicated many years of his life to serving his community — first as a volunteer with the Marlow Volunteer Fire Department and through a long career in public works for the city of Oak Ridge. After retirement, he continued to work part time in maintenance at Home Depot.
Archer’s passion was his garden, filled with vibrant flowers and vegetables. Strangers often stopped just to admire and photograph his handiwork. He also enjoyed NASCAR, wrestling, cold beer, grilling, fishing, and, most of all, spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He never missed a game, event or family gathering, always offering a listening ear, encouragement, or a helping hand.
He especially doted on his wife of 52 years, Linda. Even during a hospital stay, he secretly made arrangements to ensure flowers were delivered on their anniversary, March 27, so he wouldn’t miss a beat on their special day.
Known for his radiant smile, boisterous laugh, deep blue eyes and kind heart, Archer was beloved everywhere he went. He wore many hats in life, but in every role he was cherished — as a husband, father, papaw, uncle, brother and friend. He will be terribly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma Louise (White) Rhodey and William Rhodey; siblings Connie Rhodey, Charlie Rhodey, Steve Rhodey, Billy Rhodey and Randy Rhodey; and sister-in-law Jeanie Rhodey.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda A. Rhodey; daughters, Jaqueline Rhodey and Rebecca (Joseph) Washington; son, William “BB” Rhodey (Wendy); grandchildren, Xavier Underwood, Kiana Underwood, Katie Brown, William Brown, Angel Brown, Ivy-Lee McDonie, Hope Hicks and Gabe Rhodey; and seven great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are sisters-in-law Jean Rhodey and Susie Rhodey; nieces and nephews Nikki Rhodey, Randall Rhodey, Dessie Rhodey, Jessica Rhodey, Jason Rhodey, Amber Rhodey, Autumn Rhodey, Charlie Rhodey, Rebecca Robinson-Smith, Lewis Robinson and John T. Rhodey.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at 107 Pickwick Lane, Oak Ridge.
Jones Mortuary is serving the Rhodey family.
Johnny A. Duggins
April 4, 2025
Johnny A. Duggins, 76, of Clinton passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
He was born Dec. 10, 1948, in Clinton to Millard “Tubby” Duggins Jr. and Pauline Davis Duggins. Johnny was a member of South Clinton Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
A devoted family man, Johnny’s pride and joy were his grandchildren. He especially loved attending their baseball games. He also enjoyed horseback riding, motorcycles, hunting, and fishing with his son, Robert.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Duggins Henry.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Paulette Duggins of Clinton; daughter, Polly Duggins of Knoxville; son, Robert Allen Duggins and wife, Katrina, of Andersonville; grandchildren, Scarlett Womack, Harrison Womack, Samuel Allen Duggins, Alex Duggins and Ella Duggins; brother-in-law, William Russell and wife, Letha, of Caryville; and several nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Clinton First Baptist Church. A funeral followed with Chris Thomas officiating.
Graveside services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnel to Towers.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Raymond Edward Childs
April 4, 2025
Raymond Edward Childs, 87, of Rocky Top passed away Friday, April 4, 2025, at his home.
He was born Aug. 1, 1937, in Meigs County, Tennessee, to Robert Taylor and Elizabeth Knight Childs.
Raymond was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a talented musician. He also enjoyed building, traveling and gardening.
His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved the Lord and his church, Midway Baptist in LaFollette. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Prentice, James Prentice and Frank Childs; and sister, Vera Pendergrass.
He is survived by his wife, Emogene Childs; daughters, Susan Worley and husband, Edward, and Teresa Ann Gothard; grandchildren, Ashlee Elizabeth Stuart, Callie Marie Gothard and Colin Joel Gothard; sister, Kathrine Myers; and several nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
The family received friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, at Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation.
The funeral followed at 3 p.m. Pastor Johnny Dabney officiated. The graveside service followed at Leach Cemetery in Rocky Top with full military honors by the Campbell County Honor Guard.
leachfamilyfuneralhome.com
Howard Keith Daugherty
April 4, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Howard Keith Daugherty announces his passing. Keith, a kind and gentle soul, of Lake City, died peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the age of 56.
He was born June 15, 1968, in Clinton to Richard Douglas Daugherty and Donna F. Stocks Daugherty. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Walden View Baptist Church.
Keith was a devoted son and a loving brother.
He enjoyed camping, woodworking, hunting and fishing, and was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
He had a natural ability to fix anything, and was always willing to help others before himself.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Douglas Daugherty.
He is survived by his mother, Donna Daugherty; brothers, Vincent Daugherty and wife Penny, and Houston Daugherty and wife Tanya; and sister, Tina Daugherty Owens and husband Steve. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends who will deeply miss him.
Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2025, at Hatmaker Funeral Home Chapel in Lake City.
The funeral followed at 8 p.m., with Bro. Jimmy Ault officiating.
A graveside service and interment was held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Dutch Valley United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Family and friends met at Hatmaker Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. and left in procession.
The Rev. Wayne Phillips officiated the graveside service.
Diana Long
April 3, 2025
Diana Long, 66, of Clinton passed away Monday, April 3, 2025, at Diversicare of Oak Ridge.
She was born Jan. 12, 1959, to Charles and Frankie Long.
After graduating from high school, she was inspired to join the U.S. Army and proudly became a veteran. Diana loved her family deeply and enjoyed reading and gardening. She worked as a certified nursing assistant and found joy in caring for people in their homes.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles Long Jr. and Darold Long.
She is survived by her sons, Calvin Snyder of Iowa, and William Robert Snyder and wife, Melissa, of Texas; sisters, Debra Stair and husband, Darryl, of Clinton, Karen Barker of Las Vegas, Louise Long of Knoxville, Loretta Vanover and husband, Robert, of Oliver Springs, and Teresa Clark and husband, Robert, of Clinton; and grandchildren, Zachary Snyder, Isiah Adolia, Noah Tobias, Alexander Dean Bly, Hunter David Snyder, and Sabrina Maxine Snyder.
She also leaves behind a host of extended family, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Diversicare and Gentiva Hospice for the wonderful care given to Diana.
The family received friends Monday, April 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Jones Mortuary. The funeral followed at 7 p.m. in the chapel. The Rev. Robert Jones officiated. The graveside service was held Tuesday, April 8, at Valley View Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Clinton.
Jones Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Diana Long.
Karen Doris Tilley
April 2, 2025
Karen Doris Tilley, 67, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
She was born April 19, 1957, to Sam and Thelma Reaves.
Karen was a professed born again by the blood of Jesus Christ and present member of Piney Grove Baptist Church.
She will be remembered for her love for the Lord, her kindness toward others and her unwavering love for her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Kenny Reaves; and brothers-in-law, Claude Clapp and A.C. DeCosta.
She is survived by her husband, Carlos Tilley; daughters, Kathy Golden and husband, Gene, and Christine Rhea and husband, Greg; son, Wes Tilley and wife, Shari; and “like a daughter,” Lisa Elder and husband, Tommy.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Katelyn Roberts and husband, Blake, Kamryn Golden, Madelyn King and husband, J.T., Kaitlyn Rhea, Brianna Rhea, Levi Rhea, Whitley Toler and husband, Darrell, Isiah Tilley and wife, Abby, Kendra Rogers and Taylor Rogers; and great-grandchildren, Grayson and Charley Kate Roberts.
Additional survivors include sisters, Sharon Clapp and Nancy DeCosta; sister-in-law, Liz Reaves; cousin, John Meredith and wife, Charlene; and many nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home.
The funeral followed, with the Revs. Bill Smith and Calvin Braden officiating.
Family and friends met at the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Sunday and traveled in procession to the graveside service at Norris Memorial Gardens.
