Obituaries

Joshua Matthew Long

Joshua Matthew Long, 38, passed away on Saturday March 16, 2024, at his home in Knoxville Tennessee. 

Joshua loved his family. He was an outdoorsman and loved fishing. Joshua was also a very hard worker all his life. 

He is preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Long; and grandparents, Norris and Jessie Long.

Joshua is survived by his father, Norris long and Vicki of Clinton TN; mother, Lillian Edmonds; brothers, Christopher Long of Knoxville, TN, Brandon Long and Venesa May of Knoxville, TN, and Paul Long of Knoxville, TN; and nephews, Nathan Long and Jacan Long. He also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Services times will be announced at a later time when they become available.

Jones Mortuary of Clinton TN is honored to serve the Joshua Long family.

Barbara Jean Pemberton Butler

On Friday, March 15, 2024, Barbara Jean Pemberton Butler, loving wife, mother and sister, passed away at the age of 88. Born in 1935 to Jane and Carl Pemberton in Clinton, Tennessee, she married Donald Smith Butler on Nov. 15, 1979.  Talented artist and successful businesswoman, Barbara received her master’s degree in fine art from the University of Florida. For her artwork, she particularly enjoyed watercolor, batik, oil and clay art mediums. She loved traveling with her daughters and spending time with her grandchildren. Barbara was a dynamic, determined and loyal woman, with a plethora of energy and an impish sense of humor, who loved her family and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Barbara is survived by her husband Don; brother Steven Carl Pemberton, of Clinton, Tennessee; daughter Paige Pemberton Williams Carrier and son-in-law Sidney Mikael Carrier, of Memphis, Tennessee; daughter Heather Butler Martin and son-in-law Joshua Robert Martin, of Knoxville, Tennessee; granddaughter Bailey Victoria Butler, of Clinton, Tennessee; and grandson Coleman Pemberton Carrier, of Memphis, Tennessee.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on March 26th, 2024, at Woodhaven Cemetery in Claxton, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Tennessee Memory Disorders Foundation (tmdf.org), Gideons International or the charity of your choice.

Woodhaven Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Barbara Jean Pemberton Butler.

Linda S. O’Brien

Linda S. O’Brien, 75, went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 15, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Nov. 18, 1948, to the late Lewis and Helen Bell (McCoy) Brooks in Columbia, South Carolina.

She loved to spend time with her family and never missed the opportunity to tell everyone she loved them. Linda had a heart for helping those in need and would crochet hats to take to the homeless shelters during the winter. Whether it was a crocheted hat or a hot meal, she always took care of those around her. She was a very talented artist who loved drawing, painting, and even creating an art piece out of chalk in the parking lot of the local high school. She was a devout Christian and was a member of Edgemoor Baptist Church for many years. Her church family held a special place in her heart. Linda couldn't help but make friends with everyone she would meet. She truly touched the hearts of those who had the blessing of meeting her. 

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, Barry O’Brien.

She is survived by her son, Shawn O’Brien; sister, Verna Barrett; granddaughters, Elizabeth Chandler, Chrissy Edwards, Camile, Cadance, and Ella O’Brien; grandsons, Michael and Tommy Stanley, Atticus and Arrow O’Brien; and many great-grandchildren and special friends.

Friends and family gathered at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home to celebrate Linda’s life on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 5 p.m. until the start of the memorial service at 6:30 p.m.

Linda will re-join her husband at Barlett Cemetery in Illinois at a later date.

Janice (Jan) Carolyn Cox

Janice (Jan) Carolyn Cox, age 83, of Clinton, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after a brief illness. Jan was born in Lake City, Tennessee in 1940. She was a devoted homemaker who dedicated her life to serving her family and her church. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She enjoyed traveling, sewing, reading, and hosting family and church gatherings at her home.

She was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Clinton where she served as a Sunday school teacher, was active in her book club, and served in the church’s vacation Bible school, Awana and Kid Connect, Mother’s Day Out, and funeral meal ministries.

She is preceded in death by parents, Alvin and Beatrice Hill; husband, Dick Cox; stepson, Odie Cox; and stepdaughter, Tammy Wellman. 

Janice is survived by daughter Tammy and (Karl) Thatcher; son, Kevin and (Sharon) Shipp; stepdaughter, Gerri Galinet; grandchildren, Lea Anna and (Josh) Rushing, Emily and (Jacob) Johnson, Molly and (Johnny) Robinson, Jonathan and (Mollie) Shipp, Hannah Shipp, Sarah Shipp, and Grant Galinet; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Jack and (Judy) Hill and Wayne and (Vickie) Hill. A host of cousin, extended family and church family, including her Sunday School Class and BSF group.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home from 1:00-3:00PM with the funeral to follow with the Dr. Michael Thompson officiating. Janice will be buried at Oak Grove Cemetery following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Janice to Second Baptist Church Missions at 777 Public Safety Lane, Clinton, TN, 37716.   Donations can also be made by clicking on the “Give Online” tab at secondbaptistchurch.org. www.holleygamble.com

Barry Eugene Goins

On March 11, 2024 our darling son, Barry Goins age 61, of Andersonville, TN was called home to be with Jesus. Waiting to reunite are his loving parents Ted and Becky Goins, and special “Sissy” Michelle Smith of Seymour, TN.

Barry’s happy place was behind the wheel of a tour bus where he was a coach driver for Rocky Top Tour in Alcoa and previous years at Premier Tours of Knoxville. Barry loved farming and fishing.

Barry’s uncles include Ralph Belch of Maryville, TN and Marvin Goins of Andersonville, TN. Multiple cousins including first cousins Andrea Norton, Anita O’Reilly, Brandon Belch, Randy Martin, Lisa Wells and Trevenia Jones.

Also, left behind are Barry’s special friends Barbara Stephens, Mike Bayless, Randy Clark, Michelle Hughes, Renee Southerland, Carol Carpenter, Chestine Mick and Sue “Wifey” Dixon.

The family received friends on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 11 a.m. - 1p.m. His funeral followed at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary. The graveside service followed at 2 p.m. at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Rocky Top, TN.

Jones Mortuary of Clinton, TN is honored to serve the Barry Goins family.

Russell Paul Taylor

Russell Paul Taylor, age 52 of Clinton, went peacefully to his heavenly home surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 10th, 2024.  He was born in Knoxville to Irene Newport Taylor and the late Charles Thomas Taylor, Sr. on April 6, 1971.

Russell was a loving husband, dad, papaw, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Most importantly, he was a follower of Jesus Christ and a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Andersonville.

Russell is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Carla Foust Taylor; three children, son, Caleb Burrell, (Courtney), and daughters, Stephanie Taylor and Madison Taylor; three grandchildren; Jaxton Niner, Everleigh Taylor and Carson Burrell; mother, Irene Newport Taylor of LaFollette; sister, Libby Owens Whittington, (Ronnie) of North Wilkesboro, NC,  sister, Sue Ann (Missy) Taylor Marlow, (David) of LaFollette, brother, Mark Gordon Taylor, (Tonia) of Orlando, FL, sister, Lisa Taylor Johnson, (Chris) of Knoxville; a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends, and his beloved dog, Tyson.

Russell is preceded in death by his father, Charles Thomas Taylor, Sr., his brother, Charles (Chuck) Thomas Taylor, Jr., and his infant brother, John Gordon Taylor.

Russell worked as a millwright for over 30 years.  At the time of his passing, he was a project manager for Darana Hybrid, Inc.  Russell was a man of many passions.  In his free time, he enjoyed putting smiles on people’s faces through his work with Pyro Shows of LaFollette.  If you’ve seen a firework show in our area, you’ve probably seen Russell’s work.  He loved helping people through his mission work with First Baptist Church of Andersonville, and his mission trips were some of his most cherished memories.  Anyone who spent time with Russell knew that he was an avid Tennessee Volunteer.  In his words, he “grew up on that hill cheering for the Vols!” Russell also enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, working puzzles, fishing, cooking, and tinkering in his garage.

The receiving of friends wa held on Wednesday, March 13, from 4-7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Andersonville. The service followed.  Interment was held Thursday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Clinton.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Pallbearers: Conner Brown, Darryl Cuttell, Chris Johnson, Mike Laxton, David Marlow, David Queener, Tony Simpson, and Mark Taylor. Honorary Pallbearers: Tim Arnold, Herb Foust, Johnny Foust, Spencer Herren, Lansden Hill, Slayton Holland, Ken Layman, Trevor Newport, Mike Neto, and Chase Terry.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the newly formed non-profit “The Russell Taylor BUILD 4 JESUS Foundation.”   The foundation accepts payments through PayPal, Cash and Checks.

The staff of Leach Family Funeral Home and cremation is honored to serve the family of Russell Paul Taylor.

Sue Simmons Mitchell

Sue Simmons Mitchell, 93, went home to her Lord on March 9, 2024.  Sue was born on April 6, 1930, to the late Wade and Minnie P. Simmons.

She was a lifetime member of Mount Pleasant Methodist Church. As a little girl her family was moved from their home in Loyston, TN when Norris Lake was created by TVA.  She loved her family, friends, relatives, and Church.

Sue was a wonderful mother and enjoyed the pleasures of raising three sons, although it was challenging at times.

In addition to her parents, Sue is preceded in death by her beloved husband John Clyde Mitchell (Jay), beloved youngest son Kevin Mitchell, and brothers Leo Simmons and wife Hazel, and Howard Simmons (Bud) and companion Sue.

She is survived by sons, Kendell Mitchell and wife Jean; Brent Mitchell; precious daughter-in-law, Gail Mitchell; grandchildren, John Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell Spencer & husband Lex, Sam Mitchell and Sidney; great-grandchildren, Trinity McGraw and husband Cameron; Cameron, Gabriel, and Crichton Spencer; and several nieces and nephews

The family would like to thank Cindy Pugh as well as U.T. Hospice

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mount Pleasant Methodist Church Cemetery Fund; P.O. Box 312 Andersonville, TN 37705.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Methodist Church with the funeral at noon, interment will follow the funeral at the church cemetery. Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve Sue’s family. www.holleygamble.com

Jackie Earl Walker

Jackie Earl Walker, 82, of Andersonville, Tennessee, joined his wife Norma in Heaven on March 9, 2024. He was born into the Bethel community of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on July 8, 1941.  He worked at Ryder as a mechanic, and then foreman for more than 30 years.  Jack, as his friends called him, believed in hard work and, at times, worked three jobs simultaneously to provide for his family.  The two vocations he was most passionate about were farming and auto body repair.  Jack raised four daughters and, as one might imagine, stayed very busy caring for those daughters’ vehicles when they began driving.  Jack lived his faith daily, and he was a member of Bethel Baptist Church for more than 50 years, serving for many as a Deacon.  Jack will be remembered most for his willingness to help others, and for his dedication and loyalty to family and friends.  In addition to being a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, he loved his John Deere Tractors, Chevys, Westerns, Mamaw Walker's Chicken  & Dumplings, Banana Pudding, and biscuits and gravy.  

Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Norma Guinn Reynolds Walker; his parents, Odus Earl and Margaret Clara Ford Walker; his sister, Mary Etta Paskell; his brother, Dewey Walker; his brother-in-law,  Jerry Reynolds; his mother-in-law, Jessie Mae Reynolds; and his son-in-law, John Hunley.

Jack is survived by his four daughters, Jacqueline Whitesell (husband, John Bell Whitesell), Amy Noe (husband, Dr. Richard Nick Noe II (“Richie”), Julie Carswell (husband, Rufus Hutchinson Carswell V), Renee Hunley (fiancé Danny Braden). He is survived by his grandchildren, Brittney Hunley Bailey, Brooke Hunley, Richard Nick Noe III (“Trey”), Jackson Walker Noe, Gavin Gabriel Noe, Rufus Hutchinson Carswell VI (“Hutch”), Jack Hunter Whitesell, and Jesse Walker Whitesell.  Jack is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Johnny Garner, Savannah Bailey, Rocky Bailey Jr, and Boyd Bailey.  He is survived by his sisters, Barbara Elkins, Ethel Davis (husband, Roger Davis), and Carolyn Oxendine (husband, Ray Oxendine); his brother, Billy Walker (wife, Kay Walker); and survived by sister-in-law, Jane Reynolds; brother-in-law, Don Reynolds, brother-in-law, Shannon Paskell; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive friends at Holly Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton, Tennessee, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the service to follow at 12:30 p.m.. The graveside service will follow immediately at Bethel Baptist Church.  Flowers may be sent to Holly Gamble Funeral Home.

The family is thankful to all friends and family for your prayers and kindness during this difficult time.

The staff at Holley Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Mr. Jackie Earl Walker.