Kate Beasley Porter
July 4, 2025
Kate Beasley Porter died July 4, 2025, in Oak Ridge.
She was born Jan. 16, 1937, to Kitty and William Beasley on a farm in Dixon Springs, Tennessee.
After graduating from Smith County High School in Carthage in 1955, Kate attended the University of Tennessee, where she majored in home economics and was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She married Walter Ellis Porter in December 1957. For most of her adult life, Kate and her family lived in Clinton.
A loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kate was known for her infectious laugh and good humor. A true homemaker, she enjoyed cooking, crafting, gardening, and entertaining. She was a gifted seamstress who designed and sewed eight wedding gowns for her daughters, daughter-in-law, and several friends and relatives.
Kate served on the board of the Anderson County Red Cross and was a member of the Clinton Wednesday Club, the Timely Topics Club, and First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, where she served as an elder.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Walter Porter; daughter, Carol Porter Childress (Milt) of Charlotte, North Carolina; son, Walter Ellis Porter Jr. (Tracie) of Franklin, Tennessee; and daughter, Mary Kate Porter Wilson (Tom) of Greenville, South Carolina.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alex Childress Slabaugh (Drew) of Charlotte; Gracie Childress Lobao (Vitor) of Miami, Florida; John Childress (Tori) of Charlotte; John Porter (Katrina) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Alan Porter (Cecilia) of Nashville; Polly Wilson Lisle (Grant) of Greenville; Helen Wilson of Charlotte; and Cleve Wilson of Nashville.
Surviving great-grandchildren include Mary Jane Lisle, Alexander Porter, Eleanor Porter, Jack Childress and Margot Lisle.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. A private interment will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is proud to serve the Porter family.
holleygamble.com
Jimmy Jeffers
July 3, 2025
Jimmy Jeffers, 84, of Clinton passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
He was born on March 7, 1941, in Elk Valley, Tennessee, to Lawrence and Clara Jeffers. Jim loved Elk Valley and maintained a home place there for most of his life. Early in life, he enjoyed showing his Tennessee walking horse, Brandy, winning numerous trophies and ribbons.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Jeffers; his parents, Lawrence and Clara Jeffers; and brothers, Dan and Fred Jeffers.
He is survived by his children, Steve Jeffers (Carol), Keith Jeffers (Amy), Saundra Rodgers (Steven), and Kevin Jeffers (Becky); grandchildren, Brittney Jeffers, Lauren Williams (Chuck), Zachary Jeffers, Maggie Jeffers, Skyler Roberts (Spencer), Patrick Adcox, Sarah Howard (Jeff), Brock Beaty (Alex), Sawyer Reed, Shawnee Reed, Isabella Rodgers, and Stevie Rodgers; and great-grandchildren, Elijah, Nolan, Madison, Kolton, River, Maverick and Ryan.
The family met at Stanfield Cemetery in Pioneer, Tennessee, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. for an 11 a.m. graveside service.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tennessee, is honored to serve the Jimmy Jeffers family.
Pamela Jan Baird Kite
July 1, 2025
Pamela Jan Baird Kite, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 1, 2025.
Pam was born on Feb. 23, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Garrett Baird Jr. and Pauline Baird. She moved to Solway, Tennessee, as a child.
An adventurous spirit, Pam enjoyed reading, climbing trees and playing basketball. She graduated from Karns High School in 1972.
On Feb. 13, 1983, she married H. Terrence “Terry” Kite in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. They met in 1982 at the Oak Ridge Playhouse during a production of “Arsenic and Old Lace,” where Pam was the stage manager and Terry was the props manager.
Pam had an eclectic career, working as a telephone operator, photographer, executive assistant and more. Her favorite job was with Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a technician, where she enjoyed the challenges of technical writing and editing and was cited in several scientific publications.
She was an active volunteer with many organizations, including Girl Scouts, where she led a troop for more than 10 years. A craft virtuoso, Pam was proficient in ceramics, painting, photography, millinery, beadwork, lacemaking and all types of fiber arts.
She was a member of the Foothills Craft Guild and enjoyed teaching, demonstrating and participating in shows. She loved learning about historical fiber arts processes and techniques, including lacemaking, spinning, weaving and knitting. She published articles and patterns in books and magazines and taught local fiber arts classes.
Pam is survived by her husband of 42 years, Terry Kite; her children, Christa (Sean) Kavanagh, Gareth (Aliana) Kite, and Cameron (Rebecca) Kite; and 12 beloved grandchildren, Michael, Rachel, John Harvey, Ellie, Mariah, Bethany, Mackenzie, Rosaya, Alec, Aidan, Garrett and Ethan. She is also survived by many friends and loved ones.
David Michael “Crash” Daugherty
June 28, 2025
David Michael “Crash” Daugherty, 67, of Oliver Springs passed away June 28, 2025, with his family by his side, going home to be with the Lord.
David was the fourth child of Litton and Audrie Daugherty and was a lifelong resident of the Oliver Springs area. He was a journeyman ironworker and proud member of Ironworkers Union Local 384 for more than 40 years, retiring in 2009.
Throughout his career, he worked on many structures in the Knoxville region. David also enjoyed gardening, fishing and building projects, including the home he and his wife shared for nearly 20 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Luther and Mary Daugherty, and Charles “Driver” and Bonnie Coker Coday.
David is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Laura Daugherty; daughter, Cody Nicole Kitts and husband Chris; son, Joshua David Daugherty and wife Hannah; grandchildren, Mackenzie Grace Kitts and Carter David Kitts.
He is also survived by his siblings, Bruce Daugherty and wife Vicki, Pat Stiltner and husband Barry, and Billy “Duff” Daugherty and wife Mickey; nieces and nephews, Matthew Stiltner, Jason Stiltner, Nathan Daugherty, Erin Forgette, Drew Daugherty and Ashley Kitchings; and 16 great-nieces and nephews.
David leaves behind a host of friends and special cousins, including Vernon and Wanda Phillips, Dickie Hite and Frankie Hite, as well as his brother-in-law, Sam Kitchings, and sister-in-law, Leona Kitchings.
The family extends its gratitude to Quality Private Duty Care and a special thank you to Danielle Bennett, RN, for her exceptional care during this time.
Above all, David loved his family and treasured the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at Sharp Funeral Home. The funeral and burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 7, at Anderson Memorial Gardens.
Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Daugherty family.
Carl Kelley
June 27, 2025
Carl Kelley, 83, of Clinton, Tennessee, peacefully took his last breath here on earth on June 27, 2025. His next breath was with Jesus. His wife of 63 years, Lila Kelley, was by his side, caring for him as she always had.
Carl was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Clinton. He retired from the maintenance department at the Anderson County Courthouse after 30 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Georgia Kelley; brothers, Jimmy Kelley and Eugene Kelley; and sister, Willie King.
He is survived by his wife, Lila Kelley; son, Tim Kelley and wife, Robin; daughter, Sandy Watson and husband, Tom; grandchildren, Andy Kelley, Will Watson and Samantha Collins; brother, Jerry Kelley and wife, Helen; and sister, Ella Mae Cook and husband, Bud. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton. A graveside service and interment will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tennessee is honored to serve the Kelley family.
Larry Wayne Forsythe
June 26, 2025
Larry Wayne Forsythe was born on Feb. 8, 1941, to David and Georgia Jones Forsythe in Clarksville, Tennessee. At a young age, he moved to this area. He later married his first wife, Bonnie, and they had two children.
Fifteen years ago, after the passing of his first wife, Larry met and married Wanda Fielden. He was quickly loved by not only her, but her entire family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his sisters and a host of nieces and nephews.
While he held other jobs over the years, Larry most enjoyed and was primarily a millwright at Carbide Industries. He had many hobbies, including fishing, planting and caring for his flowers, reading the newspaper, watching “Judge Judy,” spending time with his dog, Hobo, and especially loving anything John Deere green.
Larry passed away on June 26 at his home, surrounded by those he loved. He left a lasting impression on everyone he met and will be deeply missed. His passing is our loss, but heaven’s gain.
Visitation was held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 30, 2025, in the chapel of Jones Mortuary in Clinton. A graveside service followed at 2 p.m. at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Powell, Tennessee.
Mary Jeanette Morrison
June 24, 2025
Mary Jeanette Morrison was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She left this world on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the age of 73, and is now resting in her heavenly home in the loving arms of our beloved Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jeanette was born on Dec. 10, 1951, in Clinton, Tennessee, to Henerietta and Milton Mayes. She attended Clinton High School and Valley View Baptist Church in Dutch Valley. She lived a full life with her family and friends and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jeanette truly loved all children and spent most of her lifetime caring for them.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents, Lily and Leonard Mayes; daughter, Melissa Mayes; brothers, James Mayes (Margaret), Gerald Mayes and Ronnie Mayes; and sisters, Susan Ballinger and Anna Ruth Thomas.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jack Morrison; daughter, Tammy Runkles (Wayne); son, Dewayne Morrison (April); and sister, Linda Day (Jerry). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Alan Runkles, Austin Runkles (Daisy), Adrian Runkles, Derek Morrison and Justin Morrison (Angel); four great-grandchildren; nieces, Carol Mayes Johnson and Chantel Pelfrey; nephews, David Day, Brian Mayes and Brandon McMillan; and special friends, Maryann Bullock, Shelia McKamey, Reita Yaden and Teresa Taylor.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with the funeral to follow at 7 p.m. at Jones Mortuary in Clinton, which is honored to serve the Mary Morrison family.
Dorothy Ann Wallace Howell
June 24, 2025
Dorothy Ann “Dot” Wallace Howell was born on June 27, 1937, in Knox County to Homer Houston Wallace and Bessie May Hargis Wallace. She was the youngest of four children.
Dot was raised on the family home on Carden Road in Clinton, where she and her siblings, Clara, Homer Jr. and William, spent their days playing on the ridge behind their house and helping with the family’s large garden and farm animals. She walked to school across the old river bridge.
Dot graduated from Carson-Newman University and taught for a year at Clinton Senior High School before becoming the first female engineer in the Numerical Control Program at Y-12 for Union Carbide in Oak Ridge. Over her many years at the plant, her work evolved from mainframe card decks to computerized machine tool design. Unfortunately, Dot was exposed to toxins in the workplace that later affected her health.
She met her late husband, Billy James “Bill” Howell, through mutual friends at the plant. They fell deeply in love, and their marriage lasted 41 years until Bill’s death in 2010. For many years, they lived with Dot’s parents at the Carden Road home. Together they kept gardens and raised bountiful food, which they often shared with coworkers and friends.
Dot and Bill provided years of loving care for Dot’s parents, and after their passing, the couple moved to Mariner Point, where they gained many new friends. Dot later cared for Bill as he battled mesothelioma. She loved their cruise to Alaska so much that after his passing, she cruised to more destinations, including taking a trip around the world.
Dot was devoted to her faith and her church family at First Baptist Church of Clinton. She was active in the Timely Topics group, which her grandmother helped found in 1934, and served multiple terms as president. She cherished her many close friendships and connections with family across the country, and took daily joy in tending her flowers and plants, watching the birds, and caring for her pets, including her last dog, Zoe.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her sister, Clara Wallace McClure; brothers, Homer Houston Wallace Jr. and William James Wallace; and her grandparents, James Henry and Clara Leinart Wallace, and William Jesse and Carolina Keck Hargis.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Julie Wehner Wallace of Ohio; and four far-flung but loving nieces, Wendy McClure of Washington, Laura McClure of New York, Nora Wallace of Kansas, and Lisa Wallace of Ohio. Dot will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Howell family.
holleygamble.com.
