Troy Ronald “Ronnie” Hall
January 24, 2024
Troy Ronald “Ronnie” Hall passed away on Jan. 10, 2024, at 11:09 p.m., surrounded by his family. Ronnie took great pride knowing when he drew his last breath on Earth, he was going to see Jesus’ face. Ronnie looked forward to seeing his lovely bride Lelia of 57 years, who went to heaven before he did. Ronnie longed to hear Lelia fuss at him for taking so long to get home.
Ronnie went to Clinton High School. After high school, he worked as a mechanic, construction worker, handyman, and laborer, and in many factories. Ronnie worked at Byrd’s Wrecker Service for good friend Dennis Byrd for several years. Ronnie retired from Pathway Bellows in 2003. He volunteered with the Anderson County Rescue Squad for many years. He was known to be able to physically tear doors from cars with his bare hands. Ronnie was a hard worker, one of the strongest men you would ever meet. He was a gentle giant.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his lovely bride Lelia, his parents, George and Dessie Hall, brother’s George Jr. and JE Hall, sisters Shirley Taylor and Martha Lou Scarboro.
He is survived by children Ricky Hall and wife Connie of Clinton, Tennessee, Robin Elliott and husband Wesley of Lake City Tennessee, Rodney Hall and wife Kim of Jonesborough Tennessee; Grandchildren Justin Hall, Dr. Brittney (Hall) Kerber and husband Dr. John Kerber, Austin Elliott (Ashley Carl), Angela Elliott (Jacob Baxter), Kristen Hall, and Ryan Hall. Great-grandchildren Cannen Baxter and Lily Carl. Sisters Lana Flo Kelly and Sue Beets.
The family received friends at Jones Mortuary, 375 N. Main St., Clinton Tennessee. Visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, with his funeral following at 8 p.m. in the chapel of Jones Mortuary with David White and Ricky Hall officiating. Family and friends gathered for his graveside service on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
In lieu of flowers, the family strongly requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or your local charity.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton, Tennessee, is honored to serve the family of Troy Hall.
Katherine J. Kroeger
January 24, 2024
Katherine J. Kroeger, 64, passed from this life on Jan. 12, 2024, surrounded by the unconditional love she created and gave to us all. Kathy was born Aug. 29, 1959, in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up in Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee, with her many siblings. Though life circumstances sometimes created physical distance, her love was always present. Kathy was always a fierce protector of those she loved, and an advocate for those she viewed as an underdogs in any given situation.
Kathy received her undergraduate degree in 1982 and her juris doctorate in 1986 from the University of Tennessee. After spending a few years in private practice at Mostoller & Stulberg, Kathy joined the 7th Judicial District’s Public Defender’s Office in June 1990, where she spent more than 30 years as an assistant public defender. She fought tirelessly and fiercely for her clients, while being exceptionally reasonable and respectful to her clients and her adversaries.
In some circles, she was affectionately known as “the Beast.” Kathy excelled at her job and was respected by colleagues, friends and adversaries alike. Her work family was just that, family. If you had the pleasure of her friendship, you knew she would treat you like family, and family was very important to her. Kathy had many roles in her personal life — beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin — but the role that was most important to her was Mom. Her three daughters were able to witness her tenacity, courage, strength and unconditional love, not only for them, but for others. Kathy believed in truth and justice, that everyone deserved to have their voice heard, and all should be treated with kindness. Her love and compassion were unconditional and limitless. She always listened and tried to understand others’ points of view. She passed these attributes, along with a love of reading, writing, and especially argumentation, to her strong-willed (just like Mama) daughters. We hope to honor her and her life by emulating her.
Kathy was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William C. and Leora M. Kroeger, Sr; and uncle, William C. Kroeger, Jr. (Sharon, surviving). Kathy is survived by her three daughters, Victoria Kroeger (Anne Hensley), Leora Boyd (Gabriel), and Rachel Boyd (Alec); her parents, Don and Ann Kroeger; her siblings, William (Ann) Kroeger, Kevin (Sarah) Kroeger, Shari (Dale) Bennett, Jonathan (Dawn) Johnston, Alan (Andi) Johnston; Valerie (Greg) Lay, and Steve (Norma) Martin. She also leaves behind to cherish her memories many nieces, nephews, and cousins: Anna, Cheng-Hou, and Miles Lee; Ben Sanders; Caitlyn Johnston; Cate and Luke Kroeger; Isabel Kroeger; Bill Kroeger; Andrea Diaz; the extended Boyd family; the Lay family; and the Martin family. There are many other friends who are considered family, including several of her children’s friends who thought of Kathy as a second mom, as well as her best friends, Nancy Meyer and Karla Stuber. A special thanks to all those at Tennessee Cancer Specialists for their care and kindness during Mom’s journey. An extra special thanks to JoAnna and Shaunda for helping us navigate this journey with Mom with dignity and grace. Kathy’s family will receive friends at Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, with a celebration of life service to follow at 3:30 p.m.
All who have been touched by her light are welcome to attend and share memories of Kathy.
Kenneth Johnson
January 17, 2024
Kenneth CR Johnson went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 7, 2024. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kendra Jan Johnson; son-in-law's, Barry Norris, Steve Seifert; wife, Ruby Johnson; and grandchild, Justin Woods. He is survived by his first wife, Sylvina Jane Johnson; daughters, Kim Norris, Kristi (Dave) Biles, and Kathy Seifert; grandchildren, CJ Ison, Kenney Ison, Sierra (Bo) Corser, Bradley Norris; great grandchildren, Kenney Ison Jr., Ethan Ison, Layla Ison, Aiden Woods, Sean Woods, Hunter Corser; step-children, Dawn Thomason, Bryant (Lynn) Thomason; step-grandchildren, Reid Thomason and Brentley Thomason. The family will receive friends Friday, January 12, 2024, from 12:00pm-1:30pm at Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel. A service will follow immediately at 1:30pm with Franklin Eppinette officiating. Graveside service will be held the same day, 3:00pm at Oak Ridge Memorial Park. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Johnson family and invites you to view and sign the online registry at www.gentrygriffey.com.
Mary E. Brooks
January 17, 2024
Mary E. Brooks, 83, of Heiskell, Tennessee, was born July 20, 1940, and passed away on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Cora Short; husband of 66 years, Winston Brooks; brother, Kenneth Short; sister-in-law, Wanetta Short; sister, Wilma Bridges; and brother-in-law, Paul Bridges.
Mary is survived by her sons Gary Brooks and Terry Brooks; grandchildren Ian Brooks Miller (Lara), Heather (Justin) Snider, Wade Brooks and family, Brittney (Brian) Clark, Cody (Lindsey) Brooks, and Rachel Brooks; 11 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Beulah (Charlie) Ausmus; brother-in-law Bobby (Nora) Brooks; and sister-in-law Bonnie Brooks; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
The family will receive friends Friday Jan. 19, 2024, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Coffey Funeral Home in Tazewell. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. in the Coffey Funeral Home chapel.
A graveside service will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery. Minister will be Dr. Greg Lindsey; pallbearers will be Cody Brooks, Brandon Brooks, Ian Brooks Miller, Skyler Brooks Miller, Justin Snider and Brian Clark.
Coffey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
Mary “Lynell” Queener
January 10, 2024
Mary “Lynell” Queener, 83, passed from this life into her heavenly body on Dec. 28, 2023. She was born on Dec. 7, 1940 to Clifford and Thelma Jane (Kirkpatrick) Roberts in LeRoy, Illinois.
She was preceded in death by her husband Sam (Eddy), her parents, a brother, William C “Billy” Roberts, and a sister, Ina Joan Heck.
Leaving behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Vickie Wilson, Mary Jane “Janie” Edwards (John); her faithful companion, her dog, Maddie; sister, Sandra Jones (James “Junior”); brothers-in-law, James Queener (Freddie) and David Queener (Glenda); granddaughter, Katie Simmons (Miles Mobley); nephew, Bobby Roberts (Cathy), and many groups of friends.
Lynell was a member of Second Baptist Church in Clinton.
Friends visited with the family at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. The burial took place at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens in Claxton on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at 11 a.m.
The family would like to thank Jamie Parton with Amedisys Hospice Care for her loving care of Lynell.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the Queener family.
holleygamble.com
Michael W. Prater
January 10, 2024
Mr. Michael W. Prater, 74, died on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, at his home in Andersonville, Tennessee. He was born June 21, 1949, in Clairfield, Tennessee to Elmer and Frances Prater.
Mike graduated from Jellico High School, class of 1967. His occupation was heavy equipment operator in the coal business. He was a long-time member of the Clairfield Missionary Baptist Church and of the Jellico Masonic Lodge 527 F&AM. Mike enjoyed fishing, hunting and hiking with his dog Sadie, and spending time with his grandchildren, and babysitting his great grandson and name’s sake, Atlas Prater Halberstadt.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Frances Prater; sister, Lisa; and grandparents, Ross and Rose Prater, Herbert and Bessie McDonald.
He will be dearly missed by his wife Patsy Prater, daughters, Toni (Jeff) Gossett, Tracy (Kevin) Powers, grandchildren, Courtnie Fisher (Garrett), Sydnie (Brandal) Halberstadt, Dawson Fisher, Madison (Hunter) Melton, great grandchildren, Kellin, Kyler, Kalese, Atlas and a baby girl on the way, brother, David (Sharon) Prater. Dear friends, Donnie and Diana Day, Janice Gulley, Jim and Dora Sprinkles, and a host of relatives and friends.
All services are private.
Harp Funeral Home of Jellico in charge of all arrangements.
Amy Denise Morris
January 3, 2024
Amy Denise Morris, 65, loving mother, grandmother, and sister, unexpectedly left us after battling several medical issues recently. She bravely fought to the very end, but despite her best efforts, and the efforts of the medical staff at Oak Ridge Medical Center, she has left us to be reunited with her son, Staff Sgt. Daniel M. Morris; her mother, Ava Anderson; her son-in-law, Buster; and her grandsons, Aiden, Zach, and Zane.
Amy was quick-witted and stubborn, and loved her friends and family with a passion. She was married shortly after graduating from high school, and her focus was on raising her family. She eventually joined the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer, where she received special training in a variety of areas, including crisis intervention.
She enjoyed reading, especially Stephen King novels and true-crime stories. She loved animals, and throughout her life she had several dogs and cats of varying sizes and temperaments — and she doted on them all.
But most of her doting was targeted first toward her children, Daniel, Cassidy, and Adam, and her grandchildren, Lexy (Daniel’s daughter) and Patty (Adam’s daughter). She is survived by Cassidy and Adam, and her sister Linda Anderson (Don Chance) and nephew Eric Chance (Maeve Gould). Her son Daniel was killed in action in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006, which led her to become involved in Gold Star Mothers and the Mountain Man March.
She was baptized at Edgemoor Baptist Church as a child and attended there for many years. She later attended Lakeview Baptist Church. While she had a strong faith, she was unable to attend church because of her health issues.
A celebration of Amy’s life will be held at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home on Wednesday, Jan. 3. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the funeral will immediately follow. Family and friends will travel to Oak Ridge Memorial Park following the service for her interment. Donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital are suggested for those who would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers.
holleygamble.com
Tommy Gerald Cooper
January 3, 2024
Tommy Gerald Cooper, 70, passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, 2023, at his home in Powell, Tennessee.
From a young age, Tommy loved tinkering with cars, ultimately leading him to settle in Fort Worth, Texas, where he owned and operated Coop’s Automotive. When he wasn’t working, Tommy could be found drag racing, collecting car memorabilia, playing music with family and friends, riding his motorcycle, or simply enjoying the stillness and beauty of an early morning fishing trip.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie Cooper; spouse, Kathleen Fox; brothers, Donald Cooper and Ronald Cooper; sister, Shirley Cooper Shultz; and grandchildren, Emily Cooper and Victoria Bullard.
Tommy is survived by his children, Tommy Calvin Cooper, Elisa (Tim) Belcher, Gracie Bullard (Cheryl Bullard), and Holly Ham Jacobs (Dain); siblings, Michael (Carolyn) Cooper and Barbara Cooper Anderson; grandchildren, Blaine Belcher, Morgan Belcher, Brandon Cooper, Jayden Jacobs, Harley Jacobs, Emma Jacobs, and Hannah Jacobs; special family members and friends, Donna Baxter and Ralph Ham, Ray Daniels, Shannon Daniels, Jimmy Coward, Dale Coward, Dennis Beets, Donnie Calloway, David Phelps, Melissa Shoffner, Joe Shoffner, Dennis Collins, Jerry Johnson, Jimmy Monroe, and Brian Johnson. Last and certainly not least, Tommy leaves behind his beloved Pudgy the dog, who may miss him more than anyone else.
The family received friends on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home. The Last Ride took place on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, leaving Holley- Gamble Funeral Home at 2 p.m.
The staff at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Tommy G. Cooper.
holleygamble.com
