Joanne Malone (Irick) Wright
March 22, 2025
Mrs. Joanne Malone (Irick) Wright, 88, of Dallas, Georgia, passed away on March 22, 2025.
Joanne was born in Andersonville, Tennessee, to Tillus Irick and Wanda Pauline Humphrey Irick.
After graduating from Norris High School in 1955, she earned a business certificate from Knoxville Business School, and later worked for the Knoxville News Sentinel.
She married Max Louis Wright in 1957, and they made their home in Anderson County, where they raised their three daughters. Joanne was a devoted wife, mother, daughter and homemaker who loved her Lord and Savior. She spent time daily reading her Bible and learning scripture, which she shared with her daughters and her Sunday school students at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Heiskell.
Joanne and her husband later retired to Paulding County, Georgia, where she was a member of Concord Baptist Church in Temple, Georgia. Throughout her years in Tennessee and Georgia, she enjoyed working in her vegetable and flower gardens. She loved growing roses and preserving the fruits and vegetables she and her husband harvested.
She was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed sewing for her daughters. She was also a gifted artist at sketching and drawing. She enjoyed working with charcoal. After completing an art course, she produced some beautiful works.
Joanne also loved music, and played the piano and organ, continuing to enjoy both even in her later years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Max Wright, who passed away on Dec. 9, 2016; and her sister, Brenda Goforth.
Survivors include her daughters, Gwen (David) Forbes of Clinton, Tennessee, Sonya (James) Ransom of Dallas, Georgia, and Vicki (John) Rutherford of Kingsland, Georgia; grandchildren, Abigail (Kyle) Ruth, Amelia (Will) Grifenhagen, Brooke (Colby) Taylor, Samuel Forbes, Joshua Forbes and Harrison Rutherford; four great-grandchildren, Annalise Ruth, Maxwell Ruth, Riley Taylor and Madison Taylor; and many nieces and nephews.
Joanne Malone Wright will be remembered for her kindness, her love, her faith in God, and her commitment to her family. As we say goodbye, we find comfort in knowing her legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family extends special thanks to Kimberly Personal Care Home and Agape Hospice for their compassionate care.
Clark Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services for Mrs. Joanne Malone (Irick) Wright.
Mari Ruth Katelin Roysden
March 16, 2025
Mari Ruth Katelin Roysden, 23, of Jacksboro passed away March 16, 2025, from this life to life everlasting.
Katelin worked as a registered nurse for Hazard ARH, a travel nursing agency, serving in intensive-care units across the United States. She enjoyed ATV riding, hunting, fishing, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Michaela Bucker; and grandparents, Willie and Euvene Randolph and Frank and Nadine Lowe.
She is survived by her mother, Darlene Crain; siblings, Megan Randolph, Kristan Randolph, Even Randolph, Robert Roysden, Brandi Roysden and Russell Jo Roysden; and her special fur baby, Precious. She also leaves behind many extended family members and friends.
The family received friends Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs. Family and friends met at 12:30 p.m. Sunday to go in procession to Graves Gap Baptist Church, where she lay in state until 2 p.m. A funeral followed, officiated by Greg Overton and Lonnie Lowe. Interment followed at Graves Gap Baptist Church Cemetery.
Sharp Funeral Home is proud to be serving the Roysden family.
Daniel (Dan) Scott McBee
March 14, 2025
Daniel “Dan” Scott McBee, 78, of Norris passed away on March 14, 2025.
Dan graduated from Norris High School in 1964 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy, serving two years of active duty. After returning home, he began working for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Engineering Laboratory in Norris, where he retired in 2000 after 34 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William McBee Jr. and Virginia (Ladig) McBee of Norris; brother, Kenneth McBee of Halls; father-in-law, William Shorter; and sister-in-law, Linda McKamey of Clinton.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Teresa Shorter McBee; children, Scott McBee (Jennifer) of Knoxville, Chad Crowley (Heather) of Clinton, and Kristi Anderson (Joshua) of Clinton; grandchildren, Shanna Jarnigan, Katelyn McBee, Jackson McBee, Greyson McBee, Asher Anderson, and Carly McBee. He is also survived by his sister, Peggy Thomasson of Chattanooga; sisters-in-law, Diane Skeens (Steve) of Andersonville and Karen McBee of Halls; brother-in-law, Robert McKamey; and mother-in-law, Betty Shorter of Clinton.
The family will hold a private graveside service at a later date at McBee Cemetery in Corryton.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
Anna Theresser Caswell
March 12, 2025
Anna Theresser Caswell, 82, went home to her final resting place on March 12, 2025. She was born Nov. 25, 1942, in Fayetteville, Tennessee, and moved to Claxton at age 11 after spending several cherished summers there. She was a proud part of history, attending Clinton High School during its integration in 1958 as one of the Clinton 12. She later earned her GED from Knoxville College.
Anna was known for her dedication and hard work. She spent many years as a waitress at Shoney’s and worked as a chemical operator for more than 24 years at the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Her commitment to her career and family was unmatched, but her vibrant spirit truly set her apart.
She was passionate about life and had a variety of interests. Anna was known for her beautiful flower gardens, her delicious cooking that brought family together, and her fierce love for the Pinochle card game, often traveling to compete in tournaments. She loved cruising with Carnival, and above all, Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas held a special place in her heart, where she chased the thrill of the jackpot.
Anna was a trailblazer for her family, teaching those around her the importance of perseverance, embracing life, trying new things, and working hard for what they wanted. Her memory will live on through the lessons she imparted and the love she gave.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Annie Caswell; mother, Bernice Caswell-Beatty; stepfather, Albert Beatty; aunt, Verbeana Caswell-Moore; sister, Francis Beatty (Tinker); and brother, William Thomas Gist.
She leaves behind a loving family to cherish her momory sons, Ricky Caswell of Knoxville, Darryl Caswell and wife Tammy of Knoxville, and Kevin Caswell of Powell; grandchildren, Jordan, Tyler, Casey, Erica, Darryl Jr., Bradley, Brittney, Darrius, Kevin Jr. of Atlanta, and Anna Sade Caswell; 11 great-grandchildren; and nephews, Christopher Beatty of Powell and Desmond Beatty and wife Kristin of Smyrna, Georgia.
Anna will be deeply missed by her lifelong friends Gladys Johnson, Ann “Tweetie” Brown, Stella Red, Donna Cody and Pat Harris, who all shared in her joyful spirit and passion for life.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for your prayers and support during this time, and to the staff at Quality Home Health, including Amy Montgomery, case manager; Rachel Nelson, Jasmine Harris, BeLei Spicer, and many other wonderful caregivers who provided excellent care to Anna. Her light and love will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon on March 22, 2025, with a service to follow at Haven Chapel United Methodist Church, 220 Raccoon Valley Road, Powell.
Woodhaven Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Anna Theresser Caswell.
Peggy Jean Higdon
March 11, 2025
Peggy Jean Higdon, 87, of Clinton passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025.
Born on June 18, 1937, in Knoxville, Peggy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
She was known for her creativity, outgoing personality, sense of humor, and exceptional sense of fashion and style. Peggy enjoyed decorating, working with flowers and plants, shopping and crafting.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Philip L. Higdon; children Terry R. Miller, William D. Miller (Paige), and Tracy H. Edwards (Russ); grandchildren Brandon L. Miller (Brittany), Ketry B. Miller, Taylor N. Edwards, and Griffin L. Edwards; great-grandchildren Avery E. Miller, Eleanor G. Miller, and Isaiah L. Miller; and siblings Betty L. Goddard, Jimmy L. Goddard (Mary Ellen), and Philip D. Goddard (Laura).
A private service will be held at Norris Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Peggy will be dearly missed and remembered for her generosity, style, and gift for conversation.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com.
Jerry Elliott Burnette
March 9, 2025
Jerry Elliott Burnette, 54, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Oak Ridge.
He was born on Feb. 6, 1971, in Lake City to Jack and Cloia Burnette.
Jerry loved his family and the outdoors. He was an avid fan of the University of Tennessee and the Atlanta Braves.
He enjoyed fishing, camping and swimming, and had a passion for rock and roll music. Jerry was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cloia Burnette.
Survivors include his father, Jack Burnette of Clinton, Tennessee; his wife, Anjeanette Burnette of Knoxville, Tennessee; his daughter, Christina Braden and her partner, Jalen, of Caryville, Tennessee; his son, Michael Loper and wife, Kevina, of Tazewell, Tennessee; his brother, Mark Burnette and wife, Stacy, of Clinton, Tennessee; his sisters, Charlotte Kittrell and husband, Mickey, of Kingston, Tennessee, and Melissa Delisle and husband, Leo, of Pensacola, Florida; two special cousins, Teresa Gross and Brenda Wilson; and grandchildren, Steeley, Ridge, and Colter Loper. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and many loving family members and friends.
The family received friends on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Jones Mortuary Chapel, with the funeral following at 7 p.m. A procession will depart from Jones Mortuary on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10:15 a.m. to Oak Grove Cemetery in Rocky Top for an 11 a.m. graveside service.
Jones Mortuary in Clinton is serving the family of Jerry Burnette.
Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington
March 9, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington, 83, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Buzz is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence “Flo” Buffington; his sister, Barbara Jasper of Olympia, Washington; his son, Tim Buffington (Debbie); and his three grandchildren, Lauren, Jennifer and Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Cloyd “Bud” Buffington.
Buzz was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he grew up enjoying hunting, fishing, guiding and working in wildlife conservation. He earned a master’s degree in wildlife management from the University of Idaho, where he also met his wife, Flo. He later received a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and moved to Norris, Tennessee, where they raised their son, Tim.
He spent his professional career with the Tennessee Valley Authority, retiring as vice president of land management after working his final years at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. He and Flo eventually settled back in Clinton, Tennessee.
In retirement, Buzz devoted himself to community service. He volunteered his organizational skills to the local fire department, the Arts and Crafts Guild, and the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation. His true passion was the outdoors — especially fly-tying and fly-fishing. He had a deep love for nature and conservation, and was happiest with a fly rod in hand, wading through the Clinch River or Norton Creek and teaching others,young and old, the art of casting or tying flies.
Buzz was a charter member of the Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, where he served as a board member emeritus. He played a key role in establishing the John Thurman Trout Camp and volunteered with Operation Healing Waters and the Wounded Warrior Project, organizing outdoor activities for those facing adversity. He also participated in countless river cleanups, kids’ fishing days, and fly-tying lessons, especially for his niece Allie and his grandchildren, who were likely the only kids at school who were enthusiastic creators of “woolly booger” flies.
Known for his patience, humor, and wisdom, both in fishing and in life, Buzz taught those around him the value of perseverance, a love for nature, and the joy found in simple moments.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and active community member who always had a smile and a stick of gum to share with a friend.
A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Norris Community Center. Friends and family are invited to this casual gathering to share memories and honor his life.
Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington
March 9, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Charles “Buzz” Duane Buffington, 83, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Buzz is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence “Flo” Buffington; his sister, Barbara Jasper of Olympia, Washington; his son, Tim Buffington (Debbie); and his three grandchildren, Lauren, Jennifer and Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents, Millie and Cloyd “Bud” Buffington.
Buzz was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, where he grew up enjoying hunting, fishing, guiding and working in wildlife conservation. He earned a master’s degree in wildlife management from the University of Idaho, where he also met his wife, Flo. He later received a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and moved to Norris, Tennessee, where they raised their son, Tim.
He spent his professional career with the Tennessee Valley Authority, retiring as vice president of land management after working his final years at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky. He and Flo eventually settled back in Clinton, Tennessee.
In retirement, Buzz devoted himself to community service. He volunteered his organizational skills to the local fire department, the Arts and Crafts Guild, and the Coal Creek Watershed Foundation. His true passion was the outdoors — especially fly-tying and fly-fishing. He had a deep love for nature and conservation, and was happiest with a fly rod in hand, wading through the Clinch River or Norton Creek and teaching others,young and old, the art of casting or tying flies.
Buzz was a charter member of the Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited, where he served as a board member emeritus. He played a key role in establishing the John Thurman Trout Camp and volunteered with Operation Healing Waters and the Wounded Warrior Project, organizing outdoor activities for those facing adversity. He also participated in countless river cleanups, kids’ fishing days, and fly-tying lessons, especially for his niece Allie and his grandchildren, who were likely the only kids at school who were enthusiastic creators of “woolly booger” flies.
Known for his patience, humor, and wisdom, both in fishing and in life, Buzz taught those around him the value of perseverance, a love for nature, and the joy found in simple moments.
He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and active community member who always had a smile and a stick of gum to share with a friend.
A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Norris Community Center. Friends and family are invited to this casual gathering to share memories and honor his life.
