MARY JANE (LIGHT) MARTIN
March 21, 2022
Mary Jane (Light) Martin, 77, passed away Monday, March 21, 2022, with her family by her side in Oak Ridge.
She was born Nov. 8, 1944, to the late Maynard and Regina Light. She was a devoted caregiver to her family and enjoyed maintaining a beautiful garden. Jane was a member of Greenway Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Ted Light.
She is survived by: Loving husband, Paul Ray Martin; son, Paul Ray Martin Jr. and wife Maggie; grandchildren, Linus and Veda Martin; sister, Sue Walton; brothers, Danny Light, David Light, and Darrell Light; several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from noon – 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2021, at Greenway Baptist Church with funeral service to follow.
Jane’s graveside will immediately follow at Greenway Baptist Church Cemetery.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
BENNY ELKINS
March 20, 2022
Benny Elkins, 79, Claxton, left this earthly home to be in his Heavenly Home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, March 20, 2022, at his home.
He was born in Andersonville July 6, 1942, to Robert and Mossie Allred Elkins. Benny was in the United States Army from 1967-1969, then went on to work at Y-12 for 29 years. Benny married his beloved wife of 51 years Nov. 27, 1970. He was a member at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, Benny was preceded in death by: Sister, Wilma Jean Owens; and brother, James C. Elkins
Survived by: Wife, Brenda Elkins; daughters, Pamela Michelle Elkins-Williamson; brothers, Duane (Shirley) Elkins; sister, Sara Elkins (Don); grandchildren, Zachary Williamson, Robert Williamson and James Williamson; beloved yorkie, Bella; beloved mountain Cur, Zeke; many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and church family.
The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Tom Aiken.
Benny’s interment will be held at Woodhaven Memorial Garden in Claxton at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2022.
www.holleygamble.com
BILLY DWIGHT BUNCH
March 20, 2022
Billy Dwight Bunch, 69, passed away at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge Saturday, March 20, 2022.
Billy enjoyed wrestling, going to Gatlinburg, watching westerns, and he was a fan of the Atlanta Braves. Above all, Billy loved his daughter, Holly, dearly.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Lonnie and Estelle Bunch; wife, Donna Bunch; brother, Johnny Howard Bunch.
Billy is survived by: Daughter, Holly Ward of Clinton; sister, Becky Horton and husband Sam of Waynesboro; grandson, Cayden York.
There are no memorial services scheduled at this time.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
E. LEROY FOUST
March 20, 2022
E. Leroy Foust, 84, laid down his tools as he completed his last job and moved to his Heavenly home March 20, 2022.
He was a member of Clear Springs Baptist Church, Corryton.
His parents, Oscar M. and Della T. Foust; baby sister, Sarah Ruth; also father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Violet Walters preceded him in death.
He served with the U. S. Army. He was an electrician and could be identified by his meticulous attention to detail.
He is survived by: Wife of 63 years, Betty Jo Walters Foust; sisters, Martha Ann Brown and Eva Mae Johnson; special sister-in-law, Alma Hawkins (Bud); several nephews and nieces.
Also, very special in his life was his church family where his love was always shared with a double portion of humor.
Leroy treasured the folks he worked for and with over the years. “Angels Unaware,” who helped when it was so needed include J. R and Alisha Scott (Haven and Gaige), Ray and Shantel Brown, Joy Davis, Margaret Moore and family, Janice Moody and other longtime friends and neighbors who were there for us day and/or night. We will forever be grateful to each of you.
In lieu of flowers, Leroy would be pleased if you would consider a donation in his memory to Clear Springs Baptist Church, Building Fund, 7350 Tazewell Pike, Corryton, Tennessee 37721, or Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development, 3322 West End Ave., Suite 900, Nashville, TN 37203.
Friends may visit with his family at Holly Gamble Funeral Home, Clinton, from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
Family and friends will meet at Lynch-Bethel Cemetery, 5928 West Emory Road, Knoxville, at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 20222, for graveside and interment service with Pastor Justin Pratt officiating.
www.holleygamble.com
BETTY SAUNDERS COOPER
March 19, 2022
Betty Saunders Cooper, 91, Clinton, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Continuum Courtyard, Oak Ridge.
She had been a resident of Clinton since early childhood. She was a member of First Baptist Church Clinton and had previously been a long-time member of Clinch River Baptist Church. She was a retired dental assistant with more than 40 years of service. She was the daughter of Roy D. Saunders, Sr. and Mamie Lois Severt Saunders.
She was also preceded in death by: Husband, James William Cooper; grandchild, Kelly Kay Cooper; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy D. Saunders Jr. (wife Lana) and Joe D. Saunders (wife Marsha); brothers-in-law, Marshall Hackworth, and Frank Carey.
Survivors are: Daughter, Rebecca Diane Geigerman of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; sons, R. Wayne Cooper and wife Patricia of Jekyll Island, Ga.; Wendell K. Cooper and wife Donna of Powell; grandchildren, Ivan G. Geigerman of Florida, Lt. Colonel United States Air Force Casey W. Cooper of Ohio, and William C. Cooper (wife Melissa) of Florida; sisters, Peggy Saunders Hackworth and Jane Saunders Carey both of Clinton; brothers, Bill D. Saunders (wife Linda) of Nashville, Robert L. Saunders (wife Imogene) of Clinton; several nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
A private family service will be held at Holley-Gamble Funeral Homes chapel, Clinton, Thursday, March 24, 2022, with Senior Pastor Robbie Leach officiating.
Interment to follow at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, For CSC, P.O. Box 268, Clinton, TN 37717.
The family would like to especially thank Vicky Donald and all the staff at Continuum Courtyard for the exceptional care they offered our loved one over the last several years.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Homes in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
J.B. PHILLIPS
March 19, 2022
J.B. Phillips, 77, Clinton, went home to be with our Lord and Savior Saturday, March 19, 2022.
He attended Rosedale and Clinton Schools. He worked for Roadway, Jones Trucking and PIE for more than 25 years. He was a member of Jarnigan’s Chapel Baptist Church, Clinton. A loving father, grandfather and uncle to his family who will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by: Father, Ernest Phillips; mother, Elsie Phillips; wife, Georgia Ann Phillips; brother, Ralph Phillips; and sisters, Ravena Powell (Bob) and Melva McKamey.
He is survived by: Daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Denver Scalf III; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Renee Phillips; granddaughter, Madison Scalf; grandsons, Bryson Scalf, Tyler Phillips and Carson Phillips; nephews, Kenny and Keith Powell; and great-nephew, Brad Powell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends prior to the 1 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2022, funeral service from noon – 1 p.m. at Jones Mortuary with services following. The Rev. Travis Freeman officiating.
Interment will follow the funeral service Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Jarnigan’s Baptist Church, Clinton.
Jones Mortuary LLC in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements
WILLIAM BYRD 'DUB' BRADEN
March 19, 2022
William Byrd "Dub" Braden, 83, Briceville, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2022.
He was born April 29, 1938, to William Braden and Sallie Braden. Dub was of the Baptist faith and attended church at Indian Bluff Baptist. Dub enjoyed car racing, fishing and four wheeling.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, William and Sallie Braden; sisters, Cora Bailey, Wilma Hooks, Helen Mlinarcik, Mary Williams, Bonnie Long, Cleta Long, Vandalee Hensley.
He is survived by: Sons, Keith Braden of Briceville, Joe Braden and Kim of Roskin, Fla.; daughter, Lisa Braden Cooper of Alabama; grandchildren, Keisha Braden, Lilly Braden, James Burlison, Josh Burlison, Daniel Braden, William Lee Braden, Ashley Phillips, Joseph Phillips; great-grandchildren, Ava, Tory, Angie, K.J., Zander
Visitation was held from 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City, TN.
Funeral was at 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, 2022, at Hatmaker Funeral Home in Lake City with the Rev. Jason Goans officiating.
BETSY KAY ROBINSON
March 18, 2022
Jesus gently led Betsy Kay Robinson of Clinton to her eternal home Friday, March 18, 2022, three days after her 84th birthday.
Betsy was born March 15, 1938, in Spring City. She was adopted by Charles William and Georgia Kay Porter. Her mother later remarried Raymond Robinson who adopted Betsy and changed her last name.
The family moved to Clinton in 1942 where Betsy attended Clinton schools, graduating in 1956. While in school, Betsy played trombone and baritone in the Clinton High School Band. She enjoyed playing on the girls’ basketball and volleyball teams as well.
Betsy was baptized at the age of 16 and attended First Baptist Church of Clinton. In later years she became a member of the Gideon-Madonna Class and sang with the XYZ/ Primetime Senior Singers. A few weeks ago, Betsy sweetly confirmed her trust in Jesus to save her by the power of His death and resurrection, and to give her a home with Him in Heaven.
Betsy gained a broad knowledge of the world as a young woman through participating as a Ham Radio listener who reported to the countries around the world which broadcast programs that she received. In return for her reception reports, the broadcasters sent cards and gifts to her. She then studied the people and culture of each country. With her insatiable appetite for learning, Betsy later became a valuable Clinton Library Volunteer.
After graduation, Betsy was employed at several jobs until she began to work with her mother as a seamstress where she then honed her quilting and embroidery skills into artistry. Many of her original creations became nation-wide award winning pieces, one of which she donated to the Tennessee Historical Society in Knoxville. Another of her quilts hangs in the Clinton Library. She designed and published a book of embroidery. An embroidered representation of the Clinton train depot is on display in the Clinton Court House. Betsy also developed her talent of sketching mostly botanicals and birds, winning many awards for her work. Her home flower garden was regularly featured in the Courier. Hers was a singular focus on creating beauty to share with those around her.
An avid swimmer at the Clinton Community Center, Betsy participated in the yearly Senior Olympics in Gatlinburg earning as many as seven medals each year. She also performed with a clogging dance group for the 1982 World Fair. Betsy earned her fair share of track & field medals in senior competitions.
As an active member of Clinton Timely Topics, Betsy served as historian, creating yearly scrapbooks for each president. Her love of flower gardening led her to join Garden Group 2, where she served as Chairman several years creating interesting programs. Betsy employed her sketching/ photography skills to create member handbook covers. She also donated her artwork to raise money for the groups’ scholarship program.
Betsy - well known for her wide array of hats – was rarely seen without one. For all who loved her, Betsy will be remembered for her gentle ways, dry wit, and the beauty she created to share with us all – the greatest beauty being Betsy herself.
Betsy is preceded in death by her beloved parents, brother, and sister.
Our deep condolences to the Williams family of Liberty Hill, Texas, who survive her.
Betsy’s visitation will be from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2022, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.
Her funeral service will follow in the chapel with the Rev. Danny Chisholm and Rev. L.T. Carden officiating.
Her graveside will immediately follow at Woodhaven Memorial Garden.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
