MARY ELIZABETH GRAHAM
March 2, 2022
Mary Elizabeth Graham, 62, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville.
Mary was a member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church in Clinton. She loved the fact that she was a student in the first graduating class of the Surgery Technology program at Parkwest Medical Center. Mary was a loving mother and was very proud of her two beautiful children she made with Ray Witherspoon. She always said she had no regrets and wouldn’t change it for the world. She had the pleasure of spending many years helping raise Keisha and Anthony Shervington like her own. Many children have come through her doors, and none have left the same. Though at times she might seem strict she always had everyone’s best interests at heart. In her free time, she enjoyed volunteering at the senior center.
Mary will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by: Parents, Buford and Elizabeth Graham; brothers, Willie D. Graham, Charles Casey; sister, Patricia Graham.
Mary is survived by: Son, Alex Witherspoon of Clinton; daughter, Shannon Anderson of California; brothers, John Lee Graham of Clinton, Sidney Graham of Oak Ridge; sister, Annie Bentley (Greg) of Knoxville.
The family will receive friends in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary from 6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
Interment will be held at Oak Ridge Memorial Garden at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2022.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
RONALD DAVIS WALLACE SR.
March 1, 2022
Ronald David Wallace Sr., 67, passed away at Tennova North Medical Center in Powell Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
Family was very important to Ronald, especially his grandchildren. He loved to joke around and enjoyed going on adventures with his family. Ronald also loved to cook, spend time with his wife, camping, and he enjoyed going to church. He will be remembered as a man who would do anything to help anyone.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Johnny and Viola Wallace; son, Abraham Wallace; brothers, Eddie West, Delbert, Kenny, Billy, and Dub.
Ronald is survived by: Wife, Victoria Wallace; son, Ronald Wallace Jr. (Chelsie) of Clinton; daughters, Stacy Phillips (Michael) of Clinton, Carrie Woodruff (James) of Ft. Bragg, N.C., Kimberly Fulton of Clinton; sisters, Diane Wallace and Jaime Dew; grandchildren, DeKayla Wallace, Xzavier High, Sebastian High, Sarah Wallace, Adam Wallace, Trastan Patterson, Ethan Wallace, Daisy Wallace, Zander Huffman, Blaze Wallace, Dale Wallace, Jakeb Woodruff; great-grandchild, Violet High.
The family will receive friends in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2022.
The funeral service will begin at 7 p.m., the Rev. Glen Day will be officiating.
A graveside service will be held at Red Hill Baptist Church Cemetery at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. in Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
ROBERT E. 'BOB' LEE SR.
February 28, 2022
Robert E. Lee Sr. "Bob", 90, Raritan, N.J., was called home to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, Monday, Feb. 28, 2022.
He was born in New York, N.Y., April 21, 1931, to Patrick and Hilvia (Hudson) Lee.
Bob graduated from Scotch Plains High School in 1949 where he played baseball. He then went on to enlist in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, where he made staff sergeant and was awarded the National Defense and Good Conduct Medals. His career path included membership in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 254/544. While working for the union, he obtained further education at Rutgers University, which opened the door for him to teach building code and carpentry at Middlesex C.C. and Somerset Vo-Tech in the evenings for many years; he retired as a building inspector from the State of New Jersey in 1996. During retirement he enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golf, baseball, traveling, and taking day trips with the seniors of which he was a member of both Raritan Borough, and Readington Township Senior Clubs. Bob was also a long-time member of Millington Baptist Church for over 50+ years.
He is survived by: Son, Robert E. Lee, Jr (Diane) of Hopatcong, N.J.; daughters, Karen D. Bowen (Thomas) of Roach, Mo., Sharon A. McNulty (Charles) of Pittsburgh, Penn.; stepdaughter, Joann Rispoli (Ronnie) of Raritan, N.J.; eight grandchildren, Sharlene McDaniel, Stephanie (Mark) Gara, Brandon (Sarah) Russ, Tara (Brad) Salisbury, Keith Bowen, Ryan Pillsy, Dakota and Cheyenne Marcin; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: Parents; wives, Ann (Passanante) Lee and Jean (Fuhrmann) Lee; and brother, Malcolm Lee.
A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Millington Baptist Church, 520 King George Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Millington Baptist Church.
Arrangements entrusted to SCHEPNER-McDERMOTT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 165 Noble Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.
DONNA KAYE HARMON
February 28, 2022
Donna Kaye Harmon, 74, passed away at Summit View of Rocky Top in Rocky Top, Monday, Feb. 28, 2022.
She was a member of His Hands Reaching Worship Center of Clinton. Donna was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She ran the bus ministry at Clinton Church of God for many years. She touched many lives during that ministry. She would often see her “Kids” when she was out and about town, they would call out to her and hug her. She was a faithful witness for the Lord, often giving her testimony to others at Summit View. She loved the Lord and enjoyed reading her Bible.
Donna was preceded by: Parents, Theodore, and Elsie Schillings; and sister, Linda Marlow.
She is survived by: Husband, Frank H. Harmon of Clinton; daughters, Deborah Harmon of Clinton, Monica Jackson of Knoxville, Jessica Jones (Glyn) of Clinton; grandchildren, Katrina Gunter, Maegan Dabney, Alisha Harmon, Matthew Jackson, Eric Jones, Samantha Ballard, Destiny Jones, Brooklynn Jones, Shaynna Jones, David Jones, Daniel Jones, Dewayne Jones; great-grandchildren, Braylin Mclamore, Jace Dabney, Chance Dabney, Lelynn Smallwood, Madelynn Smallwood.
A celebration of life for Donna will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022, at His Hands Reaching Worship Center, 134 Offutt Road, Clinton.
Jones Mortuary LLC, of Clinton is in charge of all arrangements
Jonesmortuary@comcast.net
JOHNNY LEE DOWDELL
February 28, 2022
Johnny Lee Dowdell born Dec. 23, 1950, in Oak Ridge, and went home to be with the Lord Feb. 28, 2022, at Waters of Clinton Nursing and Rehabilitation.
He was the son of the Annie Pearl Dowdell-Sims and Charles Cox. Johnny joined the US Army where he obtained his GED and served in the Vietnam War.
Preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include: Wife, Ann; daughter, Kim Gibson; son, Johnny Lee Dowdell Jr.; grandchildren, Dorian and Stefon Whitt, LaMichael Gibson and Johnathan Reed; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Kingslyn, Jayla and Luke Whitt and LeMichael Gibson Jr.; brothers, Scottie (Ivory) Dowdell, David Sims; sisters, Margaret Caldwell, Shelia Johnson, Kathy Blue and Regina Wood; special cousin, Carmen (Jesse) Toy-Fouse.
Services will be held at Holley Gamble Funeral Home, 612 S Charles Seivers Blvd, Clinton, Saturday, March 12, 2022, visitation from noon – 1 p.m., with funeral service to start at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Ernest Scruggs officiating.
Burial to follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Garden.
www.holleygamble.com
PATRICIA ANN GAYLOR THURMAN
February 28, 2022
Patricia Ann Gaylor Thurman traded this earthly home for her eternal one late Monday evening Feb. 28, 2022.
She finished life’s race cheered on by her loving children. If you are reading this brief summary of a life well lived and a battle hard fought with tears in your eyes, then you are probably one of the countless people whose lives were touched by and prayed for as a result of knowing this strong faithful woman of God. There is actually a good chance that if you even knew someone who knew Pat, as she was called by her friends, or Nana or Mom, as she was known by her family, then you too have been uplifted in prayer. That was what she did, she PRAYED.
In addition to her legacy of strong faith, hope and love, she leaves behind the legacy of family, those who knew and loved her best.
She is survived by: Children, Linda Thurman Pash and husband Carl from Colorado Springs, Col., Lori Thurman Pyle and husband Jeff from Cartersville, Ga., Leah Thurman Roberts and husband Mark from Cartersville, Ga. Louis Thurman and wife Jennifer from Milton, Ga.; grandchildren, Alexandria Sangid and husband Todd from Maryville, Emilee Osborne and husband Seth. Keller Pyle, Mackenzie Conway and husband Kalep, Cade Roberts and partner Samantha DeLucca, Madeline, Ella, and Claire Thurman; sister-in-law, Carleen Thurman; many nieces, nephews, extended family, as well as many dear friends and fellow prayer warriors.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 35 years, Luther Thurman Jr.
Receiving of friends will be from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday. March 4, 2022, at Holley Gamble Funeral Home.
Funeral services and a celebration of life will be held at Norris First Baptist Church at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2022, with David Seiber officiating, followed by internment at Norris Memorial Gardens.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
KEITH HARMAN
February 28, 2022
It is with the most sadness that we have to announce that Keith Harman has passed.
At the age of 44, Keith was loved by many. The hearts of many are torn, but Keith is finally at peace with his already deceased mother (Karen Sue) and father (Keith Harman Sr.).
Left behind are: Daughter, Kayla Harman; and brothers, Darrell, Daniel, Martin, and Tony.
In life, Keith’s best friend was his brother, Tony Bradley, and father figure from a young age, Martin Bradley.
The family will receive friends from 4–5 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton.
Thank you for all of the love and condolences. It means so very much to the family.
He will be missed, but this is far from the end for him.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.
holleygamble.com
JAY COLEMAN KNEPPER, PhD
February 27, 2022
Jay Coleman Knepper, PhD, died Feb. 27, 2022, in Andersonville at the age of 79.
Jay is survived by: Wife, Mary; and two children, Bradley Knepper and his wife Alisa and their two children Eva and Toren of Denver, Col., and Claire Knepper Phillips and her son Eliano of Lyons, Col.; his brother, David, preceded him in death; his brother Mark and wife Bobbi live in Virginia Beach, Va.
Jay was born Jan. 11, 1943, in Johnstown, Penn., to Jay and Margaret Knepper. He earned his PhD in chemical engineering from Princeton University. He was awarded several patents for his work at Sun Oil and Amoco/BP. His research at Amoco/BP contributed to refining optimization, including an in-situ retorting process to recover oil from oil shale in an economical, efficient, and environmentally improved way. Later in his career, he worked in marketing, using AI and neural networks to locate gas station sites. After leaving Amoco/BP, he supported Mary’s consulting business, working as both CFO and consultant.
After he retired, he and Mary moved from Naperville, Ill., to their home in Andersonville, where Jay pursued his passion for photography, woodworking, brewing, baking sourdough bread, and perfect roasting of coffee beans. His approach to projects was intense study of the details and respect for and comparison of experts’ advice. He would acquire that extra tool or device to ensure a quality project or to achieve process efficiency.
Many were happy recipients of his craftsmanship — from large and small pieces of furniture and loaves of bread to beers he created and named specifically for friends’ special occasions. He was generous with his time and possessions, willing to loan and donate equipment to all comers. He committed to tutoring students in calculus to help them achieve university scholarships in an intense extracurricular program. He was committed to social justice, the environment, socially responsible corporations, animal welfare, and care for disadvantaged persons in whatever circumstance.
He was a loving and supportive father to his children. He found joy in sharing time with family and friends, expressing his love with warm laughter, playful humor, and enthusiastic embraces. He reveled in deep discussions with compassion, kindness, and gentleness. The sequestering that COVID imposed was a great loss to him, yet he found meaning and deepening appreciation in the loss.
He enjoyed travel, including trips to Hong Kong, Great Britain, Poland, Greece, India, Russia, France, and Italy. He was a great biker, biking daily to work in Denver. Later, he and Mary biked Rails to Trails in the States and through Provence, France, and from Banff to Jasper in the Canadian Rockies.
Celebrations of life will be held in Grove City, Penn.,, at his parents’ gravesite for immediate family and in the Norris area with a life celebration at a future date.
Memorial gifts can be sent to local charities, including the Norris Area Food Pantry (PO Box 327, Norris, TN 37716), Bridge Refugee Services, Volunteer Ministries, Second Harvest of ET, Africa ELI, WUOT, or to Best Friends, Doctors Without Borders, Audubon Society, Physicians Committee, and Corporate Accountability. In short, if an organization does good for the world, your gift will honor what Jay tried to do with his life. www.holleygamble.com
