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Obituaries

ELIZABETH ANN BAILEY

Elizabeth Ann Bailey, 65, passed away at her home in Clinton Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

Elizabeth was a member of Blowing Springs Baptist Church. She dedicated more than 40 years of her life to her career at Carlisle Tire in Clinton. Elizabeth was a second-degree black belt in karate, and in her free time she enjoyed fishing, bird watching, gardening, lighthouses, and animals. Her family and her children were very important to her, and she loved spending time with them.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by: Parents, Eugene and Anna Wrasman; and sister, Ruth Marie Harrison.

Elizabeth is survived by: Husband, Benny Bailey of Clinton; son, Lawrence Wilson (Mae) of Claxton; daughters, Aimee Goodwin (Brian) of Panama City, Fla., Megan Bailey (Carlos) of Clinton; brothers, Gene Wrasman (Judy) of Nashville, Bill Wrasman (Debbie) of Cookeville, Don Wrasman (Denise) of Clinton, Bernie Wrasman (Becky) of Knoxville.

She is also survived by: Eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1 – 3 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2020, in the Chapel of Jones Mortuary, 375 N. Main St Clinton, with the funeral service to follow.

Interment will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2022, at Robbins Cemetery, 1021 Old Dutch Valley Road, Clinton.

Jones Mortuary LLC, 375 N Main St. Clinton, is in charge of all arrangements.

STANLEY WAYNE STOOKSBURY

Stanley Wayne Stooksbury passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

He is survived by: Loving wife of 30 years, Cindi Stooksbury of Norris; sons Jason Stooksbury of Thunderbolt, Ga., and Andrew Sanford of Knoxville; grandchildren, Dillon Neidlinger and wife Lindsey of Richmond Hill, Ga., Ivy English and husband Nate of Richmond Hill, Ga., Alyssa Stooksbury of Savannah, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Kayden Ford, Evelyn Williams, Asher Williams, and Eira English; brother Myles Stooksbury of Andersonville; sisters, Karen Bumgardner and husband James of Clinton, Sheila Allen and husband Richard of Andersonville, Holly Stooksbury of Andersonville. Stanley also leaves behind several nieces, and a nephew.

He is preceded in death by: Father, Ulysses Stooksbury; mother, Audrey Buhl Stooksbury; and brothers, Avery and Neal Stooksbury.

Stanley was born Aug. 31, 1953, in Lake City. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in biology and wildlife management from Tennessee Tech in 1976 and 1977. He began his professional career with TWRA in 1978 as an assistant biologist, and later as a creel clerk on Norris Lake. In 1987 he became manager of the Tellico Trout Hatchery where he worked until 1991 when he was promoted to the position of Area Manager at the newly acquired Royal Blue Wildlife Management Area. Stanley and his loyal management area crew were beyond instrumental to Tennessee’s elk restoration project; releasing 50 elk onto the Royal Blue WMA on December 19, 2000. Stanley retired in May of 2013, after working diligently to build the management area from the original, approximately 43,000 acres to nearly 154,000 acres. Stanley’s loyalty and dedication to wildlife and lands preservation and restoration is beyond extraordinary.

Stanley’s love of children was put best by one of his dear friends, Rob Jaco: “Children’s eyes lit up when he spoke, telling stories in his quiet gravelly voice. They were enthralled, never knowing he was educating them on the ways of the wild and wildlife.”

Stanley will indeed be sorely missed by many; his afore mentioned loyal WMA crew, his beloved Obed River Boys, and too many close family and friends to even begin to mention.

In lieu of a formal service and flowers; utilize that time and money to take a child or young adult hiking, fishing, hunting, or anywhere among the beauty of the outdoors, to pay tribute to the love and spirituality that Stanley shared with nature.

The family has entrusted the care of Stanley Wayne Stooksbury to Martin Wilson Funeral Home “Where Families Matter Most.”

Stanley’s guest book may be viewed at www.martinwilsonfuneralhome.com.

JANE MILLER STOOKSBURY

Jane Miller Stooksbury, 87, Andersonville, went to be with her Heavenly Father Tuesday March 8, 2022.

Jane was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church for most of her life. She was a graduate of Clinton High School. Jane retired from AT&T as a telephone operator after 30 years of service. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Jane was preceded in death by: Parents, Harve and Eliza Miller; husband of 50 years, Bobby K. Stooksbury; brothers, Vernon and Howard Miller; sisters, Irene Roach and Elaire Henderson; son-in-law, Dennis Sherrod.

Jane is survived by: Daughters, Melinda Sherrod of Farragut, Kim Buckner (Russell) of Andersonville; son, Bobby K. Stooksbury of Andersonville; sister, Clara Lee Lumpkins of Clinton; grandsons, Matthew Sherrod and Kyle Buckner; and several nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends at Holley-Gambler Funeral Home from 1 – 3 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2022, with the funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. with Pastor Robin Kyek and Bro. Danny Martin officiating.

Jane’s interment will be held at Sinking Springs United Methodist Church cemetery following the funeral service.

www.holleygamble.com

CARL REECE KESTERSON

Carl Reece Kesterson, born Sept, 10, 1934, in Clinton, was called home Monday March 7, 2022, at home while surrounded by loved ones.

Carl was preceded in death by: Parents, Hubert and Acie Kesterson; beloved son, Billy Kesterson; beloved grandson, Weston Mitchell; two sisters, Dorothea and Lougene Kesterson; two brothers, Curtis and Melvin Kesterson.

He is survived by: The love of his life, Nola Juanita Kesterson; children, Bobby and Danielle Kesterson, Resa Kesterson, Deborah Richard and Amy Krause, Karri and Eugene Mckamey, Angela and Dennis Pemberton; three step children; grandchildren, Traci and Ron Meredith, Lauren and Jason Webber, Joseph and Mandy Richard, Miranda Stout, and Tyler Dishman; great-grandchildren, Michaela, Kaden and Briley Webber, Brandon Stout, Leighton Mckamey, Destini Morgan, Demi Moore, Ryan, Kasen, and Camden Richard; great-great-grandchildren, Taylor Mitchell, Tyson and Dawson Stout, and Dylanie Traverse.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March, 12, 2022, at Clinton First Wesleyan Church.

Jones Mortuary of Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.

BARBARA MAE WALLACE BORDER

Barbara Mae Wallace Border was born Feb. 23, 1932, in Briceville, passed from this life at the age of 90 Monday, March 7, 2022, at her home.

She was the daughter of Mirma Miller (M.M.) Wallace and Myrtle Mae Foust Wallace.

Mrs. Border was preceded in death by: Husband, Paul Brent Border Sr.; both of her paternal and maternal grandparents, Doc Alexander Wallace and Martha Weaver Wallace and James and Laura Foust; parents, M.M. and Myrtle Wallace; sisters, Anna Lou Schuster and Dorothy Beck; five brothers, Ray Wallace, Joe Wallace, Jim Wallace, Reece Wallace and Bill Wallace; and grandson, Wally Lowery.

She is survived by: Five children, Jane Border Gossett of Athens, Ala., Paul Brent Border Jr. (Kim) of Scottsboro, Ala., Daniel M. Border (Cindy) of Andersonville, Mary Border Grady (Stewart) of Knoxville, and Amy Border Atkins (Rodney) of Arab, Ala.; 16 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mary Wallace Thomas of Knoxville, and Jane Wallace Lowery of Andersonville.

Mrs. Border was the loving wife of Paul for 69 years until his death in September, 2021. She was designed by God to be an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. She devoted her life to her five children as the best full-time stay-at-home mom. She was a Christian and attended church her entire life and loved her church family. She cared deeply for her family and went out of her way to do any and everything for them. Her selfless, compassionate manner was a blessing to all who knew her. She was prissy, fun, sassy and full of life. Even after dementia took her mind, she never lost those qualities and continued to exude love. She was very musically inclined and could play any song on the piano by ear. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, including singing in her high school choir as well as with her husband and children. She filled the home with continuous singing, dancing and laughter. She was an amazing, loving Godly woman who led her family by her example of what a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother should be. She was always smiling and friendly to everyone she met and her happiness spilled over to all she came in contact with. She will be missed terribly by her family but what a blessing it is to know she is now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom she spent her entire life preparing to meet as well as reunited with her devoted husband, the love of her life. The wonderful legacy she leaves for her children and grandchildren will be shared for many generations to come. No words could describe the love we have for our sweet, sweet Momma!!!

The family received friends from 5 – 7 p.m.. (CST) at Scottsboro Funeral Home in Scottsboro, Ala., Thursday, March 10, 2022.

Her loving husband, Paul, was cremated and his ashes were buried with her.

A graveside service will be held for both of them in Andersonville at 1 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022.

Arrangements Entrusted to Scottsboro Funeral Home.

THELMA CHRISTINE (CHRIS) JOHNSON

Thelma Christine (Chris) Johnson, 80, passed away March 6, 2022 surrounded by loved ones.

She was born in a coal mining camp in Fonde, Ky., in 1941. She devoted her life to the service of others, working in urban renewal in Middlesboro, Ky., and later serving as the city manager of Norris. She later founded and ran a successful real estate business in Norris, helping people make their home in the town she loved. In work and in life, her empathy for others shone brightly. Chris’ heart was always open for those in need. Facing hardship in her own life had not hardened her; she was a well of empathy for those facing their own struggles, whether she knew them or not.

Our mother had a deep and sustaining love of Jesus Christ. Her life was illuminated by her love of her family and friends. Her love and guidance heavily shaped the lives of her children and grandchildren. That love extended to those lucky enough to know her as a friend or those who have been taken in by her as a surrogate parent. Love in Chris’ house often meant that your favorite dessert or meal would be waiting for you if you came to visit, made with few recipes actually written down. All this heart and love was punctuated by a great wit and sharp sense of humor.

Her compassionate heart for animals meant she was always on the lookout for a rescue Shih Tzu that needed a good home — any dog rescued by Chris had won the dog lottery.

For the whole season, but particularly in March, you could find Chris cheering for Kentucky basketball, in good years and bad. She was a longtime member of Norris First Baptist Church and later attended First Baptist Concord. A member of the church choir, she had a beautiful voice; you would always catch her humming a hymn around the house. She was a voracious reader of mysteries and watcher of news, and she would always be ahead of you on the latest current events.

She made all our lives better and brighter. She is already missed greatly, but we know she is now resting in the grace of her Savior.

Chris was preceded in death by: Mother, Evelyn Longsworth; and sister, Gladys Saylor.

She is survived by: Husband, Herbie Johnson; and her children, Angela and Gordon Williams of Norris, Herbie Johnson III of Chattanooga, Traci Ingram of Powell; adopted son, David Peters of Nashville; daughter-in-law, Mallorie Johnson Rector of Cookeville.

She leaves behind grandchildren, Tristan and Tiffany Johnson, Schyler and Dr. Haley Johnson, Elizabeth Williams and Joseph Carpenter, Brogan and Josh Boles, Alex and Rebecca Ingram.

Also survived by great-grandchildren, Taryn Johnson, Knox Boles, Finn Johnson, Liza Boles, and Baby Ingram, due July 2022.

Thelma’s graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2022, at Norris Memorial Garden, with Dr. Joel Dew officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Second Harvest Food Bank or Mission of Hope, charities both close to Chris’ heart.

Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements.

holleygamble.com

MARLA LENIHAN

I am fortunate to have had time to share some of my own thoughts in this obituary as opposed to others writing their thoughts about my life. I was born April 5, 1951, in Kankakee, Ill., the second of three children. I lived in Illinois until high school and spent most of my adolescent years in the South, particularly in Tennessee. I met my husband, Dr. Bill Lenihan, while in graduate school at the University of Tennessee. Our adventures began as he was off to dental school and I was launching my career as a mental health therapist. We married in Oak Ridge, March 30, 1974. Bill finished dental school and joined the Air Force, which enabled him to pursue an advanced degree in prosthodontics. As we moved around with our two children, Brennan and Meighan, I always managed to find positions in teaching psychology at the college level or working for social service agencies as a therapist. I truly enjoyed both, but always wanted to establish my own private practice. When we settled in Oak Ridge after getting out of the Air Force, I was working as a supervisor and therapist at Catholic Charities (an agency in which I worked in several locations while being stationed in various states while Bill was in the Air Force). I eventually transitioned from agency work to establishing my private practice in Oak Ridge in 1995. I still maintained close ties, however, with Catholic Charities in doing various presentations and volunteer work in the Diocese. I was appointed the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese more than 20 years ago, and have held that volunteer position ever since. It has been my privilege to have worked so closely with the church all these years and to have had the opportunity to get to know many of the priests and deacons personally. Bill and I maintain affiliations with both St. Mary’s in Oak Ridge, St. Albert’s in Knoxville, and St. John Neumann Catholic School in Knoxville.

In addition to teaching, private practice and my work with the church, I have also participated in volunteer activities as well as several board positions. I served on the University of Tennessee Advisory Board for Counselor Education, as well as supervising students working toward licensure. I was on the Contact Care Board and was an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Members First Federal Credit Union.

I held director positions (local and regional) for all the social service agencies with whom I was affiliated. My teaching positions included appointments in Florida, Texas, Delaware and Tennessee.

I also maintained active memberships in the American Mental Health Counseling Association, the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists, the American Counseling Association, and the Tennessee Licensed Professional Counseling Association. I was a member of Altrusa International for 29 years and a graduate of Leadership Oak Ridge.

Something very important to me was my relationship with my clients. I truly LOVED my work, and was honored to be allowed into the lives of so many incredible and courageous people. I’ve told people for years that I hope I would be remembered as someone who truly tried to make a difference — personally and professionally.

Please feel free to share any stories on how our lives may have intersected over the years. If I have connected with you in any particular way that you care to share, please email any thoughts, stories or observations to mvlenihan@gmail.com. I’m sure the immediate family I am leaving behind would love to hear from you and find your words comforting, and I would appreciate it.

I leave behind: My husband, Dr. Bill Lenihan; my son, Brennan Lenihan; daughter-in-law, Michelle Jones; daughter, Meighan Lenihan Vargas; and my two very special granddaughters, Eile Lenihan and Valentina Vargas.

I am truly blessed to have had 70 wonderful and healthy years. I have lived a good life, and a wonderful 70 years filled with health, love, purpose and joy.

I have always told people over the years that when I die I’m hoping I’m remembered for, “She tried to make a difference when she was here.” (I just didn’t think it would be this soon).

In lieu of flowers, any donations to St. Mary’s in Oak Ridge, St. Albert the Great in Knoxville, St. John Neumann Catholic School in Knoxville, or the American Cancer Society would be appreciated.

Receiving of friends will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oak Ridge from 6–8 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022, followed by a funeral mass at 8 p.m.

JACQUELINE 'JACKIE' HILL

Jacqueline “Jackie” Hill, 66, Claxton, passed away Friday, March 4, 2022, at Tennova Turkey Creek Medical Center.

Jacqueline was born Feb. 23, 1956, to her mother, Ethel Gallaher, and her father, James Hill, in Clinton. She was raised in the Claxton Community and graduated from Clinton High School in 1974. Jackie was employed at ORNL, K-25, and Y-12 for more than 34 years. She enjoyed playing softball, watching televised baseball games, fishing, and planting flowers in her yard.

She was preceded in death by: Her parents; brothers, Eugene, Arthur, and Ronnie Gallaher; sisters, Anna Lee Griffin and Glenna Hill.

Jackie leaves behind: The love of her life, son Gregory (Jeanne) Hill of Oliver Springs; grandchildren, Chaz (Ada), Creg, Cory (Casie) Waddell, Darius Hill, and James “Boo” Griffin; great-grandchildren, Chance, Cashton, Able, Camdon, Amos and Eleanor Waddell, Jocelyn Hill, and Jamison Griffin; sisters, Georgia Lee Reed and Willie Mae (Leonard) Butler; brother, James (Tawana) Hill; sister-in-law, Mattie Gallaher; special friends, Loretta Jones, Bob Underwood, Ernest and Barbara Steelman; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and multiple friends.

The family will receive friends at 1 p.m., followed by a Homegoing Service at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Haven Chapel United Methodist Church, 220 Raccoon Valley Road, Powell. Pastor Denard Bertram of Harriman will be in charge of the funeral service.

To share your thoughts and condolences please go to www.woodhavenfh.com.

Woodhaven Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the Jacqueline Hill Family.