MARLA LENIHAN
March 6, 2022
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
March 4, 2022
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.
JACQUELINE LANE
March 4, 2022
Jacqueline Lane, 76, Clinton, entered her heavenly home March 4, 2022.
Born April 10, 1945, Jackie was a lifetime resident of Clinton and worked as a teacher’s aide in the Clinton City School System. Jackie enjoyed playing the piano, working in her vegetable garden, and listening to Dolly Parton. She was passionate about all of God’s creatures, but especially loved dogs and was known to keep a stash of treats for any animals that might stop by to visit. Jackie had unconditional love for her family and friends. She was always just a phone call away to lend a listening ear.
Jackie was preceded in death by: Husband, Jerry Lee Lane; parents, Jack and Marie Wills; sister, Dorothy Wills; brother, Raymond Wills; brother, Johnny Wills.
She leaves behind: Son Jerry Robert Lane (Virginia); and daughter, Amy Courtney (Richard); grandchildren, Alexandra Sands (Kevin), and Jerry Robert Lane II; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Lincoln, and Lisa; special sister-in-law, Bonnie Wills.
A receiving of friends will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2022, at Holley Gamble funeral home in Clinton.
The family will have a private service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers those wanting to honor Jackie are asked to donate to their local animal shelter.
Holley Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
www.holleygamble.com
ROY E. BIDDLE
March 4, 2022
There’s a lot of life that can be lived in nearly 92 years and Roy Edward Biddle made the most of every moment. Often regarded as “the happiest man you’ll ever meet,” Roy never knew a stranger.
Roy grew up in Sevierville. He fondly recalled those days and was honored to be captain of his high school football team and unanimously named “Mr. Senior” by his teachers. Roy was a proud Army veteran who served in the Korean War. His patriotism remained strong throughout his life. He married Margaret Catlett Dec. 11, 1954. They had three sons and spent 68 years together. They have three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.
Roy was a dedicated worker for the Bell South Telephone Company for 41 years.
Roy enjoyed serving as an usher at University of Tennessee football and basketball games. He competed in the Senior Olympics and earned medals in swimming and running events. Roy always embraced his age and felt blessed for his good health and good life.
He was preceded in death by: Beloved mother and baker of famed chocolate pies, Reta; brothers, Everett and J.L.; sister, Mary Lee; and son, Gregory.
He is survived and lovingly remembered by: Wife, Margaret; son, Anthony; daughter-in-law, Christie; granddaughter, Brynn; son, Bradley; and brother, Kenneth.
FRANCES ANN RUTHERFORD
March 4, 2022
Frances Ann Rutherford, 48, passed away at Tennova Medical Center in Lafollette, Friday, March 4, 2022.
Frances loved her sons, Isaac and Jacob, very much. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, butterflies, and she loved animals. She was a kind soul who would help anyone.
She was preceded in death by her father, Tommy Phillips.
Frances is survived by: Mother, Brenda Phillips; sons, Isaac Shrader of Rocky Top, and Jacob Rutherford; dear friend, Tim Morris; brothers, Ray Phillips (Missy) of Rocky Top, Carlos Phillips (Beverly) of Rocky Top, Thomas Phillips of Caryville; sisters, Mary Phillips of Caryville, Rosie Parsons (David Roy) of Oak Ridge, Oma Seiber (Anthony) of Clinton, Martha Maples (Toby) of Clinton, Brenda Marie of Caryville.
There are no memorial services for Frances at this time.
Jones Mortuary, LLC. of Clinton is in charge of arrangements.
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.
