Obituaries

Alice C. Pettus – born January 29, 1926 to the late David Alexander Johnson and Ella Elizabeth, passed away at home on April 28, 2026. She retired in early 1990 from the Oak Ridge Post Office, where she was a postal clerk. Preceded in death by: husband; son, Henry R. Eldridge Sr. She leaves to cherish her memories grandchildren, Teresa Allen Smith, Craig Greenlee, Henry R. Eldridge Jr., Angela Eldridge, Alexander Wright, Quincy Wright, Cornelius Wright, Cornelia Wright, Huber

Mrs. Betty Rose Perry Marshall Lowery (affectionately known as “GrandMaMa,” Ms. Betty, or Betty Rose), graduated to glory on April 26, 2026. She was born on July 31, 1945, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, niece and most importantly, a woman of God. Betty Rose spent her early years in The Bottom and College Homes (Mechanicsville), and most of her life in East Knoxville. She received her education at Maynard Eleme

Angie Lennice Keith, 70, of Murrieta, California, transitioned peacefully on Monday, March 30, 2026. Born May 13, 1955, to Olivia Keith and Floyd Evans, Angie lived a life beautifully marked by faith, resilience, and unwavering familial devotion. A cherished member of the Knoxville community, she attended Knoxville College and served as a beloved aide at Maynard Elementary, supporting students in special education. Her deep faith was central to her life, marked by service as

Boyd Russell Williams peacefully surrendered his life to God’s heavenly call Thursday morning, April 16, 2026, surrounded by family. Preceded By: Parents, Ulysses Eugene Williams Sr and Ida Belle Flack Williams; Grandparents, George Herbert Flack Sr. and Rosa Melvina McMickens Flack, Brothers, James Earl, Howard Rodney, Murrill Gray, Ulysses “Gino” Guillermo, Anthony Williams, Emeral Leon Flack Jr.; Sister, Maudie Mae Williams Duarte, Brother-in-law, Truman Rodgers; Nephew, A

Deacon Sam Bell, Jr., of Ellenwood, Georgia, peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Sam was born on January 21, 1949, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to the late Maggie Walker and “Big Sam” Bell, Sr. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Sam Bell, Sr. and Joe Bell, and his special grandchild, Johnathan Bradley, II. He was a devoted husband to Valerie Grimes Bell for 23 years and a lovi

Betty Ann Gray of Knoxville, TN departed this world to be with her Lord and Savior on April 6, 2026. Mrs.Betty attended Greater Bush Grove Baptist Church where she was a member of the choir. She also worked for Children Center of Knoxville as a dietician and the cook. She was a kind and loving woman who will be truly missed by all who knew her. Mrs. Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Sophronia Mills-Gray; sisters Ms. Jerrye and Eliza Gray; nephew, Anthony

Delzia Louise Johnson, age 78, of Knoxville, TN, was called home on April 8, 2026. Delzia was born and raised in Knoxville and a longstanding member of Oak Grove A.M.E. Zion Church. She worked for many years at Robertshaw Controls Company. Delzia was always the life of the party. She never met a stranger and if she loved you, she would give you the shirt off her back. Delzia was funny, intelligent, outspoken, sassy, and at times, downright stubborn. Delzia was preceded in dea

Mildred Dailey Edwards affectionately known as “Bittie”, 74 of Knoxville, TN, transitioned to her heavenly home peacefully on April 14, 2026 at Creekview Health and Rehabilitation Center. Mildred was born to the late Gordon and Mae Dailey. Mildred was educated in the Knox County School System. While attending school, she came to love art; especially abstract art and still life portraits. Mildred was also an excellent artist herself. She was an avid music lover and she loved s

Lillian was born to the union of Albert and Lillian Cox Winton (one of the Cox Triplets) on August 10, 1954 in Knoxville, TN. After birth, it was joked that she had a face that looked like Winston Churchill or George Kennedy. However, a little later on she became as cute as a button. Her and her siblings developed their own language; Example: ‘Ook Mama Ook, translated, “She wants milk Momma.” From age 9 months to age 10 (her age) they played together without any parental guid

Ary Lee Jones Sr. Ary Lee Jones Sr., a man known for his unwavering commitment to civil rights, his infectious laughter, and his love for family, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, in Talladega, Alabama, at the age of 79. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on February 15, 1947, to Willie Pete and Hattie Mae Jones, and spent his most recent years residing in Knoxville, Tennessee. A true Chicago native, Ary was the life of every party, renowned for his sense of humor, his

Nancy Katherine Butler Shastid also known as Katherine Hill departed this life April 3, 2026. Katherine was a loving mother who enjoyed time with her family and friends. She worked for the University of Tennessee Medical center in the medical billing and coding department until her health left her disabled. Katherine had a smile that would light up a room and she will be truly missed by all that knew her. Katherine is preceded in death by her parents, Glen Butler and Mary J

Willie Jean Tory was born on June 14, 1951, in Knoxville, Tennessee, and peacefully transitioned on April 2, 2026. She was the beloved daughter of Willie and Bronetta Murphy. Jean was an amazing mother, sister, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who touched countless lives with her love, strength, and kindness. Jean dedicated over 50 years of her life to nursing. She was employed by the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Lakeshore Mental Health Institute,