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Obituaries from July 2002

Oma Jean (Vanover) Yarde, age 69 of 3rd Street, Kingston passed away Monday, July 1, 2002 at Harriman Care Facility as a result of liver cancer. Oma Jean (Omie) was the daughter of Dave and Nettie (Price) Vanover, who have preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brothers: Paul and Jerry, sisters: Pauline Vanover, Charl Briggs, and Christine Jenkins, son: Fred Thomas, Jr. and daughter: Peggy Turpin (Combs). Oma Jean was renowned for her exceptional culinary creations. She was energetic and on fire for our Lord, Jesus Christ. She had a servant's heart and gave much more than she received. To say she will be missed would be an understatement. Till we meet again my beautiful mother. Survivors include: daughters: Lois Ann Thomas of Texas, Marlene Thomas, Darlene Dyer Thomas both of Roane County, Patty Stokes (Combs) of Niles, Michigan; sons: Richard Thomas of Washington, Johnny Combs of Harriman; brothers: Eugene of Rockwood, Lloyd and James of Harriman, and David of Texas; and of course her many grandchildren will miss her laugh and generosity greatly. The funeral will be at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Kyker Funeral Home Chapel in Harriman with Rev. Graves of Kingston's First Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will be 9:00 a.m. Thursday at Daniel's Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kyker Funeral Home in Harriman.

Astor L. Buckner, age 93, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2002, at the Sweetwater Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was a member and Deacon Emeritus at the First Baptist in Sweetwater. He retired June 30, 1953 after 22 years of service in the Air Force. He worked for Sweetwater City and First Baptist Church until his retirement. He was preceded in death parents: William and Martha Buckner, sisters: Christine Miller and Mae Galyon, brother: Bennette Buckner. Survivors include: wife of 65 years; Elsie A. Buckner; daughter and son-in-law: Barbara and Burton Bilderback; grandchildren: Neta and Mark Fioravanti, Kelly Bilderback, Burtena and Barry Hall, Rachel and Michael Conar; great-granchildren: Joseph Fioravanti, Julia Fioravanti, Matthew Fioravanti, Maria Fioravanti, Samuel Conar; several nephews. The body is at Kyker Funeral Home in Sweetwater where the family will receive friends, Thursday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service to follow in Kyker's Chapel with Rev. Anderson McCulley and Rev. Keith Wheeler officiating. Interment 11:00 a.m. Friday with Military Honors provided by VFW Post 5156. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to the: First Baptist Church Building Fund in Sweetwater. Sweetwater Memory Chapel in charge of arrangements.

James L. Keele, age 78, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2002, at residence after a lengthy illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army-Air Corps and a retired Captain of the Sweetwater Fire Department. Among his many accomplishments he had the distinction of being named "Handicapped Person of the Year" for the State of Tennessee. Known throughout the area for his expertise in Heating and Air Conditioning, Jim was always there when called and friend to all. Survivors include: Wife of 57 years: Flora Elizabeth Keele of Sweetwater; daughters and son-in-law: Rhonda Keele of Sweetwater, Sally and Rusty Poag of Marietta, GA; grandchildren: Harper and Keeley Poag both of Marietta, GA; brother: Henry Keele of Oklahoma; several nieces and nephews. The body is at Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday with the funeral service to follow at 8:00 p.m. in Kyker's Chapel with Father Michael Cummins officiating. Interment at 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the Sweetwater Valley Memorial Park. Sweetwater Memory Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Gladys O. Walker, age 80, of Sweetwater, Tennessee, passed away Friday, July 5, 2002 at Sweetwater Nursing Center in Sweetwater, Tennessee. She was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents: Jody and Carrie Cooper, sisters: Catherine Lipps and Louise Lipps; brother: Bruce Cooper. She is survived by: husband of 47 years: Ben Walker of Sweetwater, Tennessee; sons and daughters-in-law: Hubert L. and Frankie Shepherd, James G. and Jane Shepherd, Kelly R. and Connie Shepherd all of Athens, Tennessee; eight grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brothers: Howard Cooper of Athens, Tennessee, and Bill Cooper of Erwin, Tennessee; sister: Mildred Henderson of Riceville, Tennessee; several nieces and nephews. The body is at Sweetwater Memory Chapel where the family will receive friends Saturday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Funeral Service to follow in Sweetwater Memory Chapel with Rev. Charles Cassady and Rev. Louis Webb officiating. Family and friends will meet Sunday, 9:45 a.m. for 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service at Edgemon Cemetery, Ten Mile, Tennessee. Sweetwater Memory Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Jimmy Lee Henline, age 54 of Kingston, passed away Friday, July 5, 2002 at his home. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and employed at TVA Bull Run plant. Survived by his wife, Sheryl Henline of Kingston; daughters: Jamie and Jennifer Henline both of Kingston; mother: Helen Henline of Kingston; brothers: Wayne Henline of Kingston and Paul Henline of Rockwood. Memorial Service will be 6:00 p.m., Monday, July 8, 2002 in the Kyker Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Nickell and Rev. Jeff Jennings officiating. Kyker Funeral Home in Kingston in charge of arrangements.

JESSIE DUNCAN CLARK, AGE 86 OF HARRIMAN PASSED AWAY SUNDAY JULY 7, 2002 AT ROANE MEDICAL CENTER. SHE WAS OF THE BAPTIST FAITH, RETIRED FROM BURLINGTON MILL IN HARRIMAN. A LIFE LONG RESIDENT OF HARRIMAN. PRECEDED IN DEATH BY HUSBAND AVERY CLARK, PARENTS WILBURN & MARTHA DUNCAN, BROTHERS WILLARD & DRYFUS DUNCAN, SISTERS DELLA & VIRGIE DUNCAN, GYPSIE ROBINSON, STELLA LANGLEY, WILLIE ADKINS. SURVIVORS: SISTER & BROTHER IN LAW: EVELYN & TRUMAN GILMORE, SEVERAL NIECES & NEPHEWS. SPECIAL FRIENDS MICKEY & GLEN BAKER OF HARRIMAN. FUNERAL 8:00 P.M. TUESDAY AT KYKER FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL IN HARRIMAN WITH REV EDDIE NEELY OFFICIATING. FAMILY AND FRIENDS WILL MEET 10:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY AT UNION CEMETERY FOR INTERMENT. THE FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS FROM 6 TO 8 P.M. TUESDAY AT KYKER FUNERAL HOME IN HARRIMAN.

Katherine A. Gibson, age 89, of Sweetwater, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2002, at Sweetwater Hospital after a brief illness. Preceded in death by her husband: Robert R. Gibson, parents: Alvin and Kitty Goddard, sisters: Elizabeth Lowry McDaniel, Venia Jones, Effie Roy, and Mabel Roy, brother: Sam Goddard. She was a member of Christianburg Baptist Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher for over 50 years. Survivors include: son and daughter-in-law: Johnny and Ramona Gibson; grandson: Robby Gibson; step-granddaughter: Candi Lynn all of Sweetwater; sister-in-law: Agnes Goddard of Lebanon; several nieces and nephews. The body is at Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday with the funeral service to follow at 8:00 p.m. in Kyker's Chapel with Rev. Darrell Cardin and Rev. Freddy Crabtree officiating. Interment 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the Christianburg Baptist Church Cemetery. Kyker Funeral Home, of Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements.

Gwen E. Moore, age 81 of Kingston, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2002 at the Rockwood Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. She was a member of the Church of the Wildwood. Preceded in death by her parents: H.J. and Phoebe Myers, brother: Henry Myers, sister: Rose Lee Hall, grandson: Lee Roy Woods and son-in-law: Roy Woods. Survivors include: husband: Burnard Moore of Rockwood Health Care; son and daughter-in-law: Charles and Patricia Moore of Douglasville, GA; daughter and son-in-law: Wilma Jean and Paul Thomas of Cleveland, TN; sisters: Ruth Easter of Paint Rock; sister and brother-in-law: June and James Weaver of Paint Rock; sister-in-law: Ada Myers of Paint Rock; brother and sister-in-law: Franklin "Bud" and Wanda Myers of Paint Rock; grandsons: Avery and Blaine of Dallas, GA; special nephew: Roy Brandon of Paint Rock; sister-in-law and husband: Louvenia and Clint Taylor of Asheville, NC. Funeral 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2002 in the Kyker Chapel with Brother Ted Halcomb and Brother Jeff Myers officiating. Burial Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of the Wildwood cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at Kyker Funeral Home in Kingston.

Sam E. Cansler, age 68, of Ten Mile, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2002, at Wood Presbyterian Home, Sweetwater, TN. He attended Ponders Church. Preceded in death by his parents: Mack and Ruby Cansler, children: Ruby Elizabeth Cansler, Joseph Edward and John Robert Cansler, sister: Mary Knox, brothers: Eugene Cansler. Survived by: wife: Ruth Nunley Cansler of Ten Mile, TN; daughter and son-in-law: Lucy and Jackie Hensley of Sweetwater; stepchildren: W.D. and Sue Nunley of Philadelphia, TN, James Jr. and Lucille Nunley of Michigan, Delorese and Glenn Thompson, Sophie Berry all of Sweetwater; grandchildren: Chase Hensley, Brys Hensley, and Kayla Cansler all of Sweetwater; sister: Imogene Scroggins of Chattanooga; brother: Robert and Fredia Cansler of Sweetwater; several nieces and nephews. The body is a t Sweetwater Memory Chapel where the family will receive friends Sunday, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral service Monday, in Sweetwater Memory Chapel with Rev. Caloway Nichols officiating. Interment to follow at Fenders Cemetery, Sweetwater, TN. Sweetwater Memory Chapel, of Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ann Smith, of Harriman passed away Tuesday, July 16, 2002. She was preceded in death by her husband, W.P. Smith, Jr. Survivors include: sons: W.P. Smith, III, of Kingston, Howard L. Smith of Knoxville; son and daughter-in-law: D. Warren & Katherine Smith of Harriman; sisters: Lila Prophater of Harriman and Margaret McKee of Memphis; grandchildren: Nina Goins, Will Smith, Katie and Thomas Smith; great-grandchild: Colin Goins. A memorial service will be held at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church, Harriman, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 21, 2002, with Rev. Reed Shell and Rev. Richard Rudesal officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the memorial service in the fellowship hall of Woods Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Woods Chapel United Methodist Church, 242 Woods Chapel Road, Harriman, TN 37748.

Patricia Easton, age 79 of Kingston, has succumbed to bladder cancer after a two year fight. A process operator at hte K-25 plant in the 1950's, Ms. Easton spent the majority of her life in a higher calling, a mother to her five children. She went to meet her husband, Robert, and her brothers and sisters July 20, 2002, but is survived by her sister Dorothy Poteet, of Oak Ridge, brother Jack Smith of North Carolina, daughter, Dianne Hughes of Midtown, sons, Joseph Guthrie, Robert Easton, and John Easton of California, James Easton of Iowa. Grandchildren are: Eric and Shawn Hughes of Roane County, Damon Hughes of Johnson City, TN., Julie Rowland, Ryan Guthrie, Karla Easton, III, all of California. Great-grandchildren are Katie Rowland, Tyler Hughes and Gavin Hughes. Funeral 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Kyker Chapel. Interment will be Tuesday in the family plot in Middlesboro, KY. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at the Kyker Funeral Home in Kingston. She will be sadly missed.

Walter G. "Walt" Duke, age 57, of Sweetwater, formally of Chattanooga, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2002 at Sweetwater Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was a member of the Philadelphia American Legion Post #120. He was a Veteran of the Vietnam conflict having served in the U.S.M.C. He was a member of the Sweetwater V.F.W. Gold Star Post 5156. He was an ex Police officer with the Sweetwater Cit y Police Dept. and the Monroe Co. Sheriff's Department. A member of the F.O.P. Lodge #70. He was a member of the White Oak Golf Course in Athens. Mr. Duke was a transfer truck driver for over 25 years. He attended the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Sweetwater. Preceded in death by his parents: Artist and Sarah Hicks, sister: Martha Jane Parker. Survivors include: wife of 27 years: Barbara J. Hicks Duke of Sweetwater; son and daughter-in-law: David and Bonnie Duke of Newport; daughter and son-in-law: Teresa and Wallace Lawson of Sweetwater; grandchildren: Adam Duke of Ring Gold, GA, Tyler and Hannah Duke of Lake Dallas, TX, Steven Trinadad, Shelby, and David Duke, Jr., of Newport, Julie Lawson of Sweetwater; uncle: J.D. Young of Chattanooga; mother-in-law: Ruby Hicks of Sweetwater. The body is at Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, with the funeral service to follow at 8:00 p.m. in Kyker's Chapel with Rev. Charles Cassady and Rev. Caloway Nichols officiating. Interment 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, in the Sweetwater Valley Memorial Park, with full military honors provided by the Sweetwater V.F.W. Gold Star Post 5156. Kyker Funeral Home, of Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements.

JESSIE B. ROBERTS AGE 78 OF HARRIMAN PASSED AWAY MONDAY JULY 22, 2002 AT HARRIMAN CARE & REHABILITATION CENTER. HE WAS A MEMBER OF WALNUT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH, VETERAN OF THE US ARMY WWII. SERVED IN THE INFANTRY 3RD DIVISION. MEMBER OF THE DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS. SURVIVORS, SON JOHNNIE BOB ROBERTS OF CHATTANOOGA; SISTER & BROTHER IN LAW, LUCILLE & CLAUDE BUTTRAM JR. OF HARRIMAN; BROTHER, REUBEN ROBERTS OF HARRIMAN; GRANDCHILD, STEPHANIE ROBERTS OF KNOXVILLE . GRAVESIDE SERVICE 2:00 P.M. THURSDAY AT HARRIMAN CITY CEMETERY WITH REV DENNIS JARNAGIN AND REV HOWARD HULING OFFICIATING. KYKER FUNERAL HOME IN HARRIMAN.

Debra S. Goodman, age 50, of Sweetwater, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2002, at UT Medical Center. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Tabernacle Church and Community Chorus Choir of Sweetwater. Preceded in death by her father: Warren Franklin Brown. Survivors include: husband of 29 years: David Paul Goodman; daughter: April Goodman; mother: Mary Sue Brown; brother and sister-in-law: David and Rachael Brown all of Sweetwater; sister and brother-in-law: Karen and Don Forester; niece: Katie Forester all of Oak Ridge. There will be a memorial service, 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at Fairview Baptist Tabernacle Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House, Knoxville, TN or Sam's Sweetwater Area Ministries, Sweetwater, TN. Kyker Funeral Home, of Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements.

David E. "Short" Sewell, age 56, of Sweetwater, passed away Monday, July 29, 2002 at the family home. He was a member of East Sweetwater Freewill Baptist Church of Sweetwater. Preceded in death by his parents: B.H. and Lena Mae Sewell, brothers: Darrell and Paul Sewell. Survivors include: wife of 34 years: Frieda Wiseman Sewell of Sweetwater; son and daughter-in-law: Mike and Beth Sewell of Sweetwater; daughters and son-in-law: Angie and Jeff Rader of Johnson City, Melanie and Missy Sewell both of Sweetwater; grandson: Brady Sewell; brothers: Bill, Charlie, B.R., Jim, Cotton, Jack, and Ron Sewell; special brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Wanda and Sam Williford of Madisonville; several nieces and nephews. The body is at Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater, where the family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at East Sweetwater Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Dennis Daugherty and Rev. Doyle Pruitt officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery, with full military honors provided by the Sweetwater V.F.W. Gold Star Post 5156. Kyker Funeral Home, of Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements.