William Perkins Allen, age 95, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 31, 2016 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  Willie was greatly known for his smile, gentleman mannerism and kind spirit.  He was loved by many and usually his conversations ended with “God bless you!” Willie was born in Knoxville, TN on July 26, 1921 to Rev. Charles and Emma Allen.  Willie was a member of the Church of God in Christ. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Rosa May, Booker, Charles and Emma Pauline. He is survived by his devoted sister-in-law/caregiver Carol Allen; his COGIC church family; nieces and nieces: Roxann (Richard) Asbury, Antonio (Tony) Angela, Antonette, Andrea, Vinette, Alexander (Sandy) and Audriana, all of Ohio, and Christina Grant of Knoxville, TN.  Willie’s special care over the years was provided by the Staff of Fort Sanders NHC and The Caris Hospice teams.  A great “Thank You” is given to all those who shared in his loving care and support. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 6, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm, with the Celebration of Life to follow at 6:30 pm, in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with District Superintendent Phillip Hamilton, Sr., officiating.  The final resting with be held at Highland South Cemetery on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 12:00 pm. Services will conclude with a white dove release.

Nell Rose (Crippen) Martin, age 88, of Knoxville, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Kindred Healthcare. Nell was born on March 2, 1928 in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Campbell and Vera Toms, Sr. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Herman E. Martin, Sr.; her sister: Opha Betty Hall; her sons: Calvin, Bart and Brad Crippen; granddaughter: Elisa Crippen; and great-grand-daughter: Michelle Parton. She leaves to cherish her memory daughters: Charlene Parton, Carol Crippen, Terri Sweatman and Debbie (Franklin) Young; sons: Charles, Eddie and James (Natalie) Crippen; numerous grandchildren,  great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. On Friday, December 30, 2016, the Receiving of Friends will be from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the funeral to follow at 12:00 pm, at Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church, 1723 Washington Avenue. The family will assemble at 2520 Linden Avenue. The final resting place will be held at Sherwood Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. Services will conclude with a white dove release.

Shirley Foxx, age 74, of Knoxville, departed this life December 19, 2016 at Beverly Park Place Health. She was a graduate of Austin High School and a member of Central Church of Christ. She is preceded in death by her parents: Paul and Hazel Foxx, Sr.; her brother: Leonard Foxx; her sisters: Cornelia Pempleton and Wilma Foxx; and her son Garland Foxx. She is survived by her daughter: Melissa Foxx; sister: Mildred (Larry) Anthony; brother: Paul (Sue) Foxx, Jr., of Amityville, NY; sister-in-law: Betty Foxx; grandchildren: Tia and Iyaun Foxx; devoted cousin: JoAnn Mitchel of Hartford, CT; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the William V. Powell, Jr., Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with the funeral to follow at 6:00 pm. The final resting place will be at Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery (Sutherland Ave) on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11:00 am. The family will assemble at 2063 Riverside Dr.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to C.C.Y.S.P. Youth Organization at any First Tennessee Bank.

Sylvia D. Murphy went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on December 6, 2016 at the age of 66 in Clarksville, TN, surrounded by her loving family. Sylvia served the Knoxville community proudly as a highly respected child care provider for over 40 years. During her life she touched many lives in the Knoxville area, as well as in Clarksville, TN. Sylvia D. Murphy was born in Knoxville, TN in 1949. She graduated from Austin High School in 1966. She grew up worshipping at Mt. Pleasant church in the Lyons View community, as well as Eternal Life Harvest Church, prior to her sudden illness. Sylvia is survived by her loving mother Mary M. “Mama Mary” Davis, devoted daughter April Denine Chandler, son’s Douglas Chandler Jr., and Herbert Jerome “Jay” McMillan. She also leaves her devoted five brothers Edward (LeeAnn) Davis, Ronald (Maxine) Davis, Stanford (Alicia) Davis, Stephen (Tanya) Davis, Theodore (Sheila) Davis, and sister Rosella Davis who loved her dearly. She leaves behind fourteen grandchildren (special grandsons Charles Jamison Jr., Marqui Jamison, and Jyran Mcmillan), three great grandchildren, multiple nieces, nephews, and many friends. She also leaves behind her devoted son-in-law Marion J. Smith Jr. Sylvia D. Murphy is preceded in death by her loving father, William E. “Papa Will” Davis. Sylvia will be dearly missed by all that she touched in her life.

Jean Ann Cannon of Knoxville, TN, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday evening, December 6, 2016.  She was born on August 31, 1936 in Spartanburg, SC.  She was a Windows School of Beauty graduate from 1972 to 1973.  She was a retired hairstylist. She was preceded in death by her parents, Williams and H.B. Lyles; her siblings: Tahita Winkler, Jacqueline Lyles, Patricia Lyles, Williams Lyles and Lillian Lyles. She is survived by her husband of 61 years Henry Clay Cannon, Sr.; four children: Tillman Cannon, Henry Clay Cannon Jr., Eric Maurice (Robin) Cannon Sr., and Anna Maria (Anthony) Williams; six grandchildren: Derrick M. Cannon Sr., Lia Stokes, Eric M. Cannon Jr., Joli Cannon, Arieana G. Dixon and Mikayla Rogers; three great-grandchildren: Ayana Cannon, Derrick M. Cannon Jr., and Elijah Clay Brown; her siblings: Gigi Grant, Douglas Lyles; one sister-in-law: Eddie Mae Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. The Cannon family will receive friends on Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at First AME Zion Church, 1900 McCalla Avenue, with the Celebration of Life service to follow at 4:00 p.m., with Rev. Michael McNair officiating.  The final resting place will be at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier Highway, on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 9:30 a.m., concluded with dove release.

Ronald Lewis Davis, age 63, of Knoxville, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016.  Ronald was a member of Walking by Faith Church and was a United States Army veteran. Ronald is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Josephine Davis.  He is survived by his wife: Mary K. Davis; son: Ricky (Heather) Gregory; daughters: Terry (Patrick) Tucker and Katherine (Eric) Penson; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; sisters: Viola Eady, Merle Davis, Claudette Davis, JoAnn Davis, Virginia Butts and Robbie Davis Craft; brother: Claude Davis, Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and best friend James Pratt. The Davis family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2016 in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel at Unity Mortuary, followed by the Homegoing Celebration at 3:00 p.m.  The final resting place will be held at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier Highway) on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.  The family will assemble at 1:30 p.m. at the Unity Mortuary Chapel on Saturday and at 1:00 p.m. on Monday for the procession to the cemetery.  A dove release will conclude.

Bronson Lee Williams, of Knoxville, TN passed from this life, on Sunday morning November 20, 2016.  Bronson was born on September 12, 1992 to McArthur Williams and Teressa Rader-Williams. He was preceded in death by grandfather, Willie Lee Williams and brother, Jermichael Roberts.  Left to remember his fond memories the joy of his life son, Za’Kauri Williams, in addition to his heartbroken parents; his sisters, Brittany and Blayr Williams, step-sister Makayla Pearson; brothers,  Braxton Williams, Carlos Roberts, Jarvis and Orlando Williams; grandparents, Charles and Alzora Rader and Zella Mae Williams,  along with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and loving girlfriend, Keturah (Kei) Moon and son Zairee Moon. The Williams family will receive friends Saturday, November 26, 2016 from 2:00-3:00pm and a service to celebrate Bronson’s life will follow at First A.M.E. Zion Church, 1900 McCalla Avenue Knoxville, TN 37915. Rev. Michael J. McNair will be presiding.  The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery 2500 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920 immediately following service.

Michael F. Claiborne, of Knoxville, slipped quietly and peacefully into God’s arms on November 3, 2016. He was born on November 11, 1955 in Knoxville, TN. He was actively involved in his community. Preceded in death by parents, George and Myrtle Claiborne; brother, Steven Costner; sister, Wilma Claiborne. Left to celebrate home going; brothers, Timothy (Susan) and John; sisters, Georgetta (Eddie) Anderson and Kimberly (Pastor Anthony) Maples; sisters-in-law, Carol Oliver, Phyllis Boseman and Learline Mill; brother-in-law, Arnold Boseman; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends. Family will receive friends on Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 5:00-5:30 PM with services to follow in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel at Unity Mortuary.

Louella Rogers Crump of Knoxville went to be with the Lord on November 10, 2016. She was born on December 1, 1941 to Zack and Willie Mae Harris Rogers. She was preceded in death by  husband, Joe L. Crump; parents; siblings, S. Paul Rogers, Vivian Colbert, Willie Jean Wagoner; niece, Janice Matthews; several aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Left to remember her with fond memories: her loving and devoted son, Joel Lavon (Dawn) Crump; 2 brothers, William (Roxie) Rogers, Truman (Gloria) Rogers; 1 sister-in-law, Ida Dixson; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, and cousins too numerous to name. Thanks to Georgene and Fort Sanders cafeteria workers. The Crump family will receive friends Wednesday, November 16, 2016 from 11:00 – 12:00 at Unity Mortuary Chapel, 1425 McCalla Avenue, Knoxville, TN with funeral service to follow at 12:00 PM, with Reverend Reginald Strong officiating, Reverend Hugh Dixon Eulogist. The final resting place will be at Highland Memorial Cemetery (Sutherland Avenue) immediately following service. Services will conclude with a white dove release.

Burnadeen Tate transitioned to her heavenly home on November 3, 2016. She was born in Knoxville, to Elijah Kimbrough and Eva Thomas Turk October 24, 1925. She is preceded in death by parents, husband, Charles Cecil Tate, Sr., son, Curtis Tate; granddaughter, Shannon Robinson; grandson, Derek Maurice Tate, Jr., great-grandson, DeShawn Tate, Sr. and great-granddaughter, Quinn Smith. Mourning her loss 6 sons, Charles, Cecil, Jr. (Rose), Hilton, Milton, Derek, Sr., Bennie (Charlette), and Larry, Sr. (Alison) Tate; 1 brother, Eric Kimbrough; 15 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, McKinley McElroy’ sister-in-law, Elizabeth Daniels; many nieces, nephews, others relatives and friends. The Tate family will receive friends on Friday, November 11, 2016 from 6:00-7:00 at Payne Avenue Baptist Church, 2714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Knoxville, with funeral to follow at 7:00 PM. The final resting place will be held at the Veterans Cemetery, 5901 Lyons View Pike on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 11:30 am.