At age 103, Mrs. Olga Lash Barnes departed this life Tuesday June 25, 2019. The daughter of Rev. Wiley H. Lash and Mrs. Mary Lash, founders of two Lutheran churches and several businesses, she grew up in Salisbury, N.C. where she attended public schools, graduating with honors from Livingston College with a B.A. degree in English and Education. After graduation, at age 19, she accepted a two-year teaching position at Morristown College, in Tennessee, before moving to New York City where she earned her M.S. degree in Library Science from Columbia University. She subsequently taught in Trenton, New Jersey, married and moved to Washington, D.C., where she held itinerant librarian positions in two area public middle schools, one in Georgetown and the other in Washington, D.C. In addition, Mrs. Barnes served as a Reference Librarian at the Library of Congress. As a member of several civic and community organizations throughout her career, Mrs. Barnes was a life-long supporter of civil rights and education. She was one of several pioneers in efforts to desegregate railroad transportation from New Jersey to the nation’s capital and in initiatives to bring library services to disadvantaged public school students in the District of Columbia. For more than seventy years, Mrs. Barnes was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is preceded in death by her husband Dr. S.E. Barnes, a member of “The Golden Thirteen,” first African-American commissioned officers in the history of the United States Navy (1946); her sister Nadine W. Gwaltney of Los Angeles, CA; brothers: M. Traugott Lash, Wiley I. Lash (first African-American elected Mayor of Salisbury, NC) and Dr. John Lash (Professor and Special-Assistant-to the President of Texas Southern University, Houston, TX; and columnist, the Houston Chronicle newspaper). She is survived by three children: Dr. Olga M. Welch (beloved son-in-law, George E. Welch), Alexa B. Donaphin and Michael D. Barnes; granddaughters: Dr. Taja M. Welch, Bethany C. Donaphin and Stephani A. Welch; and great-granddaughter, Amaya Donaphin. A Remembrance Ceremony will take place Saturday, July 27, 2019 from 11 a.m. to ll:30 a.m. in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Ave., Knoxville, TN. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Knoxville, TN, in Mrs. Barnes’ name. At a later date, a family graveside service for Mrs. Barnes will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C., where she will be interred next to her husband.

Unity Mortuary is honorably serving the family of Timothy L. Jones, 60, of Knoxville, who departed this life on June 20, 2019. Arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced at a later time.

Angela Yvonne McKenzie Brodie, 54, of Knoxville, departed this life on Friday, June 14, 2019. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jeffrey Brodie; father, Wilford Billingsley; mother, Barbara Jean McKenzie; grandmother, Cassie McGee; grandfather, Alvin McKenzie; paternal grandparents: Erma Waters and William Billingsley; and uncle/father, James Kelso. She is survived by her daughters: Lauren Brodie and Leslie Brodie; sons: Jeffrey Brodie and Mike Stover; sisters: Allison (Venice) Foster, Lisa Billingsley and Kristy (Curtis) Billingsley Thomas; brother, Edward (Chell) Billingsley; aunt/mother, Mildred Kelso; grandchildren: Edward Brodie, Jaleia Thompson, Jeffon Brodie, Jazaria Brodie, D’Mariaye Brodie, E’Laila Roberts, Avah Ellington, E’lania Roberts, La’Mira Bradley, Akili Wilson, Journee Turner and Amiyah Stover; great-grandchildren: Julianna & Julia Thompson and Kinleigh Brodie; devoted friends: Raynard King, Latethia Goins, Tyrone Green, Greg Ellington, Danny Roberts and LaToya Brown; and a host of relatives and friends. Mrs. Brodie will lie-in-repose on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 9 AM to 6 PM in the Jefferson Davis, Jr. State Room of Unity Mortuary. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 22, 2019 from 4 PM to 5 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Steve Simpson officiating.

Zacharia “Ocho” Nahimana was born on July 19, 1998 in Tanzania, Africa to Alex Barinzigo and Penina Hakizimana. They came to America in February 2008. Zacharia attended Stone Mountain Middle School and Austin East High School. He later went to work multiple jobs searching for his perfect fit. At the time of passing, he was employed at McDonald’s. Zacharia was a shining light that always set the mood to joy and happiness wherever he went. He had a smile that was uplifting, kind and loving. He was only on this earth for 20 years, but he leaves a lifetime of love, joy, laughter and memories that will never be forgotten. Zacharia Nahimana leaves to mourn his passing his parents: Alex Barinzigo and Penina Hakizimana; his sisters: Delephine Ndayisenga and Charilote Nibitanga; his brothers: Emmanuel Niyonkuru Alex, James Nbayishimiye, Jean Marie Niyonzima and Jimmy Hakizimana; special friend, Alex Ndwanishaka; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and close friends. “Ocho” will lie-in-repose on Friday, June 21, 2019 from 9 AM to 6 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary.  The Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 12 noon in the chapel. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Mother Hueen Ballard Chesney peacefully passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019 at National Health Care (NHC) Fort Sanders. She was a faithful member of Peace & Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church, serving both on the Mother’s Board and a member of the choir. She was the daughter of Emma Davis. She will always be remembered by her family as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She is predeceased by husband William L. Chesney, two daughters, one son and two grandsons. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughters: Lena Mae Davis and Mary Linda Reeves [of Knoxville, TN]; daughter-in-law, Norma Jean Davis [of Columbus, OH]; grandchildren: Yvette Davis, Ricky Davis, Tony Hackler, Felicia Reeves, Lawrence (Von) Reeves, Paul (Monique) Taylor, Jr. [all of Knoxville, TN], William Davis, Jackie (James) May, and LeeAnne Davis [of Columbus, OH]; great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 11:00 am to 12 noon at Peace & Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor John Jordan officiating. The final resting place will be at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Lyons View following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Peace & Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church in memory of Mother Hueen Chesney, 1723 Washington Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Family will receive friends at 2925 Selma Avenue.

Mildred (Holloway) Minter met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 11, 2019 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Family members and her spiritual leaders were by her side during her transitioning. Prior to that date, she was in the constant loving care of her youngest son James in the comfort of her home. She was born December 7, 1922 in Eatonton, GA, to parents Odessa (Lawson) Whiteside and Sylvester Holloway. She was raised to adulthood by her aunt Virgel Lawence in Knoxville. The love of her life for 67 years was Robert Lee Minter, Sr. They were wed on June 16, 1940 in Knoxville, Tennessee. To that union were born six children, all productive citizens due to their parents’ motivation and personal sacrifice. Mrs. Minter was an active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church (East), serving in the church nursery for 50+ years, Women’s Sunday School, Pastor’s Aide and receiving recognition as a Mother of the Church. Church members, neighbors and friends enjoyed her generosity and unique sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Robert Lee Minter, Sr.; granddaughter, Karen Jones; and son-in-law, Casey Jones. Her family contributed to her care in their individual ways. They are her children: Robert (Regina) Minter, Jr., Annie Jones, Wilbert (Carolyn) Minter, Lillie (Jerry) Garner [of Neptune, NJ], James Minter and Irma James [of Atlanta, GA].  Her legacy continues with 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends of the family including the Mount Olive Church family. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Mount Olive Baptist Church (East), 1601 Dandridge Avenue, from 11 AM to 12 PM with the Celebration of Life Services to follow with Rev. Jesse Williams officiating. The final resting will be at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Lyons View on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 9:30 AM. A white dove release will conclude the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made Garden of Discovery Learning Center Academy, 1601 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915, or Crutcher Memorial Youth Enrichment Center, 112 Lakeside Street, Knoxville, TN 37914.

Loette Means McClellan was born on January 26, 1920 to Horace Sr. and Daisy P. Means in Williamson, Georgia. On Friday, May 10, 2019, Loette gained her wings. Her family relocated to Knoxville during her youth and she later graduated from Austin High School. She attended Knoxville College and, subsequently, earned an LPN diploma from the American Institute of Practical Nursing of Chicago, Illinois. She was employed on a part-time basis while continuing to raise her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence E. McClellan, Sr.; her sons: Ronald McClellan and Larry M. McClellan, Sr.; and her grandson, Larry “Chip” McClellan, Jr. To cherish her memories, she leaves her daughter, Joan M. Wynn [of Riverdale, Georgia]; sons: Paul E. McClellan, James A. McClellan, and Lawrence McClellan, Jr., [all of Decatur Georgia]; granddaughters: Alycia M. Wynn [of Laurel, Maryland], Shannon M. Rogers [of Augusta, Georgia], Ronique S. McClellan [of Knoxville, Tennessee], and JaQuise S. Middlebrooks [of Chattanooga, Tennessee]; grandsons: Darren L. McClellan [of Knoxville, Tennessee] and Julian McClellan [of Alpharetta, Georgia]; six great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 18, 2019 from 11:00-11:30 AM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Leroy Franklin officiating. Entombment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Rhonda Harris, 58, of Knoxville, departed this life on May 10, 2019 at Parkwest Medical Center. Arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced later with integrity by UNITY MORTUARY.

Sandra R. Mills, 64, of Knoxville, departed this life on May 7, 2019 at UT Medical Center. Arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced later with integrity by UNITY MORTUARY.

Dameion Shermond Nolan, of Knoxville, passed away in Memphis, TN. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kinosha J. Nolan; grandmother, Linda Nolan Cherry; great-grandmother, Callie Nolan; great-grandparents: Herman and Nell Rose Martin. He leaves to cherish his memories his son, Dameion Nolan, Jr.; brother, Franklin Parton, Jr. (Dejanette); father, Franklin (Connie) Parton, Sr.; grandmother, Charlene Parton; longtime devoted friend/mother, Leekirdrah Haynes; a host of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts; favorite aunt, Kayla Cherry and favorite uncle, Demetrice Parton. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 10, 2019 from 3-4 PM at Cherry Street Church of God, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Eric Satterfield officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.