Clarissa D. Gaines – passed away June 26, 2015 in Syracuse, New York. She graduated from Alcoa High School class of 1973. She worked at U.T. Hospital and in Syracuse, New York. Denise was a member of Church of Christ in Syracuse. She was preceded in death by grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard L. Cooper and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Gaines;  father and stepmother, Ben and Mathilda Gaines; aunts, Priscilla and Viola Cooper; uncles, Aquila Cooper and William Powell, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memories; mother, Esther Gaines, daughters, Angela Capers, Jenka (Angelo) Coker; son, Fredrick Ray; sisters, Lisa Gaines, Annette Gaines, Malanie Gaines; brothers, Brian and Steven Gaines; devoted aunt, Dr. Lula C. Powell and Cousin, Alwyn Powell; a host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends; devoted friends, Peggy Webb and Sharon Ferguson. The family will receive friends Monday, July 6, 2015 from 11:00 -12:00 p.m. with funeral service to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel with Dr. Rev. Lorin Harris officiating. Interment to follow at New Gray Cemetery. Services will conclude with dove release and blanket presentation.

Mr. John Darren Gill Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama on August 18, 1960 to the late Mr. John Darren Gill Sr., and Mrs. Cecil Rene Gill. John was the seventh of their eight children. John passed away on June 22, 2015 in Atlanta, GA and was a member of Greene Forrest Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA). In his early life he accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of Tabernacle Baptist church (Knoxville, TN).  John graduated from Austin East High School (Knoxville, TN) in 1978 where he played football and baseball. He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA., and he was a member of the Free Masonic “Mason” Fraternity (Great Light Lodge 330). He was a specialist of Network Control at AT&T.  John was an avid golfer, and a family man full of personality who never met a stranger. His warming smile, charismatic personality and his love for all near and far will be forever missed; especially in his Stone Mountain neighborhood where John was deemed the “Mayor”, which is a place where everyone truly knew his name. John was preceded in death by his father, John Darren Gill, Sr. He leaves to cherish his lifelong memories and to celebrate his life, devoted wife, Sandra Helaine Gill of 25 years; mother, Cecil Rene Gill; sisters, Doris Gill Davis of Tacuma Washington; Vera Gill-Harvey, Johnnie (Thomas) Morgan, Joyce(Willie) Howard, Karen (Chris) Thompson all of Knoxville, TN.; brothers, Cal (Sharon) Gill, Sr. of Knoxville, TN.; Mark Anthony Gill of Bristow, (VA); mother- in- law, Mrs. Essie Barton; brother-in-law, Mike(Pam) Hannon and sister-in-law, Renea Hannon all of Newport, TN. and a host of nieces, nephews,  god children, and adopted neighborhood kids . Mr. Gill’s body may be viewed Friday, June 26, 2015 after 3:00 pm at Unity Mortuary Chapel. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 27, 2015 from 11:00 to 12:00 pm at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church 1807 Dandridge Avenue, with funeral services to follow with Rev. Sanford Miller officiating and Rev. Dexter Mims eulogist. Interment to immediately follow at New Gray Cemetery. Services to conclude with full dove release and blanket presentation. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Mrs. Sandra Gill at 497 Chartley Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083. Family will assemble at 3727 Ivy Avenue.

Ned Wilson, Jr. – departed the earthly life for his heavenly home on Monday, June 15, 2015. He was born February 3, 1947 to the late Ellie Zigle and Ned Wilson, Sr. Ned is preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Wilson; sister, Diane Wilson; brother, Archie Wilson. He leaves to cherish his memories: daughter, Teresa Wilson; grandson, Torrez Wilson; sons, Ned Wilson lll, Steven (Diedrea) Allen, Sr. and Stacy Carmichel, daughter, Sonya  (Patrick) Carmichel Jones; 10 grandchildren;  1 great-grandchild;  close family friends Alice Bradburn and Rex Howard. The family will receive friends Friday, June 19, 2015 from 11:00 – 12:00 pm with funeral service to follow at Knoxville Christian Center 818 N. Cedar Bluff with Dr. Barry Culberson officiating. Interment to follow at 2:30 p.m. Sherwood Memorial Gardens 3176 Airport Hwy, Alcoa, TN. Services will conclude with military honors, doves release and blanket presentation.

Ronnie Lee “Red Dog” Coffer – age 66, of Ben Atchley Veterans Home, went to be with the Lord on June 14, 2015. Preceded in death by his parents, Isabella (Robert) Freeman and Albert Coker; grandparents Gordon and Rosa Coffer; sister, Cheryl (Vesta) Coffer; nephew, Donald Lauderdale; loving companion, Tonia “Tonie” Briggs. Left to cherish his memories: daughter, Tracie (Vernon) Blair;  stepdaughters,  Sara, LaQuesha Briggs, Ashley (Tyreese) Weaver; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, James Russell Coffer, Raymond, Jessie and Victor Coker; sisters, Willa Mae Thomas, Ora Lee (Bobby) Coffer, Rose (Charles) Winton, Rosella (Willie Charles) Winton, Angela (Eric) Myers and Alberta Freeman; sister-in-law, Glenda King (Albert Allison); caregiver and best friend, Annetta Jackson; a host of others nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Family visitation will be held Monday, June 22, 2015 at Unity Mortuary Chapel from 11:00 – 12:00 pm, with funeral services to follow at 12:00 pm. with Rev. Howard Hale, Sr., eulogist. Family will gather at the home of his sister, Ora Lee Coffer, 2574 Woodbine Avenue, 37914. Interment to follow at 1:30 p.m. East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier Hwy. Services will conclude with military honors, doves release and blanket presentation.

Mary L. Mathis – age 53 of Knoxville, TN departed this life June 5, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family, her courageous battle is completed. She was preceded in death by her father, Buford Mathis; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James B. (Martha) Blanton, Jr.; Joe Lee (Ida) Mathis; uncle, James B. Blanton III; companion, Jesse W. Turner. She leaves to cherish her memory: loving and devoted children, Calvin (Lawana) Mathis, Candice (Ulysses) Hampton; father of children, Calvin (Terri) Carson; granddaughter, Caleigh; mother, Emily A. Mathis; brothers, Christopher and James; sisters, Marilyn, Kimberly, Debra all of Knoxville; special cousins, Joseph and Timothy Davis; devoted friend, Stacy Owens; numerous relatives, friends and members of First A.M.E. Zion Church. The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at The University of Tennessee Cancer Institute, Hospice Care and the Walter P. Taylor Homes Community. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 11, 2015 from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. at First A.M. E. Zion Church with the Homegoing Celebration to follow at 6:00 p.m. with Minister Calvin Carson and Rev. Michael McNair officiating.

Donald Edward Graves – Transitioned this life on May 28, 2015 at his residence. He was a WWII Veteran and retired from Greyhound Bus Lines with 25 years of service. He was the oldest member of The Mount Zion Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his wife, Mary L. Graves; daughters, Donna Blakney, Sonya Gwinn; son, Carlos E. Graves Sr.; granddaughter, Sonya Sullivan; great-grand-son, Vent Sullivan. Left to cherish his memories; 2 daughters, Vicki (Michael) Burris, Tamela Griffin and son Jerry E. Graves Sr.; 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and the Mt. Zion Church family. The family will receive friends Friday, June 5, 2015 from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. with the Home Going Celebration to immediately follow with Rev. Johnnie Skinner officiating. Interment will immediately follow at TN Veterans Cemetery 5901 Lyons View Pike with the Unity dove release ceremony and blanket presentation. The family will assemble at 3124 Culpepper Dr.

Joel William Simpson (Bear) – passed away suddenly May 26, 2015 in Covington, GA. He was preceded in death by parents, Bertha M. Simpson and Roland Simpson. He is survived by his wife, Norma Williams Simpson; sisters, Betty McHenry, Saundra Douglas, Mary Agnes, Olene, Rose and Cassie all of Knoxville; devoted uncle, Edward Leroy (Jacqueline) Blair; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews, other relative and friends. The Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Unity Mortuary Chapel with service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Joseph Simpson officiating. Interment will be held Monday, June 8, 2015 at 12:00 noon at New Gray Cemetery. Services will conclude with dove release and blanket presentation.

Olivia Hamilton Mitchell – departed the earthly life for her Heavenly home on Monday, May 25, 2015. She was born November 10, 1921 to the late Dora Hamilton. Olivia is preceded in death by husband, Robert F. Mitchell, Jr.; 2 sisters, Gladys Hamilton and Asalee Jones; sister-in-law, Inez Hardin; granddaughter, Sonya Sullivan. She leaves to cherish her memories: son, Robert Mitchell; daughters, Sandra Woods, Cleta Slater and Margaret Robinson; nephew, Terri Acuff; a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren; devoted church members and friends. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm with funeral service to follow at Mattie E. Coleman church 2537 Selma Avenue with Rev. Dewayne E. Moore officiating. Interment will be held Monday, June 1, 2015 at 11:30 am Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 5901 Lyons View Pike. Services will conclude with dove release and blanket presentation.

Barbara Jean Anderson-Burris – age 78, departed this life to her heavenly home on May 10, 2015. Barbara’s life was devoted to her family; she was adored by her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church where she was the “Mother of the Church”, Barbara and her husband worked as a team in the church wherever needed. She is preceded in death by parents, John and Elizabeth Anderson; sisters, Mildred Campbell, Margaret Brown; brother, John Anderson. She leaves to cherish her memories: devoted husband, Theodore Burris; daughters, Shirleen, Kimesia Burris; sons, Theodore Byron Sr., Mark  (Carmella), Bradley, Vincent (Cheryl) Burris;  14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Rose William, Deanna Brabson, Carolyn Burris; brothers-in-law, Marvin , Melvin, William (Joyce), Wilbur ( Shea) Burris; several nieces, nephews cousins and other relatives. Family will receive friends Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 11:00 to 12:00 Noon at Unity Mortuary Chapel with funeral service following with eulogy by Pastor Melvin W. Wright of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. Interment to immediately follow at New Gray Cemetery, Western Avenue. Service will conclude with dove release and blanket presentation.

Rachel L. Smith – age 71 of Knoxville, TN, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at Beverly Park Place Nursing Home. Survivors, devoted nieces, Rose Womble and Connie Blair; beloved nephew, James Watson; sister, Della Watson; brother, James Roy Smith; daughters, Tracie Farrow and Yolanda Smith; a host of other relatives to include grandchildren, nieces, and cousins. Family will celebrate her life on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the home of Rose Womble, 2718 Wilson Ave. Knoxville, TN 37914.