Michael Lee Chambers, Jr., left his earthly home to join his heavenly father on February 18, 2019. He was born on December 6, 1990 in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Rev. Michael L. Chambers, Sr., and Verona Colar. Michael attended Austin-East High School and later learned auto mechanics at Magic Auto Body. Michael had a heart of gold and was always the life of the party. His shy smile would light up any dark room. Michael was introduced to God at a young age and had no trouble spreading His Word. He loved being with his family and will truly be missed. He leaves to mourn his passing his parents, Michael L. Chambers, Sr. [of Knoxville] and Verona  (Efrem) Whitehurst [of Durham, NC]; devoted step-mother, Mary L. Brown [of Knoxville]; ]; sons: Hezekiah Crawford and Elijah Chambers; one daughter, MiKayla Chambers; sisters: Shavona Chambers, Michelle Chambers, Whitney Webb [all of Knoxville] and Ciara Carter [of Charlotte, NC two nieces, five nephews, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 12 noon to 1 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Steve Simpson officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Sherrie D. Rucker was born on November 20, 1964 to the late Marvin Sr. and Jeanette Rucker. She was a graduate of Rule High School, Class of 1983. She departed this life on February 2, 2019 at her home. She is preceded in death by her sister, Kimberly Rucker Williams. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughters: Kearea (John) Rucker and Majesta Rucker; grandchildren: Bre’erica, Jadia, Eryuan and Jh’miere; brothers: Marvin (Vanya) Rucker, Jr., and Rashod (Desaray) Rucker; nieces and nephews: Ladashia, Jamonta, Brian, Monique, Dominique, Khadijah, Jalajawun and DeAjunay; aunts: Bettye Moore and Phyllis Lewis; a host of great-nieces, great nephews and other relatives; and Sherrie’s special friends: Angela Byrd Clark, Gerald Stanford, Joey Kyle, Jalisa Widener, Zakiyah Shereef and Trion Maxwell. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 1-2 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr., Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Sanford Miller, Sr., officiating. The final resting place will be at the Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Cornelia Fisher, a long-time resident of Knoxville, has been welcomed into the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ on January 31, 2019. Ms. Fisher was born in Huntsville, Alabama on June 30, 1935. She was the third daughter of the late Willie Mae Langford Fisher and Alexander Fisher. She is preceded in death by her parents and three sisters:  Hattie Fisher, Queen Esther Fisher Duncan, and Selestine Fisher Atkins. Before the family moved to Knoxville, they briefly lived in Chattanooga, Spring City, and Dayton, Tennessee. She attended Knoxville City Schools and graduated from Austin High School in 1954. Ms. Fisher was employed by the Knox County School System, working in Early Childhood Education. In more recent years, she worked as a Foster Grandparent at the Boys and Girls Club. A long-time member of Rogers Memorial Baptist Church, she was an active participant in Missionary Circle 9, the Senior Usher Board, the Joy Club Seniors, and the Red Hat Club. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Tyrone Woodard of Knoxville; two granddaughters, Traci and Alicia Stewart; seven great-grandchildren: Derrick, De Aris and Deidre Stinson, Ashely Stewart, ReeShawn and Aliah Willis (all of Knoxville), and Ceondra Porter (of Aurora, CO); five great-great grandchildren: Rajon, Ramir, BraNiya, DeAris Jr., and Raelynn; three devoted nieces, Deborah (Edwin) McCleary of Oak Ridge, Lisa Dixon of Knoxville, and Kimberly Lisenby of Woodbridge, VA; nephew, Charles David (Roxanne) Duncan of Fort Washington, MD; and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives. The family will receive friends at Rogers Memorial Baptist Church on Friday, February 8, 2019 from 11 AM to 12 PM with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Michel S.E. Caldwell officiating. The final resting place will be at the Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services. The family will assemble at the church on the day of services.

Donna Jean Wilson Griffin, affectionately known as “Pie,” was called home by God on Monday, January 21, 2019. She was born in Kentucky, but resided in Knoxville, Tennessee. Donna loved the Lord and was a faithful member of Greater Warner A.M.E. Zion Church. She is preceded in death by her parents: Jesse Wilson Sr. and Sharon Anne Scudder Wilson; maternal grandparents: Harold K. Scudder and Jean Scudder; and brothers: Jesse Wilson, Jr., and Marcus L. Wilson. She leaves to mourn her passing her devoted and loving husband of 35 years, Cebra Griffin, Sr.; sons: DeWayne Love, Darrius Griffin, Cebra (Kaia) Griffin, Jr.; brothers: Harold Wilson and Malcom Wilson; grandchildren: Kyiala Love, Dameya, Da’Kari, and Cebria La’Donna Griffin; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 2:00-2:30 PM at First AME Zion Church, 1900 McCalla Ave, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Rev. Dr. Cleo Brooks officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service.

Travis Henry Wooley, Jr passed from this life and into the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 14, 2019 at the age of 84. Travis was born August 12, 1934 in Arkadelphia (Colony), AL. Travis was the son of Travis Henry and Alma Cora Wooley. Travis retired from Rohm and Haas (now Dow Chemical).  He started his career with them in Knoxville then moved to Houston, TX to continue his employment and retired from this company.  After retirement, he decided to move back to his beloved Knoxville. Although Travis considered Knoxville, TN his home, he loved Houston and considered it his second home. Travis lived life to the fullest and was always looking forward to his next adventure. For many years Travis was a member of Daysprings Baptist Church in Knoxville, where he took much enjoyment and pride in being the church’s bell ringer for their Sunday services. He was preceded in death by his parents: Travis & Alma Cora Wooley; and siblings:  Christal, Erria, Sadie, Lester, Octerius, Chester, Nathaniel, Essic, and Cleveland. He leaves to cherish his memories his sons: David (Sylvia) Byars & Dwayne (Pamela) Wooley; grandchildren: Devondria Wooley, Natasha (Abdaq Kayd) Byars, Desiree’ (Arturo) Zuñiga, Brianna Byars, Jordan, Jessica & Jason Wooley; great-grandchildren:  Audianna, Kennedy, Eleña & Maxemilio; sisters: Agnes Vaughn & Gladys (Russell) Layne;  Niece:  Bobbie Bridges;  a host of great-nieces, nephews & cousins; extended friends & loved ones; and his caregiver, Shirley Sullivan, who cared for him for the last five years of his life. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Dayspring Baptist Church, 923 W. Oldham Ave, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 2:00 PM.

Beulah Mitchell was born on October 22, 1938 to Ophelia C. Sarden in Lake Providence, Louisiana. At the age of 80, she departed this life on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Ft. Sanders Regional Hospital. She is preceded in death by her mother, Ophelia C. Sarden; brother, Elijah Sarden; son, Curtis G. Ezell; and father of her children, Lawrence E. Mitchell, Sr. She leaves to honor her memory her children: Lawrence E. Mitchell, Jr., Joy Mitchell-Byrd, Lee V. Mitchell and Misty L. Mitchell; nine grandchildren: Antonio C. (Christy) Upton, Pierre (Kaylee) Mitchell, Jakolby Stigall, Samuel Byrd III (Pariz) Salehe, Jashara Mitchell, Niyah Byrd (David) Palacios, Kaleb Mitchell, Samahd (Byrd) Salehe and Joyah Byrd; seven great-grandchildren: Greyson Upton, Kai Mitchell, Jamyra Chesney, Jenia Mitchell, Ace Mitchell, Shylynn Upton and Alinah Palacios; cousins: Eddye Mae Bee, Willie (Beatrice) Moore III, Kimberly (John) Chandler, and Roi (Tonya) Ligon; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; and longtime friend, Charlotte Brabson. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 12-1 PM at Tabernacle Baptist Church with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Christopher Battle officiating and Rev. Renee Kessler as eulogist. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service.

Minister Eric Tyrone Penson Sr., age 51, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 11, 2019. He was a lifelong resident of Knoxville, TN, originally from Los Angeles, California. Eric was a Minister at Walking by Faith Ministries. His passion was in ministry, spending time with his family, devoted best friend/brother-in-law Minister Ricky Gregory and his football team East Tennessee Knights. Eric is preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Maxwell; grandparents: Madeline Franklin, Beatrice Penson and Leroy Penson, Sr.; and uncle, Richard Franklin III. He is survived by his devoted wife of 23 years, Katherine Marie Penson; children: California, Candance Penson, Eric T. (Ebonisha) Penson Jr., Kasasha (Anthony) Bolden, Keont’e Gregory Sr., and Celica Gregory; honorary sons: Steven Hines and DeAngelo Tucker; father, Leroy (Wendy) Penson Jr.; siblings: California, Leroy (Betty) Penson III, Mark Penson, Sharon Penson, Darryl Penson, Jeffery Penson, Avis Hodge, Randy Dupree and Shemia Dupree; grandchildren: Ja’Cion, Ja’Ciyah, Coby, Keont’e Jr., Kain, Kason, William, Amarie, Jacie; loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and host of family and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 26, 2019 from 12-1 PM at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 2504 Cecil Avenue, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Pastor Darryl Lindsey officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service.

Mrs. Helen Louise McClanahan Hill was born December 8, 1941, in Charleston, Mississippi, to the union of the late Alex and Henrietta Hill.  She was granted eternal rest on December 30, 2018 at the Diversicare Nursing Home, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She received her early education in the Charleston school system.  Upon relocating to Oak Ridge, she attended Robertsville Middle School and graduated from Oak Ridge High School.  After raising her children, she continued her post-secondary education and received her Bachelor degree from Tusculum College. Mrs. Hill was a former employee of the Office of Science and Technical Information.  More recently, she was a substitute teacher in the Oak Ridge School system. On June 17, 1972, she was united in holy matrimony to James B. Hill Jr. She was member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.  Over the years, she served in several capacities to include, Sunday School Superintendent, Monday Evening Study Session tutor, church missionary, and a member of the Senior Choir.  She was also a member of the Atomic Chapter #13 Order of Eastern Stars. In her spare time, she enjoyed attending sporting events, reading, crossword puzzles, and being around her family.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Derrick McClanahan, her brothers, James, Nathaniel, Thomas, and Alex Hill; sisters, Maxine Cohran, Mabel Pippins, and Gloria Gilmore; and mother-in-law, Mary Lackey.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, James B. Hill, sons, Darrell (Angela) McClanahan, Dwayne (Jackie) McClanahan, and Jamil (Denise) Hill; sisters, Lou Ella Houston and Mary (Vernon) Swann; brothers, Ernest (Nancy) Hill and Grant (Alfreda) Hill; 17 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, devoted friend, Eloise Mitchell, and a host of other family members and friends.  The family would like to thank the staff at Diversicare who so graciously tended to her needs while she was in their care. The Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 195 Wilberforce Avenue, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, with Elder J. B. Maddox as Officiant and Elder D. W. Waters as Eulogist.

Elder William Alexander Rowan passed away peacefully on Friday, December 28, 2018 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. He was born and reared in Harriman, Tennessee where he received his education. Mr. Rowan graduated from the University of TN-Knoxville receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Elder Rowan was an educator in the Knoxville, Maryville, Alcoa and Blount County Schools before relocating to Chattanooga, TN where he retired as an educator from Brainerd High School. A long-time member and minister in the FBH Church where he was elevated to Presiding Elder serving the Central Georgia District until his health fail. Preceded in death by mother, Barbara Jean Rowan; father, Cleo Hutchins; grandmother, Pauline Rowan-Johnson; 6 grandaunts; 2 granduncles; 3 aunts; 3 uncles; many cousins other relatives and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory: devoted aunt, Gracie (Charles) Cooper of Pontiac, MI; devoted cousins, Cynthia (Ronald) Wells and Charles Bates of Pontiac, MI, Reverend Ralston (Rose) Kilby, Silver Springs, MD, and George A. Tolbert, Knoxville, TN; devoted friend & colleague in Ministry, Reverend Jesse R. Parker; many other relatives and friends too numerous to name. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 noon with the Celebration of Life Service to follow at Mt Moriah FBH Church, 2001 Western Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921. The final resting place will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Maryville Pike, following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.