Jordan, Janet D. – of Knoxville entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 15, 2013. Janet is survived by her loving children, Keionna Dobbins-Morton, Joshina Dobbins (Kevin Carroll, Sr.), Darryl Dobbins, Jr. (Shandrema Wallace –Dobbins) and Justin Jackson; children’s father, Darryl Dobbins, Sr.; grandchildren, Deondre McGhee, Kevin Carroll, Jr. and Kevon Carroll; sisters, Lee Ann Moore and Tina Jordan; brothers, Ricky, Stacy and Ronnie Jordan; special nieces, April Styles and Krystal Lockett; special nephews, Warren Jordan and Edward Bright;  special friends, Glenda and Patty. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 22, 2013 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. with funeral service to follow at Unity Mortuary. Rev. Mildred Westfield, officiating.

Cody, Walter Joe Daniel, “Mokey”, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, March 13, 2013. Walter was born March 13, 1961 to Essie Marsh Neal Cody and Clinton Davis. He attended Austin East High School. Following high school he enlisted in the United States Army, stationed at Ft. Hood Texas in the 1st Cavalry Division. After active duty, Walter served in and retired from the US Army Reserve, 844th Engineering Battalion, after 25 years of service, including two tours in the Middle East. At the time of his passing, he was employed with Chevron-Phillips Petroleum Pipe Company for 20+ years. He is preceded in death by his mother, Essie Marsh Neal Cody; maternal grandparents, Daniel and Emma Cody; paternal grandmother, Margaret Evans; mother-in-law, Kathleen Neal; uncles, Louis Cody, Sherman Matthews; aunt, Clementine Cody; cousins, Byron and Myron Cody. Walter is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 25 years, Charmin C. Cody; father, Clinton Davis; aunts, Thelma R. Bivens, Wanda Cody Matthews, Donna Cody; uncles, Joe Cody, Sr., Homer Cody (Barbara); father-in-law, Charles Neal, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Robin McMahan, Jackie Neal, LaNette Garner, Kelly Johnson, Dawn Neal; brother-in-law, Charles W. Neal, Jr.; many devoted cousins to include Jeffrey Cody, Emma Coatney) Mitchell, Nikkii Cody, Elan Matthews, Sam Matthews, Danny Matthews, Carlita Cody, Joseph Kimbrough, Anthony Jewell, Donna Widener, Yvette Troutman Yolanda Widener;  many other cousins, nieces and nephews, including devoted nephew, Pvt. 2, Francóis Green, US Army; many devoted friends to include, Joshua Lusk; and numerous loving relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at Unity Mortuary Chapel from 5-6 p.m. with funeral service to follow, Rev. Matthew Machen officiating. Interment, with full military honors, will be on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Highway. Services will conclude with full dove release.

Buffington, James E. – age 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 11, 2013. He was born on March 9, 1929 to Walter and Ollie Buffington in Acworth, GA. James was preceded in death parents; daughter, Carol Baker; brothers, Frank, Ernest and Homer Buffington; sister, Marie Burns. He leaves behind to mourn: wife, Blanche; daughters, Dolores Bewley, Teresa Buffington-Simpson and son, Larry Buffington.Family will receive friends on Friday, March 15, 2013 from 11:30a.m. – 12:00 noon with funeral service to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel. Pastor Valentino McNeal officiating. Interment to follow at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier Highway at 1:30 p.m. with Military Honors. Services to conclude with full dove release.

Gilstrap, Phyllis Marie – born April 20, 1931 passed away on March 6, 2013. She was preceded in death by husband, Laymon Gilstrap, parents, Joseph and Florence Ray, brothers, Larry and William Ray. Survived by sisters, Katherine Ray and Mattie Patrick; sister in law, Barbara Ray; nieces, Darlene, Debra, Joeann and Phyllis; nephews, Charles, Ronnie, Donnie, Eric, Larry and Leonard; a host of other family and friends. Family and friends will assemble at Unity Mortuary Chapel on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 12:00 p.m and proceed to East TN Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier Hwy for Graveside service at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Robert W. Monroe officiating. Interment to follow immediately. Services to conclude with full dove release.

Bassett, Elbert N., Sr., 77, of Knoxville, TN departed this life on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. He was born on November 7, 1935 to John Jack and Louise Maude Bassett. He graduated from Austin High School. He was employed with B.T. Ice and Allied Chemical Companies for several years before opening the Bassett Boarding Home in 1976. A long time member of Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church and a volunteer with the Love Kitchen for many years. Preceded in death by parents, John Jack and Louise Maude Bassett; several siblings and son-in-law, Nelson Truitt. Survivors, wife of 58 years, Pearlie Bassett; children, Vanessa Truitt, Elbert Jr., (Rhonda Bassett) and Artheria Bassett; godson, Pete Sawyer; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; very special grandchild, Kipling DeShawn Colbert; special niece, Pat Brown; sisters, Elizabeth Bassett and Sallie Lee Bassett Short; brother, Harold Bassett; a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to name. Family will receive friends on Sunday, March 3, 2013 at 2 until 3 PM with funeral service to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel with Reverend Stone Carr officiating and Reverend John Ghosten Eulogist. Interment to follow at Mt Olive Cemetery. Service to conclude with full dove release.

Davis, Carolyn A.  (Caroline) – Sunrise June 2, 1948, Sunset February 24, 2013, of 410 Surrey Road, Knoxville, TN., 37914. Mrs. Davis was employed at Hair Fashion East. She was preceded in death by father, Ralph E. (Bus) Trent; grandmother, Annie Lane; grandson, Jakeem; brother, Eugene Matlock. She leaves to cherish her memories: mother, Hazel Matlock; sons, Dustin, Anthony (Oliva) Davis; daughter, Frenchie Davis; grandchildren, Jamal, Iswa, Trae, Jamecia and Javae Davis; 6 great-grandchildren; brother, Randy Matlock; sister, Cassandra Goldsten; a host of other relatives and devoted friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 11:00a.m. – 12:00noon with funeral service to follow at Unity Mortuary. Elder Zack Flack, Officiating and Rev. Allen Jones, Eulogist. Interment to follow at Pleasant Forrest Cemetery in Concord. Services to conclude with full dove release.

KING, JULIUS E. – of Knoxville, TN departed this life on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 in Jackson, TN. Preceded in death by parents, Ella Mae Murphy and Julius Samuel King; grandson, Jaqueaze Puckett, Jr.; nephew, Rudy C. Stinson, Jr. Surviors: devoted brother, Wylie (Shirley) King; children, Wendell Strickland, Julie (Donald) Tharpe,  Gerod Strickland and LaTasha King; devoted companion, Beaulah Reed; grandchildren, Brandon, Tony, Donasha, Keyanna, Tranea, Albany, Jamar Jr., Malyaya, Makailah and Courtney; great-grandchildren, Brandon Jr., Amauri and Kamari; niece, LaNicka “Nikki” (David) Clark; nephew, Wyle King, Jr.; a host of devoted cousins and friend including the Lonsdale Community.  Family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 from 1-1:30 PM with funeral services to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Steve Simpson, Sr. officiating. Interment to follow at New Gray Cemetery. Services to conclude with full dove release.

Wright, Frederick L. – Formerly of Morningside Gardens Apartments, was born October 19, 1935, departed this life at The Bridge Healthcare Center in Rockwood, TN., on Saturday, February 16, 2013. He was preceded in death by parents, James and Frances Wright; sisters, Pauline Stewart and Ophelia Gilmore. He leaves to cherish his memories: sisters, Alma Harrison and Mae Smith, both of Knoxville, TN.; brothers, Royce (Doris), Lee and Robert Wright, all of Knoxville, TN.; several nieces; nephews; a host of other relatives and friends. You may call on the family at the home of Royce and Doris Wright 2612 Woodbine Avenue. Family will receive on Friday, February 22, 2013 at Unity Mortuary from 12:00 – 12:30 P.M. with funeral service to follow.  Bishop Gary E. Wright, Eulogist. Interment to follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery 2500 Maryville Pike.  Services will conclude with full dove release.

Wright-Ray, Patricia Ann, of Knoxville, TN – age 84 departed this life on Friday, February 8, 2013 at Tennova Residential Hospice with her family at her side. She was a member of Greater Warner Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Flossie Clark. She leaves to mourn her passing two devoted children; Kenneth W. (Theresa) Wright of Orlando, Florida and daughter Atty. Sheryl (Avon) Rollins, Sr. of Knoxville, TN; two devoted grandchildren; Cherie and Devon; one great-granddaughter,  Allison McCord-Jones of Atlanta, GA and one great-great granddaughter, Taylor Renee Smith; very special grandchildren, Avon (Elizabeth) Rollins, Jr. and Avondria Rollins; great- grandchildren, Giavonni Rollins-Andrews, Amariana Rollins-Steele, Nkosi Rollins, Avon Rollins III and Erica Rollins Fugate; many nieces, nephews and friends; devoted caregiver and family friend Teresa Whaley, lifelong best friend, Mrs. Andrenia Manning. Mrs. Wright was  affectionately known and loved as “Mama” and “Mama Pat” by her extended family to include Goddaughters; Jessica (Damien) Bowers, Jennifer (Lionel) Garrett both, Atlanta, GA and Angela Sparkman; Nashville, TN., Carol Scott, Concord, North Carolina, Rodney Wilson (Mabel), Pat Wykle, Cynthia (J.D.), Smith, Patricia (Lynn) Netherland, Julia Yette Rhinehart, Michael Stephens, Audria McFarland, Tanya (James) Page, and Commissioner Diane (John) Jordan. The family would like to thank the physicians at U.T. Hospital with special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Brinkman of U.T. Family Physicians West, Dr. Evelyn Davidson and the staff and nurses at Hillcrest Nursing Home South. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 15, 2013, from 11:00 to 12:00 Noon at Unity Mortuary Chapel with funeral service to follow with Rev. Charles N. Darden, officiating, prayers by Rev. Dr. John A. Butler, Presiding Elder and Rev. John Jordan, Pastor of Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church. Interment to follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery. The services will conclude with full dove release. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Inc.

Gillespie, Hildrith D. Johnson, age 93 transitioned from this earth to heaven at her residence on Friday, February 8, 2013. Member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Preceded in death by husband, James E. Gillespie, mother, Louise Johnson, sisters, Darnetta Johnson and Revester Murphy Jarnigan, grandchildren, DeWayne, Diane and Marcus and other relatives including Patricia McKinney. She will be remembered by her sons, Frank and Dr. J. Harvey Gillespie; daughters, Janie Gillespie, Sylvia G. (James ) Hughes, Hildrith C. Gillespie, Darneta G. Brown and Bonita Gillespie; 15 grandchildren to include Juanita G. (Phillip) Harris, Paul Gillespie, Lisa G. Davis and Carol Gillespie. Twenty-five (25) great- grandchildren; 11 great- great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews : Patsy and Rosaline Johnson families; Dorothy Murphy Jenkins family; Martha Gillespie family; the Geter and Ann Dingus Cash families; The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 12:00 Noon – 1:00 PM with funeral service to follow at Mount Zion Baptist Church 2714 Brooks Avenue. Rev. Leroy Franklin, Officiating. Internment at New Gray Cemetery. Services to conclude with full dove release. In lieu of flowers make contributions to the Howard Circle of Friends/Alzheimer’s of Tennessee, Inc.