Sampson, Virgil Lee – born April 22, 1960 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, departed this life on Monday, August 27, 2012 at his home. Virgil served in the United States Army. He worked at Serene Manor Nursing Home for over ten years until his health began to decline. Virgil was a loving and caring person who loved to help others. He was a basketball and football sports fan who not only loved to watch the games but play them too. Predeceased by his grandmother-in-law, Jennie Pannell and close friend, Bryon De’Armond, he leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Pam Pannell-Sampson; stepdaughter, Zakiya Upshaw; father, Rev. Roy T. Sampson; mother, Corene Sampson; brother, Tyrone L. (Robin) Sampson, Sr. of Monroe, LA; sisters: Gina Brunson of Raleigh, NC, Margie (Clay) Johnson of Austin, TX, Monika Sampson- St. Bernard and Kimberly Williams, both of Pflugerville, TX ; mother-in-law, Frances McKenzie; sisters-in-law, Angela and Alicia Watts; brothers-in-law and close friends: Chris and Jackie Ray Watts and Ricky Pannell; god children: Anisha DeArmond, Airianna Miller and Ty’mire DeArmond; devoted friends: Perry, Charles Prater, Skip, Charles Turner and the Lawrence family of Chattanooga, TN. A special thank you to UT Hospice, Lynn Goins and Becky, RN. On Thursday, August 30, 2012, the family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., funeral to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel. Reverend Roy T. Sampson officiating. On Friday, August 31, 2012, the interment will take place at E. TN State Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier Highway. Military honors and full dove release will conclude the service.

Cobb, John, Sr. – age 100, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 27, 2012 at Beverly Park Place Health Rehabilitation. Deacon Cobb was a member of Rogers Memorial Baptist Church for over 30 years. Mr. Cobb was honored as Deacon Emeritus for his faithful service to the church and community. He retired from Union Carbide-Y12 with many years of dedicated service. Mr. Cobb loved to play checkers and his most enjoyable time was spent reading the Bible. Deacon Cobb was predeceased by his loving wife of 74 years, Lella, son, John, Jr. and daughter, Rosie Cobb. Left to rejoice in a life well lived is his son, James E. Cobb; 6 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mildred Hambright and Lee Edwards. A special thank you to Smokey Mountain Hospice, Caris Healthcare and the Rogers Memorial Baptist Church family. On Saturday, September 1, 2012, the family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., funeral to follow at Rogers Memorial Baptist Church. Reverend Michel S.E. Caldwell officiating. An entombment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Gardens where a full dove release will conclude the service.

Mackerson, Leroy W. – born February 9, 1941 departed this life on Sunday, August 26, 2012. He was a graduate of Austin East High School, Class of 1969. Leroy was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was a kind-hearted man who loved his family and extended family. Left to cherish his memory: daughters, Ebony and LaShonda Mackerson; sisters, Margaret Johnson, Frances and Cecelia Mackerson; brother, Cecil Mackerson; devoted companion, Anita Williams; stepchildren: Lawrence, Lorenzo and Latrice Williams; seven grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and the Walter P. Taylor Homes community. On Thursday, August 30, 2012, the family will assemble at Unity Mortuary at 12:30 p.m. and proceed to TN State Veterans Cemetery East, John Sevier Hwy for a graveside. The service will conclude with military honors.

Swan, Peggy Joe Hill – departed this life on Thursday, August 23, 2012 at her home surrounded by family. Peggy was a member of Austin High School, Class of 1965. She was known as “Granny Peggy” to everyone at Fairgarden Learning Center where she was a foster grandparent. Predeceased by her parents, Joe and Barbara Jean Hill and sister, Sherry L. Johnson. She is survived by husband, State Rep. Benjamin  Swan; children: Leo Easterly II, Melissa (Anthony) Nelson and Karena (Jason) Spiller; grandchildren: Keshandra Tate, Alexandria and Jennifer Clark, Chantia and Taylan Nelson and Kristian Spiller; great grandchildren: Cannon, Lauren and Zyria; siblings: Evelyn, Kay and James Hill (TX), Patrick (Kathy) and Charles Johnson and Brenda (Byron) Cruze (CA); a host of other relatives and friends. On Monday, August 27, 2012, the family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., a memorial service to follow at Emmanuel United Presbyterian Church. Reverend John Ghosten officiating.

Bush, Louise Williams – age 78 of Knoxville, TN peacefully slept away on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at her home. She retired from Standard Knitting Mills and was co-owner of Bush Construction. She was one of the Mothers of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. She loved doing arts, crafts and rummage sales. Her husband, Tallie Bush, Sr. and son, R. Darrell Bush preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her loving memories: three daughters; Faye B. Williams of Virginia Beach, VA., Natalia (Raymond) Gibson of Atlanta, GA., and Katrina (Ron) Capshaw of Knoxville, TN; two sons, Levolier (Linda) and Tallie Lynn Bush of Knoxville, TN; three step-children, Christina Winston, Jessie Hill, and Charles Winston all of Knoxville, TN; five grandsons, to include Jarrett Kendall Bush; five granddaughters, nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alberta Fitch, Ewing, NJ and Marguerite Matthews of Dayton, OH; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends including The New Hope Missionary  Baptist Church Family. On Friday August 17, 2012, the family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Dr. Elder Joe B. Maddox officiating. Interment to follow on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at New Gray Cemetery where a full dove release will conclude the service.

Brooks, Susie Mae – of Knoxville, born November 2, 1933 in Chambers County, AL, departed this life on August 8, 2012. She gave her life to Christ at an early age. Mrs. Brooks worked many years in food service in the Knoxville City and Knox County School System. She was predeceased by her husband, Lee Will Brooks, parents, Rev. Olsey Williams, Sr. and Charlie Bell Walker, brothers, Sylvester and Robert Williams and Arthur Sr. and Jesse Walker and sisters, Mattie Bell Walker and Mary Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter and son-in-law, Bertha M. and Kenneth Keys; grandchildren: Cecil Dwayne, Shawn Christopher and Jamar Ferrell Keys and Sherry Bush (Cumberland, KY); two great grandchildren, Azy’Rion Keys and D’Sha Bush (Cumberland, KY); stepmother, Judy Williams; brothers, Elder Willie Williams, Sr. and Olsey Williams, Jr.; sisters, Clara Mae Williams and Alma Jean Walker (Lanett, AL); sister-in-law, Lelia Pearl Walker (Lanett, AL); a host of other relatives and friends. On Monday, August 13, 2012, the family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 12:30 p.m., with the funeral to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel. Rev. Walter C. Schumpert, officiating and Pastor Thomas J. Beauford, eulogist. Interment will immediately follow at Mount Olive Cemetery, 2500 Maryville Pike. A full dove release will conclude the service.

Calhoun, Maxine Chandler – entered into eternal rest and joined her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. She retired from Knox County Schools with 30 years of service in the Food Service Department. She was faithfully active at her church, Boyds Creek Church of God as an Usher. She proudly held this position until her health began to decline. Mrs. Calhoun also served as Mother of the Church. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Martha Ellen Chandler, siblings: James, Gene and Peggy Chandler, Gladys Wilson, Edna Neal, Anna Ruth Ross, and Evelyn Manis and one grandson.

She leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Milford Calhoun; children: Teresa (Allen R.) Young, Michelle (Rufus) Rogers, John (Trish) and Stevie Chandler and David Cleveland; grandchildren to include devoted granddaughter, Jasmine Rogers; great grandchildren; siblings: Joella (Bobby) Donohoo, Jeanette (Jim) Birden, Michael and Mayford (Katherine) Chandler; sister-in-law, Helen (Wallace) Johnson; devoted aunt, Hazel Rogers; a host of other relatives and friends. On Saturday, August 4, 2012, the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at Cherry Street Church of God. Bishop Zack Flack officiating. Interment will be the following morning, Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at Highland South. The service will conclude with a full dove release.

Steele, Brenda Sue Brown (Mama Steele) – age 58 of Knoxville, TN entered into eternal rest with her heavenly father on Monday, July 30, 2012 at Parkwest Hospital. After many years of dedicated service, Brenda retired from UT Medical Center. Loyal, dedicated and faithful member of Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, she is preceded in death by her father, Wallace Brown, Jr. grandparents, Doll (Ruby) Starling, grandmother, Dora Moulden and grandfather, Wallace Brown, Sr. She leaves to cherish loving memories: husband, Herman “Boodie” Steele, Jr.; sons, Kevin (Ashlee) and Christopher (Meghan) Steele; grandson, Kameron Steele; mother, Mae Gladys Brown; brothers, Wallace Brown, III and Tony Dorsett, Michael (Kathy) Dorsett of KY; sisters, Linda, Philandra and Jonee Dorsett, Sherree (Butch) Johnson; brothers-in-law, Tommy (Thelmarine), Stephen (Elaine) and Hubert (Margaret) Steele; sisters-in-law Andrena Coleman of VA, Iva (Ronald) Green and Glenda (Howard) Watson of GA; god sister, Brenda Brooks; nephews, nieces and many devoted family and friends. The family wishes to thank Dr. Shelly Durbin, Dr. Susan Huntsinger, Dr. Michael Freeman, Dr. Timothy Gardner, the staff at the University of Tennessee Medical Center and the staff at Family Physicians West for their outstanding care of our loved one. On Saturday, August 4, 2012, the family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church. Rev. Dr. John A. Butler officiating. Interment to follow at New Gray Cemetery where a full dove release will conclude the service.

Linder, Ann Marie – age 69 of Knoxville, TN passed away on Thursday, July 26, 2012. Ann was the  youngest of ten children born to Floyd E. and Anne D. Linder.  She was a loyal daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose free spirit will be immensely missed. Ann lived her life to the fullest having no regrets.  Predeceased by her parents, sisters: Dorothy, Isabelle and Carolyn Linder; brothers: Floyd, James, Elmer, and Bobbie Linder.  She leaves to celebrate her home going are brothers: Donald (Ola) Linder of Chicago, Harold Linder of New York, and a sister – in – law, Gay Ann Linder of Knoxville. In addition, she leaves to celebrate her life: devoted great- niece, Salimah M. Kemp of Memphis and devoted niece, Glenda (George) Kemp of Knoxville; other nieces, Carol Linder of Knoxville, Kathy Gantt of North Carolina, Paula Linder of Knoxville; great nieces, Jennifer Linder of Florida, Tatiana Gantt of North Carolina and several nieces in New York City; nephews, Floyd Linder of Knoxville, Robert Linder of New York, James Linder of Knoxville, Amin Linder of New York, and Kojo Linder of Maryland; great nephews, Khalid Kemp of Dallas, Ahmad Kemp of Knoxville, Kevin (Rachel) Hill of Knoxville, Ronald and Chris Linder of Knoxville and several nephews in New York City. On Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., a memorial will be held at Unity Mortuary Chapel.  Reverend Robert E. Linder officiating.  Immediately following the memorial, her family will head to Cityview to say their last “Peace” and give Ann, fondly known as “The Holy Prophet I” a well-deserved home going.

Newton, Mary Alice Mitchell – affectionately known as Mama Newton, Granny, Ma, Aunt Mae, Aanee and best friend to many, was born November 24, 1933 the first of 11 children to the late Herman and Verona Mitchell.

On June 15, 1957, she married the love of her life, Melvin Newton. They were married 42 years and raised 4 children prior to his death in 1999. Mary was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and longed for the day when all of Jehovah’s promises will be fulfilled (Rev 21:1-5). She remained faithful until her death. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Arthur Mitchell and sisters, Daisy Fitzpatrick and Virginia Flack.

She leaves to mourn her passing: devoted children, Brenda Newton, Sharon Newton, Melvin (Karen) Newton, all of Knoxville, and Lawrence (Dora) Newton, Etowah, TN; grandchildren: Lawrence “LJ” Newton, Wesley Gibson, both of Knoxville, Whitney Newton, Nashville, TN, Camden Newton, Louisville, KY, TJ Bewley, Johnson City, TN, Chester (Misty) Brown, Etowah, TN, Mericilla (Eric) Giddens, Nashville, TN, Gabriel Brown and Iwanna Knox, both of Athens, TN; eight great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; surviving siblings: Herman Mitchell, Lawrence Mitchell, Lonnie (Peggy) Mitchell and Brenda (William) Cansler, all of Knoxville, James (Yvonne) Mitchell, Memphis, TN, Joyce (Walter) Parton, Maryville, TN; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; many dear friends including Eleanor Locke, Tampa, FL,  Ms. Johnnie Barker, Elizabeth Tippitt, Carty Conwell, Yvonne Lee, all of Knoxville, Betty Robinson, Faye Willis, both of Johnson City; extended families to include: Colquitt Family, Taylor Family, Gerra Family and Green Family; special daughters: Sharron Colquitt Glass, Maria Bingham and Patrice Askew. Special thanks to nursing staff @ UTMC for the excellent care given to our love one. On Saturday, August 11, 2012, visitation will begin at 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at The Kingdom Hall, 110 E. Young High Pike. Bro. Charles Bowers officiating.