Wayne Moran, Sr., 66, of Knoxville, departed this life on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Parkwest Medical Center. He was born August 6, 1952 to the late John and Maggie Moran. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Moran; children: Ericka and Wayne Moran, Jr. (Latasha Chesney) of Knoxville; brothers: John (Wanda) Moran and Warren (Katrina) Moran; sisters: Linda Moore of Georgia, Theresa Mix of Knoxville, Katherine Carlton of Detroit, MI; aunts: Vernia Colbert of Knoxville and Arberta Stewart of Honea Path, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 from 1 pm to 2 pm in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow with Reverend Dr. Keith Elliott officiating.

Kaleb A. Anderson, 26, of Johnson City, departed this life on September 24, 2018 in Afton, TN. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced at a later time with integrity by UNITY MORTUARY.

Kaleb Alexander Anderson was born February 4, 1992, and was called to glory with his Heavenly Father on September 24, 2018. Kaleb received Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age and was a member of Honey Rock Victorious Church International, Knoxville, TN. Kaleb was a 2011 graduate of Fulton High School, where he served in the ROTC for four years. Kaleb was a hard worker, very dependable and reliable. He worked for Taco Bell and the City of Knoxville. Kaleb is survived by his father and mother, Bennie & Kim Anderson; biological mother, Debra Bailey; sisters: Breanna Morrel, Megan Kerwin and Azura Anderson; brothers: Matthew Bailey and Matt Cole; grandparents: Phyllis Anderson, Bennie Joe Anderson, Sr., and Mr. & Mrs. James Fain, Jr.; special uncle, Stanley Dunbar; best friend, James Murphy; and other family and friends. Kaleb’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Honey Rock Victorious Church International, 4113 Holston Drive, Knoxville. The family will receive family and friends from 2:00–3:00 PM at the church.

Once again, God in his Almighty Glory stopped by and called James Britton from his labor to rest on September 24, 2018 at his home with his devoted daughter Gwen Cherry, devoted son-in-law Hassell Cherry, and devoted grandson Elijah Cherry after a lengthy illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Mozell Britton; brother, Leroy Britton; niece, Carolyn Gillen Mathis; mother of his children, Bernice Cunningham; and extended son, Ronald Cunningham. He is survived by his children: Gwen (Hassell) Cherry, James and Eddie Cunningham of Knoxville, Sandra (John) Walker of Maryville; extended children: Paul & Alma Cunningham of Knoxville, Bernetta (John) Benton of Oak Ridge, and David and Eugene Cunningham of Chicago; sisters: Geraldine B.A. Williams and Linda Willie Cannon of Knoxville; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to name. The family will receive friends on Monday, October 1, 2018 from 11 AM to 12 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow, with Brother Paul Cunningham officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Dessa Edyth Parkey Blair, age 95, departed this life on September 21, 2018 at UT Medical Center. She was born February 7, 1923 in Rebel Hollow in Hancock County, Tennessee, the oldest of six children (Dessa, Howard, Allena, Ozella, Julia and Hazel). Her parents were the late Lawrence H. Parkey and the late Roxie (Fugate) Parkey, who were tenderly knitted together with love and respect for each other and their family. They were positive examples to emulate!

Dessa was nurtured in a Christian home where respect and obedience were mandated. She was taught to live by the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you wish to be treated.” It paid off in great dividends!

There was no school for her family in her white neighborhood. Therefore, her multi-talented father taught her the first three grades at home, teaching them many skills about life and living. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Middlesboro in 1944 and later graduated from Knoxville College in 1959, where she was the Valedictorian.  She served the community as a school teacher for 33 years, teaching at Knox County Schools, including at Cansler, Smithwood and Park Lowery Elementary Schools, and Vine Middle.  She taught Black history in school before anyone else did, hosting a Black Heritage Bowl in 1963 in honor of the Emancipation Proclamation and writing the social studies curriculum for all of Knox County at one point in the 1970s.

Dessa joined Hoop Creek Baptist Church, Tazewell, at the age of 14 years. She later joined New Hope Baptist Church in 1944. In 1949, she married John R. Blair, to whom we she was wedded for 29 years until his passing. Together they joined Mount Olive Baptist Church, East in 1961.

Dessa has served in numerous positions and fulfilled many roles over the years. She taught Sunday School for 12 years in the Young Peoples’ Department, where the enrollment was over 100. She also served as Secretary of Trustees for 14 years, was chair and organizer of the Black Heritage Room of Mount Olive Baptist Church (named in her honor), the treasurer and promoter of the Church Mortgage Burning, leader of the beautiful flower garden planted inside on the ground level and served on the Welcome Committee for many years.

Dessa has served as speaker, introducer of speakers, given the occasion, and panel participant at Mount Olive Baptist Church, as well as at other churches, etc. She worked out her soul salvation; so now, she has finished her course so she can receive her just reward!

Dessa joined the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1966. Among her duties, she served as president for 8 years of the local chapter, 10 years as chair of the Scholarship Committee and was the Parliamentarian for many years. She was also the corresponding secretary of KC Alumni for numerous years and the chairperson of the KC Alumni House Project, the renovation and furnishing for the first floor of Old Wallace Hall beginning in 1983. She retired from the school system in 1987 and served on the new Knoxville City Tree Board for 20 years. She was also active in her neighborhood group since its inception and served as its treasurer.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Raymond Blair; parents, Lawrence and Roxie Parkey; brother, Howard Spencer Parkey; sisters: Allena Parkey, Julia Mize, Hazel Fishback and Ozella Littlejohn; nephew, Young Deaver Littlejohn; and great-niece, Jimmicia Gordon.

She leaves to cherish her memories her sisters-in-law: Mary U. Blair and Mary Frances Tyler; brother-in-law, Eugene Mize; devoted nephews: Tony (Marilyn) Littlejohn, Dana Littlejohn and Shelvin Fishback; fantastic nieces: Sabrina (Frederick) Payne-Bland, Vanessa Littlejohn and Daphne Yoletta Fishback; precious great-nephews and great-nieces: Brandon, D.J., Evan, Kevin, Shelvin Jr., Dana Jr., Ashley, Yonti, Brittany, Karissa and Briana; and a host of relatives and friends.

The Omega Omega Service for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will be on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 1601 Dandridge Ave. The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with the Homegoing Celebration to follow, at the church with Reverend Jesse L. Williams officiating. The final resting place will be at Martel Cemetery in Lenoir City. A white dove release will conclude the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Beck Cultural Center or to the Dessa E. Blair Scholarship, Knoxville Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Betty Jane Reed, 62, of Knoxville, departed this earth on September 19, 2018, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born to Emma B. Reed and George Franklin. Betty was affectionately known as “BJ” to all her friends in New Jersey. Betty moved to New Jersey in 1969 and graduated from Neptune High School. She moved back to Knoxville in 1990. Betty was the life of her party. She enjoyed her children, grands, nieces and nephews. Betty loved listening to old school music from the 70s, 80s and James Brown’s “I’m Black and I’m Proud.” Betty is preceded in death by her mother, Emma Reed; daughter, Theresa Reed; brother, Jeff Moore; sister, Tonya Franklin; aunts, Lillian Cash Mary Reed; uncle, Oliver Reed; and dearest friend, Jane Warren of Neptune, NJ.

Betty leaves to cherish her loving children: Kristy Reed-Lowrance (and son-in-law Bruce Kirkland); son, Issiah (wife, Renée) Reed, Jacob Denzel Grant and Richard Eugene Reed [all of Knoxville]; her grandchildren: Kayla Reed, Justice & Faith Lowrance, Quamir Reed, Jayden Reed, Brooke Moore, Alyssa Perry and Jayden Nafziger; and five great-grandchildren; her brothers, Randy (wife, Dawn) Reed of Neptune, Donald Moore [of Great Bend, KS] and Jimmy (wife, Lisa) Reed [of Asbury Park], George Franklin Jr., Cameo Boone, Sean (wife, Latrenda) Franklin [all of Jackson, MS] and Willie Swope [of Alabama]; sisters: Frankie (husband, Dean) Winrow [of Asbury Park, NJ], Tirah (husband, Terone) Mixon [of Jackson, MS], Wanda (Redd) Utley, Annie (Davis) Jordan, Gertie Swope, Ester Franklin, Jennifer Franklin, Shanna Swope and Harriett Simmon [all of Alabama]; and step-mother, “Mama” Delores Swope [of Alabama]; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 28, 2018 from 10-11 AM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel, Unity Mortuary, with the Homegoing Service to follow with Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook officiating. The final resting place will be at New Gray Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the service.

Helen Louise Brabson Houston, age 76, of Knoxville, departed this life on Friday, September 14, 2018 at her residence. She is preceded in death by her parents: Carl E. Brabson Sr. and Mary Chesney Brabson; her daughter, Regina Brabson; sister, Shirley Whitehead; and brother, Jesse Ray Brabson. She leaves to cherish her memories three sons: a loving and devoted son who was her caregiver, James Brabson, also Timothy Mark Houston and Joey Houston; two granddaughters: Marlene Renea Brabson and T’Keyaa McCulley; grandson: Robert Lewis Brabson; four great-grandchildren: Robert Lewis Brabson Jr, Taiden Jamaier, Regjana Jean-Ann Brabson and Serenity Fay Buie; four sisters: Marian Cloteal Scott, Mary Upton, Wilma (Errol) Dailey and Josephine (Carter) Tate; two brothers, Carl Brabson II and Elbert (Helen) Brabson; close friend: Josie; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel, Unity Mortuary, with the Homegoing Service to follow with Reverend Eugene Wilkerson officiating.  The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service. A white dove release will conclude the service.

Paul “Joe” Lawrence McKinney entered into eternal rest on September 5, 2018 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. He was born in Blaine, TN on February 6, 1936 to Bernard and Shulla McKinney. He was a faithful member of Brown New Hope Church for many years, where he sang in the choir, held the office of a trustee and helped wherever he was needed. He worked as a mechanic at Knoxville Mack until he retired. He was married to Betty Lou McKinney for 60 years. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Shulla McKinney; brothers: Wilbert, Gene and David McKinney; sisters: Reba Dotson, Eliza Pearl Moore and Cecil Mae Moore. He leaves to cherish his loving memory his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Lou McKinney; sons: Rev. Dennis (Mary) McKinney and Damon (Vanessa) McKinney; daughters: Pamela (Paul) Kyle, Sharon McKinney, Kathy McKinney and Yolanda McKinney; sisters-in-law: Elizabeth McKinney, Virginia McKinney and Jessie (Dan) Harper; grandchildren: Jameth, Samahria, Christopher, Tyrell, Isaiah, Tiffani, Ryheem, Dayonha and Vanayjah; great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 12 PM to 1 PM at Brown New Hope Church, Blaine, with the Homegoing Celebration to follow with Rev. Robert Henry officiating and Rev. Dennis McKinney as eulogist. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Theotis “Joe” Minor, Sr., went home to glory on September 1, 2018 at his residence. He was a graduate of Austin High School Class of 1956. After his retirement from Ford Motor Company, he moved back to Knoxville from Ohio. Through the union of his wife Mary Jean, his three children were born. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isom and Velma Minor; and his sister, Gloria Mae Henley. He leaves to cherish his memories his three children:  Jackie, Theotis Jr. (TJ), and Timothy; 7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren; 1 niece, Joe Evelyn Valentine; two nephews, Allen and Dennis Henley; and a host of relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 8, 2018 from 11 AM to 12 PM at Community Evangelistic Church, 2650 Boyds Bridge Pike, with the Homegoing Celebration to follow with Pastor Reginald Strong officiating. The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Deophia Johnson Brown, age 69, of Morristown, departed this life on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at her residence. She was born March 12, 1949 in Swainsboro, GA to the late L.A. Johnson and Lucile Jones, the second of six children. She dedicated her life to her children, especially for the sacrificial care of her son Alfred. She had a passion for cooking and for helping others and enjoyed fishing. She was a woman of faith and truly loved her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; and her siblings: Alfred and Geraldine Johnson.  She leaves to cherish her memories her sons: Willie, Colen and Alfred; sisters: Ollie and Helen; brothers: Alfred and Marvin “Snake” Johnson; 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 27, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Dominion Life Worship Center (1841 West Morris Blvd, Morristown, TN), with the Homegoing Celebration to follow with Overseer Shirley Kyle officiating.