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.

Byrd, Rosa – departed this life on the morning of July 24, 2012. She was the fifth of nine children born to George, Sr.  and Olivia Byrd in Fountain Inn, South Carolina on November 10, 1919. Early in her life the family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. She completed her education at Austin High School and then attended Tennessee State University.

She will be most remembered for her cooking skills and her hospitality. Everyone that entered her home was offered a delicious meal. As her life progressed, Rosa became the caregiver for her mother in her elder years. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing to create her own clothing.

Rosa was preceded in death by her sisters Wille Mae Gaddis, Ruth Walker and Curlee Lyons: and brothers Theron Byrd, and Lee Roy Byrd.  Throughout her life, Rosa enjoyed the company of her niece Cheryl (Henry) Cardwell of Knoxville and nephew Michael Hutchinson of Hillsborough, NC.

In her later years she was cared for by her beloved sister Edith (Fredrick) Jackson of Knoxville who will cherish her memory and life. She also leaves her brother Reverend George Byrd, Jr. of Knoxville; sister Eliza (Luther) Anderson of Upper Marlboro, MD and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of NHC Fort Sanders and Caris Health Care for the excellent care they provided Rosa.

On Sunday, July 29, 2012, the family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with the funeral to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel. Rev. Johnny R. Watson, Sr. officiating. Interment will take place at New Gray Cemetery where a full dove release will conclude the service.

Minnie Threat lived a rewarding life blessed by our Creator heard the voice of her almighty God call her to receive her wings and join him in heaven on July 19, 2012.

Sister Minnie Threat was born on November 11, 1921 in Auburn, Alabama to the late Nick and Emma Lou Threat. Sister Threat and her family moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1957, where she soon after united with Oak Valley Baptist Church.

Sister Minnie Threat “Dudda” as she was called by all who knew and loved her was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the grandchildren, and in her earlier days she loved cooking and gardening. One of her favorite songs was “Amazing Grace”, which she found the strength to sing even in her last days.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons- John Lewis Threat, Sr. and James Dowdell, two grandsons – Victor and Jerome Threat, one great-great grandson – Titan Pendergrass, two sisters – Daisy Crawford and Hattie Gilmore, and four brothers – Ben Threat, Commodore Threat, John Wesley Threat, and Carey Threat, and a nephew that was raised in the home – Willie Lewis Threat.

She leaves to cherish her memories; a daughter – Lois (Elder Lloyd) Jones, Jr., of Oak Ridge; a son – Ben (Byers) Dowdell, Jr. of Herndon, VA; One sister – Katie Strickland of Oak Ridge, and one sister-in-law- Edith Threat of Alexandria, VA; four granddaughters – Betina (Hasaan) Brown of New York, NY, Nakia Threat of Woodbridge, VA, Kim Dowdell and Renee Weatherspoon of Oak Ridge; Seven grandsons – Clarence (Angela) Threat, Sr., Troy Threat both of Oak Ridge, John Lewis (Cindy) Threat of Woodbridge, VA, Terrance Prince of Fairfax, VA, Byron Dowdell, Greg Weatherspoon, and Dwayne Carmichael all of Oak Ridge, a special niece – Mary Threat of Oak Ridge, and a host of great-grandchildren, great- great  grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. On Saturday, July 28, 2012, the family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., with the funeral to follow at Oak Valley Baptist Church. Reverend Dr. Hardil Thomas officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Willingham, Carlton Maurice, Sr. – born October 18, 1950, departed this life on July 15, 2012 at Holston Health Rehabilitation. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corp. Carlton, Sr. retired as Supervisor of the Security Department- TVA Summit Hill.  Predeceased by his son, Julian D. Willingham, father, David Willingham, Sr., mother, Eunice Jenkins, stepfather, Fred Dean, Sr. brothers, Larry, Sr. and David Willingham, Jr. He leaves to mourn his passing: children, Carlton Willingham, Jr. of Bath Springs, TN and Clarissa R. Willingham of Louisville, KY; nine grandchildren; brothers, Fred Dean, Jr. and Philip Dean Dover; sisters: Debra Smith, Virginia Locke and Kathie Hall; very special devoted friend, Clara Goss and daughter, Tammy G. Rowe; former wife and mother of children, Shirley Willingham; a host of other relatives and friends. A special thank you to the staff at Holston Health Rehabilitation. On Wednesday, July 18, 2012, the family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with the funeral to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel. Interment will take place at TN State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Gov. John Sevier Highway where full military honors and dove release will conclude the service.

Christine Moore departed this life on Friday, July 6, 2012. She was born to her parents on August 13, 1949 in Sweetwater, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by: mother Eula Locke; father, Robert Upton; sister, Magalene Locke; brothers, Calvin Locke and James McSpadden. She leaves to cherish her memories: devoted daughter, Vickie McMillan (Joseph) Tuft; grandchildren, Dartagenus McMillan, Damien Debro, Deius Debro; loving sister, Joann Settlers and devoted niece, Jackie (Darren) McDuffey; special friends, Amanda Swell, Ester Glenn, Suzie Smith and Beaetta Prater, and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends at Unity Mortuary on Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 11:00-11:30 AM. Reverend Reginald Strong officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery. Service will conclude with full dove release.

Chandler, James R. II– born April 13, 1979, departed this life on July 1, 2012. James was a graduate of Karns High School, Class of 1996 and received his Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Tech in 2003. Not only was he a scholar, but an avid outdoorsman. He loved to fish, hunt and surround himself with nature. Predeceased by his grandparents, he leaves to cherish his memory: devoted mother, Barbara Jean “B.J” Chandler; father, James R. (Mary) Chandler, Sr.; brother, Ernest Derek Reagan; sisters, Raphael (Pat) Feamster, Philadelphia, PA and Juanetta (Bobby) Smith; devoted nephew, Derek James Reagan; devoted cousin, Sgt. Major Kevin Eugene McCrary, Sr.; a host of other relatives and friends. Special thanks to the Knox County Sheriff’s Department and the ER staff at Parkwest Hospital. On Saturday, July 7, 2012, the family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, with the funeral to follow at Eternal Life Harvest Center, Western Avenue location. Pastor James E. Davis officiating and Bishop Billy McCool, eulogist. Interment will take place at New Salem Cemetery, Sevierville, TN where a full dove release will conclude the service.