Sandra Lynn Newble McKinney – On Friday, August 31, 2012 the Lord called Sandra to join Him in her eternal home. Sandra was born on October 3, 1960 in Jackson, Tennessee to the late Ernest Lynwood Rivers and Elsie Rhodes Newble.

Sandra began her walk with Christ at an early age joining Macedonia Baptist Church in Jackson, TN.  She graduated from Merry High School in 1978, and began her career with Proctor and Gamble where she remained for over 20 years. Upon moving to Knoxville, she became employed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). She also became a faithful member of Brown New Hope Baptist Church in Blaine, TN.

Sandra leaves to mourn and cherish her memory; devoted and loving husband, Austin H. McKinney; brother, Colis Newble of Antioch, TN; sisters, Linda and Pamela Newble of Jackson, Ernestine Henderson of Memphis, and Juanita Morrow of Whiteville, TN; brothers and sisters in-laws Wayne (Vicki) McKinney, Tonia McKinney of Knoxville, and Brenda (John) Brabson of Louisville, TN; mother in law, Elizabeth McKinney of Knoxville, and aunts Florence Powe and Geneva Rhodes of St. Louis, MO.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at Foster Chapel Baptist Church, 2101 Ault Rd. from 12:00-1:00 p.m. with the Celebration of Life to follow, Rev. Joseph Tolbert, Pastor; Rev. Dennis McKinney of Brown New Hope Baptist Church, Officiating. Interment to follow at Mt Olive Cemetery. Service to conclude with full dove release.

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.