Donald Edward Graves – Transitioned this life on May 28, 2015 at his residence. He was a WWII Veteran and retired from Greyhound Bus Lines with 25 years of service. He was the oldest member of The Mount Zion Baptist Church. Preceded in death by his wife, Mary L. Graves; daughters, Donna Blakney, Sonya Gwinn; son, Carlos E. Graves Sr.; granddaughter, Sonya Sullivan; great-grand-son, Vent Sullivan. Left to cherish his memories; 2 daughters, Vicki (Michael) Burris, Tamela Griffin and son Jerry E. Graves Sr.; 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and the Mt. Zion Church family. The family will receive friends Friday, June 5, 2015 from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. with the Home Going Celebration to immediately follow with Rev. Johnnie Skinner officiating. Interment will immediately follow at TN Veterans Cemetery 5901 Lyons View Pike with the Unity dove release ceremony and blanket presentation. The family will assemble at 3124 Culpepper Dr.

Joel William Simpson (Bear) – passed away suddenly May 26, 2015 in Covington, GA. He was preceded in death by parents, Bertha M. Simpson and Roland Simpson. He is survived by his wife, Norma Williams Simpson; sisters, Betty McHenry, Saundra Douglas, Mary Agnes, Olene, Rose and Cassie all of Knoxville; devoted uncle, Edward Leroy (Jacqueline) Blair; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews, other relative and friends. The Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Unity Mortuary Chapel with service to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Joseph Simpson officiating. Interment will be held Monday, June 8, 2015 at 12:00 noon at New Gray Cemetery. Services will conclude with dove release and blanket presentation.

Olivia Hamilton Mitchell – departed the earthly life for her Heavenly home on Monday, May 25, 2015. She was born November 10, 1921 to the late Dora Hamilton. Olivia is preceded in death by husband, Robert F. Mitchell, Jr.; 2 sisters, Gladys Hamilton and Asalee Jones; sister-in-law, Inez Hardin; granddaughter, Sonya Sullivan. She leaves to cherish her memories: son, Robert Mitchell; daughters, Sandra Woods, Cleta Slater and Margaret Robinson; nephew, Terri Acuff; a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren; devoted church members and friends. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm with funeral service to follow at Mattie E. Coleman church 2537 Selma Avenue with Rev. Dewayne E. Moore officiating. Interment will be held Monday, June 1, 2015 at 11:30 am Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 5901 Lyons View Pike. Services will conclude with dove release and blanket presentation.

Barbara Jean Anderson-Burris – age 78, departed this life to her heavenly home on May 10, 2015. Barbara’s life was devoted to her family; she was adored by her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church where she was the “Mother of the Church”, Barbara and her husband worked as a team in the church wherever needed. She is preceded in death by parents, John and Elizabeth Anderson; sisters, Mildred Campbell, Margaret Brown; brother, John Anderson. She leaves to cherish her memories: devoted husband, Theodore Burris; daughters, Shirleen, Kimesia Burris; sons, Theodore Byron Sr., Mark  (Carmella), Bradley, Vincent (Cheryl) Burris;  14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Rose William, Deanna Brabson, Carolyn Burris; brothers-in-law, Marvin , Melvin, William (Joyce), Wilbur ( Shea) Burris; several nieces, nephews cousins and other relatives. Family will receive friends Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 11:00 to 12:00 Noon at Unity Mortuary Chapel with funeral service following with eulogy by Pastor Melvin W. Wright of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church. Interment to immediately follow at New Gray Cemetery, Western Avenue. Service will conclude with dove release and blanket presentation.