Homer Lee Wade, 79 of Knoxville, Tennessee departed this earth and went heavenly bound on January 31, 2016. Homer Lee Wade was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on November 19, 1936. He was the son of the late Arthur and Corrie Wade. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters Arthur T. Blair, Joseph Wade, Jean McClarin, David Wade, Wanda Moore, Marvin Wade, and Mary Wade. He is survived by his children, Gina Davis-Hill (Brunswick, GA), Sherri L. Wade (Memphis, TN), John Kevin Goss (Houston, TX), Denise L. Goss (Hyattsville, MD), Eric T. Hougue (Celeste) (Morristown, TN), Shawn Garrett; five grandchildren, TraVon Hill (Chattanooga, TN), Devin Goss (Manassas, VA) and Maxima Goss (Mannheim, Germany), Jamere and Ceniya Hougue, and three great grandchildren; three aunts; Willie Arnette Hooper, Ferna Mae Schneidmill (Washington, DC) and Bernice Johnson (Nashville, TN), former spouses Patricia A. Wade, and Lovie L. Wade-Dodson, and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. The family will receive friends on Monday, February 8, 2016 at Tabernacle Baptist Church from 6:00 to 7:30 PM with funeral service to follow with Pastor Christopher Battle officiating. Interment, Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 11:30 am, East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 2200 E. John Sevier Hwy. Services to conclude with military honor, dove release and blanket presentation.

Rev. William Franklin Brown, Sr., went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, January 31, 2016. He was born April 14, 1958 at his in Bean Station, TN to June and Evelyn Brown. William was a graduate of Austin East High School in 1976 and married the love the love of his life Shelia Goins on February 14, 1979. In life William spent his life serving as a Deacon at First Calvary Baptist Church and then a Deacon and Associate Minister at First Baptist Roseberry City. Frank was also a devoted baseball coach at Claude Walker field. William was also a devoted employee at Denso Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc. for over 25 years. William was preceded in death by parents June and Evelyn Brown; uncle, and aunt, Hugh and Mary Thompson and brother, John David Brown. He is survived by his wife of 37 years Shella Brown; sons, William Franklin Brown, Jr.{Kendra Brown) and Joshua DeShawn Brown (Brandi Brown) ; daughter, Aneesa Hines and Ketina Davis; grandchildren, Brandon Williams and DeShawn Joshua Brown, Daryl, James and Keyasia Davis; brothers, Michael Locke, James “Jlmrnv” Brown (Florence), Stanley Holt (Melinda); sisters, Mary Katherine Gray and Sylvia Manley; sisters-in-law, Dale Burgess (Rueben) and Tonya Luttrell; a host of nieces and nephews and beloved friends. The receiving of friends will be held Thursday, February 4, 2016 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm with the Home going Celebration to follow at 7:00 pm, Foster Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Cedric Jackson officiating.

Juanita Kyle, age 89, was born on May 15, 1926 in Knoxville, TN., to the late Harold and Delphia Roper. She entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 30, and went home to be with the Lord. She was a faithful member of CEC. Ms. Kyle was a lover of life and was a humble servant of the Lord and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Serving on the Deaconess Board, singing in the choir, participating in SALT Ministry, and being an active member of the Single’s Ministry, are just examples of the active life she led before her health failed her. Ms. Kyle will always be remembered as a Prayer Warrior. She took life as it came and smiled through it all, saying “I’m Fine” whenever asked how she was doing. She was a loving person who loved to travel and fellowship. Juanita was a caring mother, aunt, sister, and grandmother who will be missed by all who knew her and loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Delphia Toper; siblings, Halene (Jeff) Jeffers, Josephine Thompson, Ella Mae Roper; grandson, Lonnie Hardin. Those left to cherish her sweet memory are devoted daughters, Ruby (Frank) Dotson, Patsy Hardin; grandchildren, Kelvin (Kellie) Hardin, Gina (James) Hobson, Karen Hardin,  Anthony Hardin, Frank (Patricia) Dotson, Jr., Jeffrey Dotson, Treva Allen: siblings, Harold (Doris) Roper, Jr.,  and Julius (Jeanette) Roper; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews,  great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and devoted friend of the family, Claude Tate and a host of other family and friends. She will be greatly missed. Receiving of family and friends at Community Evangelistic Church on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 5:00 to 6:00 pm with funeral service to immediately follow with Elder Reginald S. Strong officiating. Interment to be Saturday, February 6, 2016, 11:00 am at New Gray Cemetery. The family will be receiving family and friends at 1209 Callaway Street.

Dr. Mary Harrison Whaley, Ed. departed this world on January 29, 2016. She succumbed to a number of ongoing health issues. Mrs. Whaley is preceded in death by husband William Whaley and grandson Anthony Stewart. She is survived by sons Kevin and Brian Whaley, grandson Allen Whaley, and granddaughters Kaylah Whaley, Brittany and Brianna Whaley. Mary was born July 23^rd 1936 to Sadie Allen Harrison and Adolphus Harrison in Clarksville, Tennessee. She attended grade school and eventually graduated from Burt High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Following graduation, she attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee where she graduated with a major in English. While in Nashville, she met William Thomas Whaley from Richmond Virginia who attended Tennessee State. They married and moved to Knoxville Tennessee and raised two sons, Brian and Kevin Whaley. Mary served the Knoxville community in multiple capacities. She initially worked with the state of Tennessee as a Social Worker and was a member of several non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Jack and Jill of America. She was a proud member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, The Alliance of Women Doctors, and an active Fisk Alum. Mary also attended the University of Tennessee and earned both a Masters of Social Work and a Doctorate of Education. In addition to being a Social Worker for the State, Mary held multiple positions in Knoxville. Mary was an Administrator in the Department of Social Work at the University of Tennessee and held multiple positions at Knoxville College (KC), including Assistant Dean of Students. Most recently, Mary taught a course in 2014 at KC. Mary will be sorely missed by many family and friends. However, her spirit, an endearing and genuinely kind spirit, will continue to resonate and touch us all.

Sarah Louise Smith Langston departed this life peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2016 at Physicians Regional Medical Center. She was born to her parents on September 20, 1935 in Leeds, AL. Mrs. Sarah as she was affectionately called was a member of St. Joseph House of Prayer serving as Church Mother. She worked for many years at NHC and Eastern State Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Mother Langston was always feeding and praying for others. She loved working in her garden. In later years, she served the elderly as a Senior Companion. For everyone that asketh receieveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. She was preceded in death by father, Booker T. Smith; mother, Annie Mae Goggins Roper; grandfather, Colus Q. Roper; granddaughter, Elisa Crippen. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughters, Wanda Golden, Brenda, Johnnie Mae, Deborah Langston and Lateishia Langston Hall; sons, Charles, Jr. (Rene’), Booker T. Langston and Charles Langston, III; grandchildren, Tanika Havis, Hugh C. Langston, Reanne’ (Randolph) Brown, Jr., Tasha Oglesby, Kenric “Pooh” Daniels, DA Daniels, Jamar and Samuel Gilmore, III, Terry Dailey, Demetria “Cocoa”, Raeunna Nance, Demetree and Darius Harris; great-great-grandchildren, Jamsha Parker, Myeshea Williams, Keon Daniels, Ronday, Jamiyah and Jatyea Gilmore, Yishenique “Yiyi”, Deyonce’ Glover, Paul Riley, Rebecca Wilker, Samuel IV, Charles, Kedaris, Dakevian, Sedricia, and Samyne Gilmore; special friends, Kenneth Piety, Nakeesha Gillis and Heather Moore, William Croom, Darla Phelps, Beverly George, Marilyn Barger Langston, Joan Daniels, Buster Gilmore, Phillip Vance, Ruby Davis, Maurice Black, Richard Britten, Shannon Walsh, Lisa Walker, Nance and Saffell families. The Langston family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm in the Unity Mortuary Chapel, with the Homegoing Celebration to follow at 1:00 pm in the chapel.  Final resting place will follow the service at Mt. Olive Cemetery. A white dove release will conclude the services.

Ruby Harris, of Knoxville, TN., departed this life on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 in Oak Ridge, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by husband, Charlie Harris; brother, Arthur B. Bright; parents, Tennie and Tom Bright. Survivors 1 sister, Lavada Chisholm, Oak Ridge, Octavia Chisholm-Paulino and Letita of Oak Ridge, Nyevene Jones, Parlin, NJ., 4 great nieces, 1 great nephew and 3 great- grandnieces and special friend Beatrica White. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 3, 2016, 5:30 to 6:30 PM with funeral services to follow at Mount Olive Baptist Church with Pastor Valentino O’Neal officiating. Entombment Thursday, January 4, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.

Murriel Levon Butts, age 65, of Knoxville, departed his life January 24, 2016 at his residence. He is preceded in death by his mother, Florence Schooler; grandmother, Henrietta Blair-Prater; sister, Diane Schooler; brothers, DeWayne Schooler and Walter Butts. He is survived by his son, Tony (Melanie) Foster; 17 grandchildren; sister, Gwendolyn Butts; brothers, Robert Schooler and Dwight Schooler; 1 niece, Lisa Schooler; 9 great-nephews Walter Levon Schooler; uncle, Douglas C. Blair, Sr.; cousin, Cash, and best friend Priscilla Taylor and son Larry Taylor; a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Monday, February15, 2016 from 12:00-1:00 pm with a Memorial service to follow at Unity Mortuary Chapel.

Clark, Thomas, Sr. – departed this life on Saturday, January 23, 2016 a Beverly Park Place Health & Rehabilitation Center. Preceded in death by parents, Richard and Roberta Clark; brother, Richard D. Clark; grandmother, Rosa Lee Clark; first wife, Grace A. Clark; second wife, Betty Stovall Clark; aunt and uncle, Deacon Horace (Carrie) Stribling. Survivors: sons, Thomas Clark, Jr., Stevie Clark, Robert Askew, Jackie & Andrae Moore; daughters, Belinda (Ralph) Moore and Tiffany Moore; devoted sisters, Minister Rose Clark and Mary F. Clark; devoted brothers, John Clark, Billy Darden and Reno (Sophia) Hall; sisters-in-law,  Francis Hickey and Brenda Stovall; devoted cousin, Margaret (Levi) Willis; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 28, 2016 from 5 to 6 PM with services to follow at 6 in the William V. Powell Memorial Chapel at Unity Mortuary with Pastor Steve Simpson officiating.

Dr. Jesse James passed away on January 18, 2016, at his residence. He was born on January 26, 1937, in Haynesville, Louisiana, and is a graduate of Texas Southern University where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics. In 1965 he earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biochemistry from the University of Texas, Medical Branch in Galveston. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Dr. James came to Knoxville College in 1965 as a Chemistry Professor. During many summers, he worked as a researcher at ORNL, Colgate Palmolive, and UT. Dr. James is survived by Sylvia, his wife of 56 years, and 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held on Monday, January 25, 2016 from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church on Cedar Bluff Road. Father Michael Woods is officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Memorial Gardens. Services to conclude with dove release and blanket presentation.

Shelia L. Mattress Hooker, was born February 10, 1970 went home to be with the Lord on January 16, 2016. She was preceded in death by father, Robert Mattress; grandfather, James Mattress; great-nephew, Tawaud Mattress, Jr.; niece, Shaira; grandmothers, Geneva Freeman and Barbara Taylor;  grandfather, Lee Higley. She leaves to cherish fond memories: husband, Evans; a mother, Patricia Mattress ; son, DeAngelo (Jocelin); daughter, Amica; sisters, Sylvena, Fran, Sadie; grandmother, Mary Mattress; in-laws, Quentian & Corene Davis; grandchildren, DeAngelo, Jr, DeJamar, Paris, Mill, Quest; nephews, Credic, Tawaud, David, Jeronie, Jamarcus; nieces, Kia, Jamisha, Ja’Dayia; a host of friends, cousins and other relatives to include the Mattress, Hooker, Taylor, Turner, Moutry, Freeman, Johnson of Cleveland, Ohio, Higley and Myers families; relatives and Ladies Around the Table. The family will receive friends Sunday, January 24, 2016 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm at Unity Mortuary with Pastor Sanford Miller officiating.