Archive for January, 2017

Betty J. Wright

Monday, January 23rd, 2017

Betty Jean Wright, of Knoxville, departed this life on Monday, January 23, 2017 at her residence. She is preceded in death by her mother Lois Wright, her father Leonard Winton and three brothers. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughters: Barbara Jean Wright and Leola Wright; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren, including devoted caretaker Shaniqua Johnson; two brothers: Leonard (Stickman) Winton, Jr. and James Wright; nieces, nephews and friends.

Franklin Dunson

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017

Franklin Dunson, age 68, of Knoxville, transitioned from this life on Sunday, January 22, 2017 in Knoxville, Tennessee.  He was born August 7, 1948 in Middlesboro, KY to the late Hosea and Ruth Dunson, Sr.  He was known by so many as an anointed musician, and he could play just about any instrument that you put in his hand.

 

Franklin was a member of Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church.  He loved his church and his Pastor John B. Jordan and First Lady Diane Jordan and was very devoted to his church, which he attended over 25 years.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; two stepsons, Alvin Lockett and Marvin Lockett; a stepdaughter, Annette Caldwell; his brother, Hosea Dunson, Jr.; a nephew, McKinley “Lil Mack” Dunson; and countless other family members and friends that he held dear to his heart.

 

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife, Jean Dunson, who came with a beautiful daughter, Lorraine (David) Watkins;  his grandmother, Myra Smith, who raised his, nurtured him and brought him up in the way of the Lord); five brothers: Thomas (Myra) Dunson, John (Renee) Dunson, David (Mary) Dunson, McKinley (Mary) Dunson and Walt Dunson; two sisters: Betty Dunson and Tammy Kay Dunson; special uncle, William (Mable) Smith; several other uncles and aunts, countless nieces nephews, both great and great-great, and so many other relatives and friends.

Mr. Dunson will lie in repose on Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 12 noon to 6 pm in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary.  The family will receive friends on Monday, January 30, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Peace & Goodwill Baptist Church, 1723 Washington Ave, with the Homegoing Celebration to follow at 5:00 pm, with Pastor John B. Jordan officiating.  The final resting place will be on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 12 noon at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN.  Services will conclude with a white dove release.

Annie L. Larson

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017

Annie L. Larson, age 95, of Knoxville, departed this life on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at her residence. She was born on December 15, 1921 in Alcoa, TN.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John T. Larson; parents, Caleb and Carrie Bell Smith; and her brother, Lamar Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Rev. Annie Jean Delaney; son-in-law, William (Bill) Delaney; adopted daughter, Aida Davidson; grandchildren: Tasaha Delaney, Marcus Delaney, Erika Delaney and Christopher Delaney; her adopted granddaughter, Nicole (Michael) Tucker; great-grandchildren: Kyarra and Jamari Smith, Martel, Martez and Javon Delaney, Isaiah and Ilias Delaney and Ja’Kobe Delaney; nieces: Cora Spencer and Dorothy Smith-Davy, Sherrine John and Linda Rose Edmondson; nephew, Randy Spencer; cousins: George ( Olga) Welch, Lewis Welch, Charlie Welch and Ceola Allison; and other relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 28, 2017 pm in the William V. Powell, Jr., Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue, with the Homegoing Celebration to follow at 12:00 noon with Pastor Michel S. E. Caldwell officiating and Pastor A.D. Baxter, Eulogist. Immediately after the service, the final resting place will be at Berry Highland South Memorial Gardens, 9010 E. Simpson Rd. Knoxville, TN.  Services will conclude with a white dove release.

John H. Tarver

Friday, January 13th, 2017

John Henry Tarver, age 56, of Knoxville, formerly of Summerton, SC, passed away on Friday, January 13, 2017 at this home. John was born on January 9, 1961 in Miami, Florida, to the late Edward James Jr. and Mary Alice James.  He was a member of Phi Beta Sigma.  He is preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted friend: Neshelle Isom; two sisters: Sylvia James of Brooklyn, NY, and Elaine James of Summerton, SC; two brothers: Joe Edward James of Nashville and Marvin James of Summerton, SC; special nephew: Rev. Trenell James of Atlanta, GA; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews; and two very close and special friends: Willie Jordan and Berry Hill.

Walter S. Johnson

Thursday, January 5th, 2017

Walter S. Johnson, age 80, of Knoxville, departed this life Thursday, January 5, 2017, at his residence. Mr. Johnson will lie in repose on Friday, January 13, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue.