Lenson Harris, age 75 of Knoxville, transitioned from this life on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Kindred Nursing – Northaven. He was born June 15, 1942 in Greenville, GA to the late Will Harris, Sr. and Gertrude Neal Harris. He was known by many as a deacon at Payne Avenue Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings. He leaves to cherish his memories his chidren: Samantha Harris and Cedric Harris; his grandchildren, Anaisha Harris-Brown, Avery Turman and Cedricka Harris; three great-grandchildren, Destin, Jaylen and Lexus Harris; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Monday, July 3, 2017 at 12:00 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue, Knoxville, with Pastor Richard Brown officiating.

Mary Jane Brooks passed away June 20, 2017 at Beverly Park Place. She was born July 7, 1945 to the late Robert Scruggs and Mary Elizabeth Brooks Cullum and step-daughter of the late Robert Banner. She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Otis and James Newton. She is survived by her sister, Edith (Charles) Nolan; four brothers, Robert (Paulette), John, Glen and Jerry (Amina) Newton; a host of cousins to include Mildred (Robert) Stewart, George L. White and Darryl Holingsworth; several nieces and nephews; dear friend, Jackie Smith and guardian, Marie White. The family is asking for your prayers. There will not be any services for Ms. Brooks. We love Mary Jane, but God loved her best.

Ronald Edward Parkey, age 68, departed this life on June 18, 2017 at his home in Knoxville, TN. This charismatic man was born to John and Kathleen Parkey on September 20, 1948 in Morristown, TN where he lived until he moved to the Knoxville area.  Many knew him as “Parkey,” an entrepreneur who fulfilled many successful roles: contractor, mechanic, tour bus company owner and driver, car dealership owner and one who enjoyed restoring and selling old classic cars. His family and friends knew him as a good, kind, “down to earth” man who they will greatly miss. We his family, daughter Angel and son-in -law Steve Scott, daughter Jaqueline Parkey and grandchildren Kortney and Jordan Scott, D’Andre Parkey and Bianca Hatfield, will forever and always remember his smile, his love of animals, strong faith in God, sense of humor and the undeniable generosity and love he shared with others. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 22, 2017 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue, Knoxville, with the Celebration of Life Service to follow.  Fellowship with the family will proceed at 5501 Holston Drive, Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Young Williams Animal Shelter in care of Ronald Parkey, located at 3201 Division Street Knoxville, TN 37919.

Jerome Phillip Locke “Jroc”, age 27, Knoxville, TN, born January 30, 1990, went to be with the Lord on June 17, 2017. Jerome is preceded in death by his grandparents: Patricia Matlock, Magelene Locke, Eula Robinson, Robert Jackson, William Tillery, and James Shields, Sr.; aunts and uncles: Christine Moore, Calvin Locke, Christopher Tillery, Sr., and James McSpadden. He leaves to cherish his memories his parents: loving and faithful mother Sheila Tillery and Phillip Locke, Sr.; children: Jemir Sullivan, Jerome P. Locke, Jr., and Jeren P. Locke; siblings: Shaquonna N. Locke, Shay S. Locke, Phillip J. Locke, Jr., Phillip J. Locke II, Phillip Cox, Jeremy Pressley, Phillip Cooke, Phillip Floyd, Lexie Floyd, Cythia Floyd, Lucky Clark, Mahaysia Tillery, Lenaysha Tillery, Leonard Freeman and Howard Mitchell; nieces: Kelvanasha Foster, Philniya Locke, Azariah Wilson, Perish Locke, Ahlaisja Locke and Rylee Locke; nephews: Delvin Foster and Phillip Locke, Jr.; aunts: Tracey Bridges, Cassie (Kevin) Bush, Erica Sewell, Melissa Ontiveros, Lisa Mickler, Candice Bridges-Hayes, Chandra Taylor and Pamela Primer; uncles: Eric (Sheriya) Sewell, Robert (Julie) Locke, Malcolm Jackson, Darious Jackson, Micheal Jackson, Shawn Bridges and Keith Bridges; great-aunts: Loretta Tillery, Bessie Littlejohn, Juanita (Twig) Bailey, Ella Faye Chigano, Vannie (Charles) Morgan, JoAnn Settlers and Gladys Johnson; great-uncles: William (Michelle) Tillery, Donald Tillery, Micheal (Binky) Tillery, Clifford Tillery, John Tillery, Timothy Tillery, Bryan Tillery and James Shields, Jr.; mother of his kids & devoted girlfriend, LaShemia Pruitt; friend, LaCalya Evans; special friend: Danielle Harris; devoted cousins: Nichole Tillery and Antonio Hutchison; extended family: Sheriya, Alvin, Eric & Tina; life-long friends: Dionous “DB” Billings and Terrel “TI” Kemp; close friends: Genenoe Wykle, Anthony “NJ” Davis and Tevae Stewart; and a host of cousins. Special thanks to Genenoe Wykle for supporting our family in this time of need. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 30, 2017 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Foster Chapel Baptist Church, 2101 Ault Road, with the Celebration of Life to follow with Dr. Reginald Butler officiating and Pastor Derrick Hammond eulogizing. The final resting place will be at Sherwood Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. The family will assemble at 9:45 AM at 1621 Robert Huff Lane.

Jarmaine R. Wade was born May 25, 1979. He departed this life on June 17, 2017.He was a devoted son, brother, father and uncle. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted parents, Burette and Margaret Wade; son: Jalen Wade; brother, Jarret Wade; niece, Jamice Wade; life partner, Tricia Anger; aunts & uncles: John (Ruth) Wade, Beverly (Doug) Stokes, Cleola Staples and Raymond (Mildred) Thompson; and a host of relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue. Graveside services will be on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Sherwood Memorial Gardens.

James A. Scandrick, age 78, died peacefully in his home in Nashville on June 17, 2017. He was born in Knoxville and raised by his beloved grandmother. He first went to Nashville to attend Fisk University where he matriculated with a degree in Education and returned to Knoxville to teach. James later went back to Nashville where he had a long teaching career. He was well known for his musical talents and served as the Minister of Music at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville for over 40 years. James was preceded in death by his grandmother, Girlee (Mama) Scandrick; his father, James Scandrick, Sr.; several uncles and aunts. He is survived by his uncle, Horace Scandrick; several cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends nationwide. There will be a brief service on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 11:00 am at Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue, Knoxville. A Memorial Service is planned for Sunday, July 23, 2017 at 4:00 pm at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the James A. Scandrick Music Scholarship Fund, Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, c/o Linda Bowers, 1203 9th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208.

Belie Bukobwa, age 57, of Knoxville, passed away on June 14, 2017 at UT Medical Center following a tragic accident. She was born in Congo (D.R.C.) on December 31, 1959 to the late Moses Sebakambwe and Nyirasebura. She grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo and later moved to Gisenyi, Rwanda and started a family. She had nine children in total, six of whom has preceded her in death. During her life, Belie was a hard-working mother.  Her husband passed away in 1993. Since then she started fighting for the well-being of her kids on her own, doing all she could to feed them, pay school fees and care for their safety. She then started seeking asylum for her family, as the country was not safe. She moved to the Gihembe Refugee Camp in 1997, and from there, applied for asylum to the United States. The process usually takes so many years. While waiting, she struggled to provide meals for her children. She was a farmer, cultivating different crops, and did some small business. In 2016, the family finally received approved to come to the United States. They settled in Knoxville, TN through Bridge Refugee Services. The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue, with the funeral service to follow.  The final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery following the service.  The service will conclude with a white dove release.

Charles J. Bell, age 100, of Knoxville, departed this life on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at his residence in Knoxville, TN. He was born in Hartwell, Georgia on November 2, 1916 to Clarksie Heard and Robert Bell. Charles graduated from the Hart County Training School on May 31, 1933, and later moved to Atlanta, Georgia. He was a First Sergeant in the United States Army during World War II as a leader of one of the supply details. His team provided supplies for the other servicemen who were fighting during this war. He later met and married Carrie Mae Washington. They were married for 52 years. She was the love of his life. They had one daughter, Cara Brown. Charles worked for the railroad and retired after 30 years of service. He was a devoted member of the Allen Temple AME Church for nearly 70 years. After his retirement, he worked from home repairing televisions and radios. He leaves behind his daughter, Cara (LeRexford) Brown; two grandsons, Rex and Daryl; five great-grandchildren: Daryl, Jonashia, Darzyria, Kyrus and Ticara; his devoted niece, “Buttercup”, whom he loved life a daughter; Herbert White, who helped care for him in many various ways; and a host of nieces: Sweet Pea, Linda, Samm and Bunny. There are many church members that were devoted to him as well. His fun-loving ways will surely be missed. The Celebration of Life Service will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the William V. Powell, Jr. Memorial Chapel of Unity Mortuary, 1425 McCalla Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915.

Iyalode Nkechi Kianga Ajanaku, age 60, passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at her home in East Knoxville, Tennessee in the arms of her family. She is preceded in death by grandparents, Abner and Wornie English; mother, Dorothy Marie English; aunt, Ruby Wright; and uncle, Elijh English. She is survived by her children: Bolanile (Abdella) Ajanaku-Habib of Nashville, Obayana Ajanaku, Takia (Kayode Faniyi) Ajanaku, and Tor (Romoke) Ajanaku, all of Knoxville, Nkosi Ajanaku (Quita) of Memphis,  Adisa Ajanaku (Zakiyah) of Oxnard, CA and Zola Binta (Jameel) Evans of Chicago, IL; grandchildren: Khalid Abidoye, Rasheed, Jamaal, Ojo, Omar, Nkechi J., Ifayemi; Damani, Nia, Nkosi, Isis, Nariah, Zariya; siblings:  Sterling Coney and David (Kim) Coney of Knoxville, Renee Bey of Henderson, NV and Vita Earving of Gary, IN;  aunts: Wornie English of Gary, IN and Jennell English-El of Los Angeles, CA; uncle: John (Loretta) English; nieces: Stephanie Coney Lee of Indianapolis, IN, Adrienne Coney of Michigan City, IN and Andrea Coney of Gary, IN; nephews:  Broderick Moore and David Akeem Coney, both of Knoxville; cousins: Audrey Wright of Gary, IN, Rhonda English of Indianapolis, IN, Elijh “Ifalowo” English Jr. of Atlanta, GA, Anita Wright of Indianapolis, IN, Charles English of Jacksonville, FL and Renee English of Gary, IN; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. Homegoing and Community Tribute for Ms. Ajanaku will be Saturday, June 10th, 2017 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Haley Heritage Square, 1600 Dandridge Avenue. Seating will be available in the Amphitheatre. Handicap seating will be available at the top of the Haley Heritage Square site.

Willie G. Dokes, age 53, of Knoxville, passed away on June 1, 2017 at UT Medical Center. Arrangements will be announced at a later time with integrity by Unity Mortuary.