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.